In 1951, NBC released a new show about a police sergeant who solves crimes in Los Angeles. That sergeant’s name was Joe Friday (Jack Webb), the show was Dragnet, and they changed the way Hollywood would film police procedurals.
The sub-genre had been around long before Dragnet first came on television screens, but the decades proceeding that groundbreaking series has produced several great cop shows that are considered classics to this day. By using the power of Reddit, fans have dedicated themselves to discussing these shows and figuring out which one was the best.
'The First 48'
A&E’s long-running show about homicide detectives solving crimes has long been a favorite among TV watchers who love to indulge in reality television crime shows. The First 48 has a unique knack for making the viewer help solve the crime that is featured. One feels that they’re a detective themselves, albeit, from the living room couch.
Realistically, how many times have you watched this show and thought you’ve solved the case by the end of the clock? The answer is many of you, judging by how spirited the discussion is on which detective is the best.
'Cops'
When writers go on strike, television producers find creative ways to get fresh programming on the air. Today, the most common medium producers turn to is reality television, but in 1989, that was a brand-new concept when Cops premiered. Beginning with following the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in the pilot episode, Fox knew it had a hit on its hands, and the show would go on to revolutionized television, and be a fixture on Saturday nights for 33 seasons, and is still a fixture on Reddit.
'Reno 911!'
The “mockumentary” had long been part of the television medium when Reno 911! premiered on Comedy Central in 2003. This hilarious show, which follows the colorful characters of the Reno Sheriff’s Department, was an instant hit and carved out its cultural niche in the early aughts.
It did have a short-lived revival (and will be revived, again, with a focus on the QAnon conspiracy theories), the original Reno 911! will forever live in the hearts of cop show lovers.
'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'
With SNL alum Andy Samberg in the lead role, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows the cops of the 99th Precinct, who gets into all sorts of hilarious situations while protecting the citizens of New York City.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine evolved into a show that was more than a vehicle for Samberg; it also introduced some iconic characters, including the tough-as-nails Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), and the serious and dry Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). It's clear from the Reddit searches that many fans will forever love this quirky detective bunch from the 99.
'The Wire'
Many consider The Wire to be one of the best-written dramas of all time, and watching all five seasons, and seeing the Reddit channel devoted to the show, one can see why. This HBO drama told the gritty story of the Baltimore drug trade, but what separates The Wire from other cop shows was its realistic depiction of the institutions that would make up the drug kingpins, and the city’s justice system; and how the two, in reality, were mirror-images of each other. A stellar cast plus stellar writing equals a show for the ages.
'Live PD'
Live PD was canceled at the height of the George Floyd protests: before its cancellation, it was a Friday night must-watch for four seasons, even having a dedicated fandom, The Live PD Nation. What separated Live PD from Cops was the fact that the show broadcasted in real-time, and it made the viewer feel as though they were on a true ride-along with the cops of the various agencies the series covered.
There is some talk of the show coming back, but for now, the memory of the original run of Live PD lies on YouTube and this Reddit channel.
'Criminal Minds'
Many watch Criminal Minds simply for Shemar Moore, and that’s completely understandable giving his charming looks and acting pedigree. However, Criminal Minds is more than its handsome leading man. The series, which follows members of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, is gripping and breathtaking in every episode.
There is a reason why Criminal Minds has lasted as long as it did on CBS. It was just a great police procedural, and Reddit users knew it. To further situate Criminal Minds fans, a true-crime edition of the show is coming soon to Paramount+.
'Law & Order: SVU'
Law & Order has been on the air for decades, with many spin-off series revolving around the same central storyline of prosecuting criminals in New York City.
However, it’s safe to say that, according to Reddit and its 23 and counting seasons, Law & Order: SVU has become the franchise’s quarterback. Law & Order: SVU follows the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, which specializes in solving crimes revolving around sex crimes. Each episode has its folklore, and when it finally comes to an end, it will be a sad day among SVU fans.
'True Detective'
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It was truly a sad time when True Detective went off the air. It seemed as if each season had its flavor (especially given the fact that the show’s setting changed each season), and it kept fans hooked to the HBO anthology series for three seasons. There was chatter of a fourth season in the works, with Sam Levinson and Lucia Puenzo leading the revamped True Detective.
Whatever the writers and producers cook up, fans hope that it stays true to its original run. Until then, fans can enjoy the memories on this Reddit channel dedicated to the classic.
'Homicide: Life On the Street'
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Before The Wire shined a spotlight on the struggle between drug dealers and law enforcement in Baltimore, Homicide: Life On the Street was the show that showed the struggle of the city’s police officers keeping Baltimore safe. While more stylized than The Wire, Homicide: Life On the Street, nevertheless, was a gritty cop drama for its time, and the cast (including a breakout performance from Andre Braugher) was simply top-notch, judging by how many fans still have a love for this cop series.