20 Best Crime TV Shows on Paramount Plus 2026
Explore the best crime TV shows on Paramount Plus, from Twin Peaks and NCIS to Tulsa King, Dexter: Resurrection, and more top picks.
If you’re searching for the best crime TV shows on Paramount Plus, this list gives you a strong mix of long-running favorites, tense mysteries, and newer series worth a look. From the eerie, puzzle-box world of Twin Peaks to the procedural pace of NCIS, Criminal Minds, and FBI, there’s plenty here for fans of investigations and suspense. You’ll also find character-driven picks like Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, Blue Bloods, and Longmire, plus newer entries such as MobLand, Tracker, Elsbeth, and Dexter: Resurrection. Whether you want action, drama, mystery, or thriller elements, these shows cover a wide range of crime stories without losing focus.
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01
MobLand
1 BAFTA TV Award nomination
crime · drama
Two mob families clash in a war that threatens to topple empires and lives.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime dramas about power struggles and family rivalries, MobLand is a strong fit. Its mob-families premise makes it especially appealing if you like stories centered on criminal empires.
Directed by Lawrence Gough, Guy Ritchie, Anthony Byrne, Daniel Syrkin, Zetna FuentesCast Paddy Considine, Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Joanne Froggatt, Lara PulverParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Tulsa King
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama
New York mafia capo Dwight "The General" Manfredi is released from prison after 25 years and exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew.
Why watch: If you want a crime series with action and drama, Tulsa King is a good choice. It should appeal to viewers who like watching a character build a crew while navigating a new setting.
Directed by Guy Ferland, Kevin Dowling, Craig Zisk, Jim McKay, Allen CoulterCast Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Garrett Hedlund, Dana DelanyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Sheriff Country
crime · drama
Mickey Fox investigates criminal activity and patrols the streets of small-town Edgewater while contending with her ex-con father and a mysterious incident involving her wayward daughter.
Why watch: If you like crime dramas set in a smaller community, Sheriff Country may be worth a look. Its focus on local investigations and family complications gives it a grounded edge.
Directed by Edward Ornelas, Gonzalo Amat, Sarah Wayne Callies, Kevin Alejandro, Holly DaleCast Morena Baccarin, Matt Lauria, W. Earl Brown, Michele Weaver, Caroline RheaParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Twin Peaks
Won 2 Emmys 2x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series · 18 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
The body of Laura Palmer is washed up on a beach near the small Washington state town of Twin Peaks. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper is called in to investigate her strange demise only to uncover a web of mystery that ultimately leads him deep into the heart of the surrounding woodland and his very own soul.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime stories that blend mystery and thriller elements, Twin Peaks is an easy recommendation. Its small-town investigation setup is ideal if you like shows where the case keeps widening.
Directed by David Lynch, Lesli Linka Glatter, Caleb Deschanel, Duwayne Dunham, Tim HunterCast Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Richard BeymerParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
NCIS
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Why watch: If you want an established procedural with crime, mystery, and thriller elements, NCIS is a solid pick. It suits viewers who like team-based investigations tied to military-connected cases.
Directed by Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. WrightCast Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky CarrollNetflixHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
Elsbeth
comedy · crime · drama
After her successful career in Chicago, Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney, utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime dramas with a lighter touch, Elsbeth stands out from the pack. Its comedy-crime-drama mix may appeal if you like an unconventional lead solving cases in a fresh way.
Directed by Nancy Hower, Lionel Coleman, Robin Givens, Robert King, Ron UnderwoodCast Carrie Preston, Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson, Daniel K. Isaac, Ben Levi RossParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Tracker
crime · drama
Lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw roams the country as a “reward seeker,” using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.
Why watch: If you like crime shows built around tracking skills and case-solving, Tracker is a natural fit. It works well for viewers who want a roaming, case-by-case setup with family drama in the background.
Directed by Ken Olin, Joel Novoa, Aprill Winney, Jeff T. Thomas, Jon HuertasCast Justin Hartley, Fiona Rene, Abby McEnany, Eric Graise, Chris LeeHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Marshals
action · crime · drama · western
With the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Kayce Dutton joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana, where he and his teammates must balance family, duty and the high psychological cost that comes with serving as the last line of defense in the region's war on violence.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime dramas with a western angle, Marshals may interest you. Its action, crime, drama, and western mix suggests a good fit for viewers who like law enforcement stories in rugged settings.
Directed by Christopher Chulack, Gonzalo Amat, John Erick Dowdle, Guy Ferland, Greg YaitanesCast Luke Grimes, Ash Santos, Tatanka Means, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle KebbelParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Dexter: Resurrection
crime · drama · thriller
Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma to find Harrison gone without a trace. Realizing the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right. But closure won't come easy. When Miami Metro's Angel Batista arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast. As father and son navigate their own darkness in the city that never sleeps, they soon find themselves deeper than they ever imagined - and that the only way out is together.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to crime thrillers with a darker, character-focused edge, Dexter: Resurrection is likely to interest you. The crime-drama-thriller mix should suit viewers who want tension and personal stakes.
Directed by Marcos Siega, Monica Raymund, Erica DuntonCast Michael C. Hall, Uma Thurman, James Remar, Jack Alcott, Kadia SarafAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Boston Blue
crime · drama
NYPD Detective Danny Reagan takes a job with the Boston PD and is paired with Detective Lena Silver, part of a law enforcement family comprised of District Attorney Mae Silver, Police Superintendent Sarah Silver, rookie cop Jonah Silver and Rev. Edwin Peters. Reagan hopes to reconnect with his son, Sean, in Boston.
