The X-files (1993-2002)

The science fiction television program The X-Files was first shown from 1993 until 2002. The Chris Carter-created series follows FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) investigating cases involving strange occurrences and mysteries.

Mulder is a supernaturalist, whereas Scully is a skeptic, creating tension between the two as they try to figure out what happened in each instance.

Due to the show’s success, two films and a revival season were produced in 2016. The X-Files has earned a cult following and is still adored by viewers thanks to its recognizable characters, unsettling setting, and complex storylines.

Criminal Minds (2005-2020)

A team of FBI profilers in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they investigate and solve crimes by analyzing the behavior of criminals.

The group, led by Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and later by Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), uses its knowledge of criminal psychology to intimidate serial killers and dangerous criminals.

The show features a large ensemble cast and explores the characters’ personal lives as they work to solve cases and catch criminals.

Criminal Minds has been praised for its complex storylines and solid performances and has remained a fan favorite for years.

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Set in the late 1970s, Mindhunter revolves around two FBI agents, Holden Ford, portrayed by Jonathan Groff, and Bill Tench, characterized by Holt McCallany, as they interview convicted serial killers to gain insight into their psychology and behavior.

With the help of professional psychologist Wendy Carr played by Anna Torv, the agents use the information they gather to develop new methods of criminal profiling and catch other serial killers before they can strike again.

The show is based on the actual crime book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, “Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit,” and has been praised for its accurate portrayal of the FBI’s criminal profiling techniques and its gripping storytelling.

Quantico (2015-2018)

Quantico is a drama-thriller television series that aired from 2015 to 2018. The show follows a diverse group of FBI recruits who undergo training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The main character, Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra), becomes the prime suspect in a terrorist attack and must clear her name while uncovering a larger conspiracy.

The show features flashbacks to the recruits’ training, revealing their personal lives and relationships and the skills they learn to become FBI agents.

With its fast-paced storytelling and suspenseful plotlines, Quantico has become a popular show for fans of action and intrigue.

FBI (2018)

This show follows the FBI’s New York City field office as they investigate and solve crimes led by Special Agent in Charge Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and Special Agent Omar Adom “O.A.” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki).

The team works to solve a variety of cases ranging from terrorism to organized crime to cybercrime. The show explores the characters’ lives and struggles as they balance their work and personal lives.

With its engaging storylines and strong performances, FBI has become a popular crime drama and has been renewed for multiple seasons.

The Black List (2010)

The Blacklist is a crime thriller television series that premiered in 2013. It follows former government agent Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), who voluntarily surrenders to the FBI after evading capture for decades.

He offers to help the FBI track down and apprehend the most dangerous criminals on his “blacklist” in exchange for immunity. Reddington works with FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) as they pursue their targets and uncover a larger conspiracy.

With its gripping plotlines and strong performances, The Blacklist has become a popular series and has been renewed for multiple seasons.

The Mentalist (2008-2015)

The Mentalist is a crime procedural television series aired from 2008 to 2015. It follows former fake psychic Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), who joins the California Bureau of Investigation as a consultant after his wife and child were murdered by a serial killer he failed to catch.

He uses his exceptional observational skills and psychological insight to help the CBI solve complex cases while pursuing his goal of finding the killer who destroyed his family. The show blends crime-solving with character-driven drama and has been praised for its clever writing and strong performances.

Crossing Lines (2013-2015)

This show follows a particular unit of the International Criminal Court, composed of law enforcement agents from different countries, as they investigate crimes that cross international borders.

The team is led by former New York City Police detective Carl Hickman (William Fichtner) and includes members from France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The show explores the personal lives and struggles of the characters as they work together to solve complex cases involving organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism.

With its international scope and compelling characters, Crossing Lines offers a unique perspective on crime-solving.

Person of Interest (2011-2016)

Person of Interest has become a cult favorite among sci-fi and crime drama fans with its unique premise and engaging characters.

This show follows a former CIA operative named John Reese (Jim Caviezel) and a reclusive billionaire named Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), who use a supercomputer known as “The Machine” to prevent violent crimes before they occur.

The duo works secretly, receiving information about potential victims from The Machine and using their skills and resources to intervene. As the show progresses, they uncover a conspiracy involving The Machine and its creators.

Blue Bloods (2010-present)

“Blue Bloods” is a police procedural drama series that follows the lives of the Reagans, a multigenerational family of law enforcement officers in New York City.

The show explores their professional and personal challenges as they navigate the justice system, corruption, and family dynamics.

The cast includes Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan, the Police Commissioner; Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan, a detective; Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan, an assistant district attorney; and Will Estes as Jamie Reagan, a police officer.

Numb3rs (2005-2010)

Numb3rs is a crime drama television series that aired from 2005 to 2010. The show revolves around an FBI agent named Don Eppes and his mathematical genius brother, Charlie Eppes.

Charlie uses his mathematical knowledge to help the FBI solve complex crimes. The series explores the relationship between the two brothers and their different approaches to problem-solving while also providing insight into how mathematics can be applied in real-world situations. The show was praised for its unique premise and strong performances by its cast.

Bones (2005-2017)

Bones is a crime procedural television series that aired from 2005 to 2017. The show follows the forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan and FBI agent Seeley Booth as they solve crimes by examining human remains.

The series explores their working relationship, evolving romantic feelings for each other, and their colleagues’ personal lives at the Jeffersonian Institute.

The show was praised for its strong performances, witty dialogue, and engaging cases, and it became a long-running hit for Fox.

Fringe (2008-2013)

Fringe is a science fiction television series that aired from 2008 to 2013. The show follows a team of FBI agents and a scientist investigating bizarre and unexplained phenomena known as “the pattern.”

The exhibition explores themes of science, love, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Fringe was praised for its intricate storytelling, strong performances, and innovative use of special effects, and it has become a cult classic among science fiction fans.