Summary
Some of the very best detective TV shows to have ever graced the TV screen were adapted from crime books. Detective TV shows have kept audiences entertained for decades, with many finding it easy to engage with its characters and puzzling investigations that spanned across episodes or even entire seasons. However, only some detective TV shows followed the same format. Many saw a singular main character, whereas some shows introduced some ofthe best detective duos on TV.
Detective characters have come in all shapes and sizes, but only a few in recent years fit the mold of a grumpy police officer hellbent on justice. Therefore, several TV shows opted to adapt a crime novel instead. Hollywood also followed this path, creating some ofthe best crime movies based on books. However, plenty of amazing detectives have made the jump from the page to the screen other than Sherlock Holmes.
10 Best True Crime TV Shows, Ranked
True crime has always been a popular genre for TV shows and movies, but what are the best true crime shows that dramatize the source stories?
10Bones (2005-2017)
Based On A Series Of Novels By Kathy Reichs
During its run from 2005 to 2017,Bonesaired an incredible 246 episodes across 12 seasons.Boneswas one ofthe best crime procedural TV shows ever. The show followed FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth and forensic anthropologist Temperance “Bones” Brennan. Together, the pair worked to solve all manner of unusual and suspenseful cases inthe best episodes ofBones, despite their wildly different personalities.Boneswas graphic at times and had comical, dark undertones, but that added to the overall grittiness of the show, so it was no surprise that it was so successful.
Kathy Reichs' series of novels loosely inspiredBones.Reichs, like the titular character, was a forensic anthropologist,so she used her experiences to create the character Temperance “Tempe” Brennan. Throughout her career, Reichs published several books about the character, the first beingDéjà Deadin 1997. Reichs’Déjà Deadwas a huge success and was awarded the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Reichs went on to write a total of 23 books in this series, which gaveBonesan incredible amount of source material from which to draw.
Bones
Cast
Bones is a crime drama series centered around Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian’s Medico-Legal Lab, who, along with Special Agent Seeley Booth, solves murder cases involving severely decomposed remains that defy standard identification methods.
9Sherlock (2010-2017)
Based On The Sherlock Holmes Series By Arthur Conan Doyle
BBC’sSherlockwas a groundbreaking adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary character.Sherlockintroduced the most tense and unhinged interpretation of Moriarty, and he and the titular character quickly became one of thebest hero and villain duos on TV. Even though the show only aired three episodes in its initial season, audiences were hooked, and the demand forSherlocksoared rapidly. The show went on to air four more installments before coming to an end in 2017, and while there were hopes for it to return, it eventually seemed thatSherlockmight never be revived.
Doyle first created the detective in 1887, and over the years,Sherlock Holmes became one of the most revived characters in film and TV history.Sherlock Holmes initially appeared inA Study in Scarlet, and overall, he was the star of four novels and 56 short stories published in various literary magazines. Many of Doyle’s stories were also used inSherlock, although with notable differences. The most prominent example of this was the episode “The Reichenbach Fall,” which was based onThe Final Problem, in which only Moriarty died, rather than both he and Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
8Longmire (2012-2017)
Based On The Walt Longmire Mysteries Series By Craig Johnson
Neo-Western crime dramaLongmirebegan in 2012 and followed Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire through his battle with grief over his late wife, all the while trying to maintain his focus on solving crimes. Unlike other detective TV shows,Longmiredelved into the lives of its characters as equally as its story of the week. With each episode,Longmirenot only tackled a gruesome crime but also delved into modern Native American life and the complications of politics. The show was canceled after season 3, but due to its sheer popularity,Longmirereturned for seasons 4, 5, and 6 on Netflix.
All six seasons ofLongmirewere inspired by Craig Johnson’sWalt Longmire Mysteriesseries, which began with the 2004 novelThe Cold Dish. As of 2021, Johnson has authored a brilliant 23 stories about Sheriff Walt Longmire.Both Johnson’s writing andLongmirewere hugely popular, to the point that a festival was created in Wyoming to celebrate the works. The town of Buffalo first hosted the event Longmire Days in 2012, and over the years, even the author and the show’s cast have attended.
Longmire
Based on the novels by Craig Johnson, Longmire is a Western drama series that follows Walt Longmire, the sheriff of a rural Wyoming town who deals with several mysteries around the city and the Indian Reservation within. Longmire partners with his friend, Henry Standing Bear, to navigate the strained relationships and challenges associated with jurisdictional lines between the differing law enforcement teams and the troubles Native Americans deal with regularly.
