The best crime shows of 2024

• From docuseries to dramas, fans of crime shows had plenty to watch in 2024.
• Streaming platforms capitalized on the genre’s popularity, releasing multiple new series.
• “The Penguin” focused on the rise of a mobster, while “Joan” was inspired by real-life events.

On most weeknights this year, I found myself sprawled on the couch, endlessly scrolling through streaming options, only to return to the familiar and formulaic “Law & Order: SVU.“

And when that felt too intense, I turned to lighter but equally thrilling shows like “The Perfect Couple” on Netflix.

Turns out, I wasn’t alone.

Viewers’ fascination with crime shows has only grown in the past year.

According to Netflix’s 2024 engagement report, which includes viewership data from January to June, crime as a genre dominated the charts in the first half of this year, with British series “Fool Me Once” leading with 108 million views and others like “Griselda” and “American Nightmare” following behind.

Streaming platforms and production houses have capitalized on this popularity, churning out shows and documentaries from gripping fictional mysteries to high-profile trial docuseries.

Although I was hooked and moved by many crime dramas, some stayed with me more than others.

Here are eight crime shows — both fiction and non-fiction — that kept me glued to my screen this year.

Warning: There are some spoilers ahead.