There’s nothing quite like a great police show. Whether you’re into hard-hitting crime dramas, suspenseful psychological thrillers or precinct-based comedies, cop shows have been a television staple for decades. They offer a mix of justice, action, emotional depth and character-driven storytelling that keeps audiences hooked across generations.
This guide highlights the best police TV shows available right now — ranging from genre-defining classics to modern streaming hits. Have a favorite that’s not on the list? Email us and we’ll add it to the list.
Classic police TV shows that still resonate
These shows not only helped define the police procedural format but also pushed the boundaries of what television could be. They’re still worth watching today — not just for nostalgia, but for their groundbreaking storytelling and influence on the genre.
Hill Street Blues
Premiering in 1981, Hill Street Blues was a revolution in television storytelling. Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll, the series broke away from the clean-cut cop formulas of earlier decades. It offered gritty realism, overlapping story arcs and morally complex characters. Its handheld camera work and ensemble cast format laid the groundwork for shows like “The Wire” and “ER.”
Streaming availability: Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
NYPD Blue
A spiritual successor to Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue took realism even further when it debuted in 1993. Known for its mature content, emotional rawness and intense character arcs, the show drew both acclaim and controversy. Dennis Franz’s portrayal of Detective Andy Sipowicz remains one of the most iconic performances in TV crime drama history. It ran for 12 seasons and won multiple Emmy Awards.
Streaming availability: Full series streaming on Hulu; also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Columbo
Unlike traditional whodunits, Columbo flipped the script — viewers saw the killer commit the crime in the opening scene. The drama came from watching the unassuming Lieutenant Columbo unravel the case, step by meticulous step. Peter Falk’s performance turned the character into a cultural icon. Originally a rotating part of the NBC Mystery Movie lineup in the 1970s, Columbo continued with specials through the early 2000s.
Streaming availability: All 10 seasons are streaming on Peacock; also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Law & Order (Original Series)
First airing in 1990, Law & Order perfected the procedural format with its signature “ripped from the headlines” storytelling and split structure — half police investigation, half courtroom drama. Its stripped-down storytelling style and efficient pacing have influenced countless shows across genres. It spawned several successful spin-offs and was revived in 2022 after a 12-year hiatus.
Streaming availability: Peacock (select seasons) and Hulu (full original run of 20 seasons), as well as available on Amazon Prime Video for purchase.
Dragnet (1951 & 1967)
The blueprint for every police procedural that followed, Dragnet was one of the first TV shows to dramatize real-life police cases. Jack Webb’s Joe Friday was the embodiment of no-nonsense police work — his stoic delivery of “Just the facts, ma’am” became a national catchphrase. The original 1951 series was groundbreaking and its 1967 revival adapted to the era’s changing tone.
Streaming availability: The 1951 version and 1967 version are available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video. DVD collections available.
Adam-12
Created by Jack Webb of Dragnet fame, Adam-12 followed two LAPD officers as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles. It presented a more episodic, patrol-focused view of police work, emphasizing routine calls and procedure over dramatic arc-heavy plots. A staple of 1970s syndication.
Streaming availability: Available on Amazon Prime Video (purchase only) and select episodes on streaming services like Freevee.
Barney Miller
A rare mix of comedy and cop show, Barney Miller centered around a New York precinct’s detectives dealing with the absurdity of everyday crime. With its deadpan humor and sharp writing, it tackled social issues like race, bureaucracy, and urban decay with wit and insight. It ran from 1975 to 1982 and remains beloved for its character-driven charm.
Streaming availability: Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video and DVD.
Cagney & Lacey
Premiering in 1982, this groundbreaking drama featured two female detectives navigating a male-dominated NYPD. It addressed issues like workplace harassment and addiction — topics rarely tackled by other shows of the time. Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless both won Emmys for their powerful performances.
Streaming availability: Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video; select seasons may be available on niche streaming services.
Modern police TV shows you can stream today
Streaming platforms have ushered in a golden age for police dramas. These shows explore everything from procedural work and corruption to personal redemption and psychological complexity. Here’s a look at the best modern cop shows currently available to stream — plus whether they’re still airing or have completed their runs.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (full series), Netflix (first 4 seasons)
- Aired: 2013–2021
- Status: Concluded after 8 seasons
This fan-favorite comedy blended absurdist humor with surprisingly tender moments and social commentary. Centered on a quirky team of detectives in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, it earned acclaim for representation and its lovable ensemble cast.