Longmire: Walt & Vic’s Ending Explained
Walt and Vic’s will-they, won’t-they relationship played out across Longmire’s final seasons but did the pair have a wedding in the end?
7Dexter (2006-2013)
Based On Darkly Dreaming Dexter By Jeff Lindsay
While not a typical detective TV show,Dexterwas considered as such because of its nerve-wracking storylines and mysteries that surrounded the titular character. Morgan’s role as a forensic expert for Miami Metro Police hid his double life as a vicious killer, but he also took on the responsibility of being a detective when he needed to, such as in the search forDexter’s Trinity Killer. Although Morgan didn’t fit the archetype in comparison to many ofthe best TV show detectives, the enigmatic plotlinesDexterexcused the fact that its lead character was both the hero and villain.
The original concept forDextercame from the novelDarkly Dreaming Dexterby Jeff Lindsay, released in 2004. However, the events of the book only coveredDexterseason 1.Dexterended with season 8 in 2013, returned withDexter: New Bloodin 2020, andin 2024,Dexter: Resurrectionwas announced.Each of the show’s seasons after the first borrowed loose concepts and characters from Lindsay’s further seven novels in the series,but its stories were generally brand-new. Due to the success ofDexter, Lindsay also wrote two comics for the franchise:Dexter: A Graphic NovelandDexter Down Under.
Dexter
Dexter is a television series following Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police who secretly leads a dual life as a vigilante serial killer. Released in 2006, the show focuses on Dexter’s internal conflict as he hunts down criminals who elude justice within the legal system.
6The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-Present)
Based On The Lincoln Lawyer Series By Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyerwas another TV show whose main character wasn’t directly a detective but found himself becoming one anyway. Defense attorney Mickey Haller’s journey was an unusual one. Haller took on a wild, high-profile murder case with every episode, but at no point did he let his unorthodox methods of conducting his business out of the back of his car stop him from doing his job. The show stood out because of Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s charismatic performance as Haller, so much so thatThe Lincoln Lawyerseason 3was commissioned just days after season 2 finished.
The Lincoln Lawyerwas based on the novel series of the same name by Michael Connelly. Interestingly,season 1 was actually based on the second book of the series,The Brass Verdict, and season 2 was based on the fourth,The Fifth Witness.Connelly was already a huge name in detective books and TV shows whenThe Lincoln Lawyerbegan because of his success withBosch, and, in fact, it was later revealed that the two characters were half-brothers.
The Lincoln Lawyer
The Lincoln Lawyer: This legal drama follows Mickey Haller, a Los Angeles defense attorney known for operating from his Lincoln Town Car, as he revives his career after an accident by taking on a high-profile murder case. The series explores challenges within the justice system and Haller’s pursuit of truth.
Lincoln Lawyer Season 1 Ending Explained (In Detail)
The questions presented in the series finale of The Lincoln Lawyer adaptation of Michael Connelly’s popular books and a look at what might lie ahead.
5Bosch & Bosch: Legacy (2014-Present))
Based On The Harry Bosch Series From Michael Connelly’s Novels
Another massively successful TV show that spanned from Michael Connelly’s writing wasBosch. LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, portrayed by the talented Titus Welliver, was a war veteran and determined solver of crimes who appeared in both the main show and its spinoff,Bosh: Legacy. Despite his occasionally difficult demeanor, Bosch was dedicated to the force, but like many TV detectives, his personal life created conflict. However, his multi-season arc battle with serial killer Raynard Waits kept things interesting throughout.
Bosch
Bosch is a crime drama series created by Eric Ellis Overmyer that ran for seven seasons on Prime Video between 2014 and 2021. The series centers on Harry Bosch, an LAPD homicide detective that is juggling the case of a 13-year-old murder victim while standing trial after murdering a serial killer. After season 7 Bosch was followed by Bosch: Legacy in 2022.
What was so great aboutall nine seasons ofBoschandBosch: Legacy, however, was that its stories were taken from so many of Connelly’s books. For example,Boschseason 1 used details from novels three, eight, and 12 of the Harry Bosch series:The Concrete Blonde,City of Bones, andEcho Park, respectively.By not following the original order of Connelly’s stories,Boschkept audiences on their toes,and it was difficult to know exactly what plot details would remain the same and which would change or happen at another point.
Bosch: Legacy
Bosch: Legacy follows former LAPD detective Harry Bosch, now a private investigator navigating new challenges alongside attorney Honey Chandler. Set two years after his departure from the police force, the series also explores Bosch’s daughter Maddie’s entry into her career with the LAPD.
4Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016)
Based On The Rizzoli & Isles By Tess Gerritsen
Like manycrime drama TV shows, Rizzoli & Islesused the trope of a police detective and medical examiner working together, although with the refreshing twist of both main characters being female. With two women leading the show,Rizzoli & Isleswas praised for the differences in its titular characters. It wasn’t unusual to see this kind of structure, but the fact that the pair were from different cultural backgrounds added a fascinating extra layer to the tension between them. Angie Harmon as Rizzoli andSasha Alexander as Isleswere applauded for their chemistry together, a significant factor in the show’s success.
However,the reason whyRizzoli & Isles’characterization was so strong was because of author Tess Gerritsen,whose novel series of the same name was the basis for the show. Gerritsen initially started her writing career with medical and crime thriller books. Her 2001 release,The Surgeon, first introduced Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles, and it eventually spawned a further 12 stories in the series. The most recent wasListen to Me, published in 2022.
Rizzoli & Isles
Rizzoli & Isles follows Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles as they solve various complex crimes. Starring Angie Harmon as Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as Isles, the series delves into their professional partnership and personal lives.
3Midsomer Murders (1997-Present)
Based On The Chief Inspector Barnaby Series By Caroline Graham
When it started broadcasting in 1997,Midsomer Murderswas a staple in British culture and quickly gained popularity worldwide through streaming services such as Netflix and Britbox. From its beginning until 2011, the show was led by Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby. After actor John Nettles stepped away,Midsomer Murdersreceived its new main character, Neil Dudgeon’s John Barnaby, who was Tom’s cousin. While the small yet deadly fictional county of Midsomer never seemed to have a lack of crime, the show’s format, which made the Barnabys the saviors of the community, never got boring.
Many ofMidsomer Murders’ best episodescame from theChief Inspector Barnabybook series by author Caroline Graham. The seven novels, the first beingThe Killings at Badger’s Driftin 1987, helped set up the basic premise ofMidsomer Murders. However,due to the impressive number of episodes of the show,Midsomer Murderseventually had to divert away from its source.
Midsomer Murders
Midsomer Murders is a British detective drama that premiered in 1997. It follows a veteran Detective Chief Inspector and his young sergeant as they investigate a series of violent crimes in the seemingly tranquil Midsomer community, striving to uncover the truth and bring the guilty to justice.
and create new storylines. But, because of the success of the show, Graham went on to write two moreChief Inspector Barnabystories:A Place of Safetyin 1999 andA Ghost in the Machinein 2004.
2Grace (2021-Present)
Based On The Grace Series By Peter James
Gracestars the immensely gifted John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace in the English city of Brighton. Simm was praised for the depth and nuance he brought to his character, especially in moments when the detective struggled with his personal life, which often conflicted with whatever complex investigation he was involved in. AlongsideGrace’s story of the week, the gritty drama also had a subplot that focused on the disappearance of Roy’s wife, which broke up the typical formula of a crime TV show.
Gracecame from a series of novels by Peter James. As a native of Brighton, James was praised for his attention to detail in the setting locations used in his work, something theGraceTV show was also noted for. Each segment of the show covered the events of more than one James novel. For example,season 1, which consisted of only one episode, was based on the novelsDead SimpleandLooking Good Dead.With an incredible 21Gracebooks for inspiration, it made sense that seasons 4 and 5 were commissioned after the release of season 3.
Grace
Grace (2021) is a British crime drama series based on Peter James’s novels, starring John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. Set in Brighton, the series follows Grace as he employs unconventional methods to solve complex cases while grappling with the disappearance of his wife.
1Poirot (1989-2013)
Based On Agatha Christie’s Novel Series
Poirot, also known asAgatha Christie’s Poirot, ran for an amazing 24 years. The titular character was already an icon when the show began in 1989, which brought to life one of Agatha Christie’s defining figures. What was so impressive about the show, however, was that each ofthe best episodes ofPoirotwas adapted from a novel or short story of Christie’s. Each installment followed the private investigator solving all manner of crimes, although there was a primary focus on murder more than anything else.
Poirot’s final episode was based on Christie’s 1975 novelCurtain: Poirot’sLast Case.By the time the show ended in 2013,Poirot’screators had covered the entirety of the character’s canon.Even Christie’s short stories had been adapted for an episode ofPoirot, too, with many merged into a one-hour episode. The only exception to this wasThe Labours of Herculescollection, which became the two-hour penultimate episode of the show, broadcast in 2013.
Poirot
Poirot is a British television drama series centered on Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, portrayed by David Suchet. Running from 1989 to 2013, the series follows Poirot’s meticulous and methodical investigations into various criminal cases, showcasing his unparalleled deductive skills and brilliance.
