Discovering a newcrimeTV show is one of the most exciting things that can happen, as they’re often the most thrilling and unforgettable projects on television.Crime lends itself to unforgettable storytelling because there’s so much inherent dramaand tension built within the narrative. This always makes it surprising when a great crime series is overlooked, never gaining the recognition it deserves on a larger scale. However, there’s still plenty of time to fall in love with these titles and get immersed in their stories.
A few of these arethrilling miniseries that don’t get enough attention, as the crime genre lends itself to the miniseries format. However, plenty of these titles blend genres and expand upon classic tropes of the crime series, whether they air on networks or streaming services. While streaming shows typically have an edge in terms of budget and resources, a lot of these projects are network series. They have been proving that crime procedurals will always have a place on TV, capturing the audience’s attention in every episode.
Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch are at their best as the assassin and MI6 agentinThe Day of the Jackal. Peacock’s updated take on the 1973 French film of the same name modernizes the story and the concept of the gentleman criminal, with Redmayne easily slipping into the terrifying yet compelling role of the dangerous Jackal. Throughout the season, Lynch’s Bianca slowly closes in on him, picking out the smallest clues and seeking out the mistakes that the Jackal makes in his rush to get the job done.
It’s interesting to see how a person can disappear into the wind and become a ghost in the modern era,when surveillance is everywhere, impossible to avoid. However,The Day of the Jackaltakes on this concept and infuses the emergence of new and life-changing technologies into the fabric of the show. The tension mounts in every episode ofThe Day of the Jackal, immersing the viewer in the globe-trotting thriller that will leave you shocked by the season’s conclusion.
The Day of the Jackal (2024–)
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Uzo Aduba is delightful as the offbeat and charming Cordelia Cupp,a consultant for the police department who lends her skills to unconventional mysteries.The Residenceis set in the White House during a state dinner and sees Cupp called in to investigate a murder within the walls of the famous building. Packed with politicians and world leaders, all with their own agendas,The Residenceforces Cupp to look beyond the stories people are telling her and get straight to the facts.
The Residenceis so fun to watch because it gives us insight into the goings-on behind the scenes of the White House, which is usually closed off to the public. Though it’s a fictional story and the world of the narrative is heightened, it’s still exciting to get a peek behind the curtain, if only for a few episodes. The large ensemble cast can be difficult to keep track of, butThe Residenceis anchored by Aduba and her dedication to bringing Cordelia to life in this Netflix series.
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Amanda Seyfried has been making a name for herself within the miniseries community,and her latest contribution proves how skilled she is at working in this space.Long Bright Riveris based on the thrilling novel by Liz Moore, with Seyfried playing the protagonist, Mickey Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is a police officer in Philadelphia grappling with the opioid epidemic and attempting to investigate the death of her sister while healing from this grief.
Long Bright Riveris a complex and heavy series, but it never struggles to maintain the audience’s attention as the story progresses.
Long Bright Riveris a complex and heavy series, but it never struggles to maintain the audience’s attention as the story progresses. Though there are elements ofLong Bright Riverthat borrow from iconic works of the genre, likeMare of Easttown, it still distinguishes itself from the other crime drama limited series out there. It would be a shame ifLong Bright Riverbecame anoverlooked miniseries that never got the love it deserved.
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Starring the iconic Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock,Matlockis an exciting reboot of the original 1986 seriesthat featured Andy Griffith as the lead. Both a legal and crime drama, Bates was nominated for both a Golden Globe and a SAG award for her performance as the titular character. There’s little question that Bates is a highlight of the series, but it’s the ensemble as a whole and the structure of the show that captures the audience’s attention.
Matlockis a morelight-hearted crime drama TV show, infusing comedy and breaks in the tension to compel the audience to take comfort in the series. While each episode focuses on a new case and set of issues that Matlock and her team must grapple with, the hidden depth within the show is what sets it apart.Matlock isn’t exactly who she says she is,and her reasons for joining her new law firm and lending her considerable legal talents to the company aren’t as cut and dry as she says they are, sparking immediate intrigue and tension.
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The premise ofThe Hunting Partymight be a little hard to believe,but it makes for great drama and tension. Using the tropes and formulas of the classic procedural,The Hunting Partyis an example of how the genre has evolved over time and still has a place on television. Each episode follows Melissa Roxburgh as Bex Henderson, an FBI agent and profiler, as she tracks down notorious serial killers. The events are kicked off by the explosion of the prison that houses these killers.
Fans of classics likeCriminal MindsorBoneswill get a kick out of the new NBC drama.
This sets them all free and brings Bex back into the thick of the action. Though the series is more episodic, the overarching plot sees Bex attempting to uncover how the prison was sabotaged. Despite its more negative criminal reception,The Hunting Partyhas been connecting well with the audiences who have discovered it. Fans of classics likeCriminal MindsorBoneswill get a kick out of the new NBC drama.
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Hulu’s latest comedy crime-thriller,Deli Boys, stars Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh as Mir and Raj Dar,two brothers who receive some surprising news after the sudden death of their father. Learning that their dad had a secret criminal drug empire, the Dar brothers are forced to maintain both the hidden part of the company and the outward-facing elements, resulting in tons of hilarious moments. Poorna Jagannathan, known forNever Have I Ever, joins them as Lucky, the boys' guide into their new world.
Though it’s only had a single season,Deli Boyshas received plenty of praise from critics and audiences alike, making the possibility of season 2 even more exciting. It’s always fun when a comedy series has a crime twist, blending both genres as successfully asDeli Boysdoes. ThoughDeli Boyshasn’t flown completely under the radar,it deserves a lot more recognition on a global scale, as it’s paving the way for the future of both comedy and crimein modern television.
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There are many familiar faces in NBC’s suburban drama,Grosse Pointe Garden Society,from AnnaSophia Robb to Melissa Fumero. Set in the town of Grosse Point, Michigan, the series juxtaposes the rich and privileged lives of its characters with the violent and dangerous secrets that run rampant in the seemingly idyllic community. While many crime TV shows look at the hidden underbelly of the so-called perfect suburban life,Grosse Pointe Garden Societyis a great modern take on the concept.
The performances by the ensemble cast uplift the series' story,making the audience care deeply about the characters and wish for some of their downfalls. It can be difficult for new network thrillers likeGrosse Pointe Garden Societyto make their mark on the TV landscape, but the series shouldn’t be overlooked. Mystery shows can be tricky to maintain long-term, but there’s plenty of potential for the series to continue for many seasons, becoming an unexpected favorite.
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The Spanish crime thrillerWhen No One Sees Usrecently premiered on Max,and it’s surprising that there hasn’t been more excitement surrounding the show. It stars Maribel Verdú, who audiences might recognize from her role in the early 2000s road dramaY tu mamá también.When No One Sees Usfollows her character, Lucía Gutiérrez. As the series progresses, Lucía delves into the mystery of the sudden death of an acquaintance.
The many layers ofWhen No One Sees Usdraw the audience in, bringing to life the novel of the same name by Sergio Sarria. With a gorgeous atmospheric setting and gripping story, there’s a lot to recommendWhen No One Sees Us. Season 1 includes eight episodes, with each installment fitting another piece of the puzzle together and making the viewer desperate to learn more. Its deliberate pace and well-crafted direction makeWhen No One Sees Usstand out in thecrimegenre.
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