The Rookie
Streaming on: ABC.com, Hulu, Disney+ (bundle), fuboTV
Aired: 2018–present (ABC)
Status: Ongoing (renewed for Season 7)
Nathan Fillion stars as John Nolan, a 40-something man who joins the LAPD after a life shakeup. The series mixes traditional police procedural elements with character-focused drama, emphasizing second chances and adaptation. A spinoff, The Rookie: Feds, launched in 2022 but was canceled after one season.
Blue Bloods
Streaming on: Paramount+, Hulu (select seasons), Pluto TV, fuboTV, Philo
Aired: 2010–2024
Status: Concluded after 14 seasons
A Reagan family tradition — Blue Bloods centers on a multigenerational NYPD family and explores both on-the-job policing and personal ethics. It combines procedural plots with family dinners, moral debates and intergenerational perspectives on law enforcement.
Chicago P.D.
Streaming on: Peacock Premium, NBC.com, fuboTV, USA Network
Aired: 2014–present (NBC)
Status: Ongoing (renewed for Season 12 in 2025)
Part of the Chicago franchise (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med), this procedural focuses on the Chicago Police Department’s Intelligence Unit. It blends action-heavy sequences with complex character arcs and moral ambiguity, often exploring the tension between justice and corruption. Known for crossover events and loyal fan engagement, it remains a network stalwart.
The Shield
Streaming on: Hulu (entire series), available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Aired: 2002–2008 (FX)
Status: Concluded after 7 seasons
The Shield broke new ground for cable cop dramas. Michael Chiklis stars as Vic Mackey, the head of an elite anti-gang unit who’s as corrupt as he is effective. Intense and narratively daring, The Shield helped establish FX as a home for prestige drama and remains one of the most important cop shows of the 21st century.
Bosch
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Aired: 2014–2021
Status: Ended after 7 seasons; sequel series Bosch: Legacy ongoing
Based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels, Bosch follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he solves complex murders while navigating internal politics and past trauma. Gritty, slow-burn and steeped in noir atmosphere. Bosch: Legacy, streaming on Amazon, is a spinoff that sees Harry working as a private investigator while his daughter becomes a rookie LAPD officer.
Southland
Streaming on: Max (formerly HBO Max), Apple TV (purchase) and Amazon Prime Video
Aired: 2009–2013
Status: Ended after 5 seasons
Known for its stark realism, documentary-style camerawork and unflinching look at the LAPD, Southland was critically acclaimed but under-watched. It blended street-level patrol work with deep character studies.
S.W.A.T.
Streaming on: Paramount+, Hulu (recent episodes), CBS
Aired: 2017–present
Status: Ongoing (final season ends in May 2025)
A reboot of the 1970s series, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine leading a specialized tactical unit in L.A. The show blends action, social issues and community-police relations.
Luther
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
Aired: 2010–2019 (BBC)
Status: Ended after 5 seasons
Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther, a brilliant but tormented London detective in this dark British crime thriller. Known for tracking violent offenders with obsessive intensity, Luther often bends the law to serve justice. With its moody atmosphere and psychological edge, Luther is a gripping, character-driven police drama.
Monk
Streaming on: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
Aired: 2002–2009 (USA Network)
Status: Ended after 8 seasons
Monk stars Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, a brilliant former homicide detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder. After a personal tragedy, Monk leaves the force but continues consulting on cases — solving crimes with unparalleled observational skills, but battling debilitating anxiety.
The Wire
Streaming on: Max (formerly HBO Max) and available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video
Aired: 2002–2008 (HBO)
Status: Ended after 5 seasons
Created by former crime reporter David Simon, the series explores the interconnected systems of Baltimore: the police, the schools, the media, the government and the drug trade. Each season zooms in on a different facet of the city’s ecosystem, while following detectives in the Major Crimes Unit as they wage a complex and often hopeless war on drugs.
NEXT: In this podcast, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley and former Police1 editor Doug Wyllie discuss their favorite cop films. After reading their list, check out our podcast on the best cop shows in TV history.
Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