Why watch: If you like crime dramas built around police teamwork and family ties, Boston Blue may be a good match. It may especially appeal if you enjoy stories that connect a case to a personal goal.
Directed by Sherwin Shilati, Randy Zisk, Monica Raymund, Jackeline Tejada, Anton CropperCast Donnie Wahlberg, Sonequa Martin-Green, Marcus Scribner, Maggie Lawson, Mika AmonsenParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Dexter
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (2010) · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police also leads a secret life as a serial killer, hunting down criminals who have slipped through the cracks of justice.
Why watch: If you want a crime drama with strong mystery and thriller elements, Dexter is a standout option. It’s a fit for viewers who like morally complicated stories centered on a secret double life.
Directed by John Dahl, Steve Shill, Keith Gordon, Marcos Siega, Ernest DickersonCast Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar, C.S. LeeParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
NCIS: New York
action & adventure · crime · drama
Special Agent Sam Hanna returns to his hometown of New York City to the NCIS field office and partners with a roguish agent, Nick Schaeffer, to help lead a new team as they are tasked with high-stakes missions to defend one of the most vital cities and ports in the world.
Why watch: If you enjoy action-heavy crime shows tied to major-city investigations, NCIS: New York may be worth checking out. Its setup should appeal to fans of team missions and big-stakes cases.
Directed by Adam Davidson, Eagle Egilsson, Nick Gomez, Nelson McCormick, Cherie NowlanCast LL Cool J, Jennifer Beals, Scott Caan, Jacqueline Byers, Shane HarperParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
NCIS: Origins
crime · drama
In 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office, where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.
Why watch: If you like origin stories within a crime franchise, NCIS: Origins is a smart pick. It’s a good match for viewers who want a 1991-era procedural with a gritty team dynamic.
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, Jessica Lowrey, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren YaconelliCast Austin Stowell, Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Caleb FooteParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Mayor of Kingstown
crime · drama · thriller
In a small Michigan town where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry, the McClusky family are the power brokers between the police, criminals, inmates, prison guards and politicians in a city completely dependent on prisons and the prisoners they contain.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime dramas with political pressure and prison-system tension, Mayor of Kingstown is a strong choice. Its thriller elements make it a good fit for viewers who like high-stakes power struggles.
Directed by Christoph Schrewe, Guy Ferland, Stephen Kay, Clark Johnson, Ben RichardsonCast Jeremy Renner, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Hugh Dillon, Derek WebsterNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
15
CIA
action · adventure · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Follows a partnership between a CIA Case Officer & an FBI Special Agent who work together on a clandestine taskforce to prevent domestic terrorism in New York.
Why watch: If you prefer crime stories with espionage and domestic-terrorism stakes, CIA may catch your attention. The action, mystery, and thriller mix suits viewers who like covert-operation setups.
Directed by Ken Girotti, Jon Cassar, Ludovic Littee, Norberto Barba, Jean de SegonzacCast Tom Ellis, Nick Gehlfuss, Natalee Linez, Necar Zadegan, Jonathan Randell SilverParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
Criminal Minds
3 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.
Why watch: If you like profiling-based crime dramas, Criminal Minds is a great fit. Its mystery and thriller elements make it ideal for viewers who enjoy watching investigators anticipate criminal behavior.
Directed by Glenn Kershaw, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Edward Allen Bernero, Matthew Gray GublerCast Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, Thomas GibsonAmazon Prime VideoHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Blue Bloods
1 Emmy nomination
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief.
Why watch: If you enjoy family-centered crime drama, Blue Bloods should be near the top of your list. It’s especially appealing if you like stories that balance law enforcement with household dynamics.
Directed by David Barrett, Ralph Hemecker, Alex Zakrzewski, Robert Harmon, John BehringCast Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom SelleckAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
18
FBI
2 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
The New York office of the FBI brings to bear all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep their city and the country safe.
Why watch: If you want a crime procedural with action and strong casework, FBI is a dependable choice. Its focus on major cases makes it a good option for viewers who like fast-moving investigations.
Directed by Alex Chapple, Jean de Segonzac, Carlos Bernard, Milena Govich, Jon CassarCast Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, John BoydParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
19
Evil
crime · drama · horror · mystery · thriller
Skeptical forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard joins priest-in-training David Acosta and technology expert Ben Shakir as they investigate supposed miracles, demonic possessions, and other extraordinary occurrences to assess for a scientific explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.
Why watch: If you like crime dramas that lean into mystery and the supernatural, Evil is a smart pick. Its crime-horror-thriller mix works well if you want cases that feel unusual and unsettling.
Directed by John Dahl, Robert King, Peter Sollett, Nelson McCormick, Fong-Yee YapCast Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Maddy CroccoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
20
Longmire
action · crime · drama · western
A Wyoming sheriff rebuilds his life and career following the death of his wife. Based on the “Walt Longmire” series of mystery novels written by best-selling author Craig Johnson.
Why watch: If you enjoy western-flavored crime drama, Longmire is a strong option. It should appeal to viewers who like a sheriff-led series with a grounded, character-driven tone.
Directed by J. Michael Muro, Christopher Chulack, Michael Offer, T.J. Scott, Peter WellerCast Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, Adam BartleyAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This lineup makes it easy to find a crime series that matches your mood, whether you prefer FBI cases, family-centered law enforcement drama, or darker stories built around power, secrets, and investigations. A title like Twin Peaks brings mystery into the mix, while shows such as NCIS, Criminal Minds, and Blue Bloods lean into familiar casework and team dynamics. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh recommendation, because it’s updated regularly with new and relevant picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Paramount Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these crime shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the crime titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.