Best Crime TV Shows Set In Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its sprawling urban landscape, iconic landmarks, and complex social dynamics, serves as the perfect backdrop for crime television. The city's vibrant yet gritty atmosphere has inspired countless writers and filmmakers to create captivating narratives that explore the dark underbelly of the City of Angels. From classic detective dramas to modern police procedurals, the crime TV shows set in Los Angeles offer a diverse range of stories that reflect the city's multifaceted character. Let's dive into some of the best crime TV shows that bring the streets of Los Angeles to life, offering viewers a thrilling and often chilling glimpse into the world of law enforcement, criminal investigations, and the constant struggle between good and evil.

Classic Crime Dramas

When it comes to classic crime dramas set in Los Angeles, several shows stand out for their enduring appeal and significant contributions to the genre. These series not only entertained audiences with their compelling storylines and memorable characters but also helped to define the image of Los Angeles as a city rife with intrigue and danger.

Dragnet

First, we have Dragnet, a quintessential police procedural that set the standard for many shows to come. Dragnet is renowned for its realistic portrayal of police work, focusing on the meticulous investigation of crimes by Sergeant Joe Friday and his partners. The show's straightforward narrative style and emphasis on factual details provided a stark contrast to the more sensationalized crime dramas of the time. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Los Angeles, Dragnet captured the city's evolving landscape and societal changes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its influence on subsequent crime TV shows is undeniable, and its legacy continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Rockford Files

Then, we have The Rockford Files, a refreshing take on the private detective genre. Starring James Garner as Jim Rockford, a private investigator who preferred to avoid violence and rely on his wit and charm to solve cases, the series stood out for its lighthearted tone and quirky characters. Set in the sunny suburbs of Los Angeles, The Rockford Files offered a more laid-back and humorous perspective on crime-solving, appealing to viewers who enjoyed a blend of mystery and comedy. The show's iconic theme song and Rockford's beat-up Pontiac Firebird became synonymous with the series, further cementing its place in television history. The Rockford Files remains a beloved classic, showcasing the versatility of Los Angeles as a setting for crime TV.

Columbo

Another notable mention is Columbo, starring Peter Falk as the deceptively unassuming Lieutenant Columbo. Known for his rumpled raincoat, cigar, and persistent questioning, Columbo was a master of deduction who always got his man. Set in the affluent neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Columbo pitted the seemingly bumbling detective against wealthy and sophisticated criminals, creating a unique dynamic that captivated audiences. The show's inverted mystery format, in which the audience knew the identity of the killer from the beginning, added an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. Columbo's enduring popularity is a testament to its clever writing, strong performances, and the timeless appeal of its central character. These classic crime dramas not only entertained viewers but also helped to shape the landscape of crime television, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and solidifying Los Angeles as a prime location for crime stories.

Modern Police Procedurals

Moving into the realm of modern police procedurals, Los Angeles continues to be a popular setting for shows that delve into the complexities of law enforcement in the 21st century. These series often incorporate advanced forensic techniques, complex character development, and storylines that reflect contemporary social issues. Here are some of the standout modern police procedurals set in Los Angeles:

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

First, we have CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which revolutionized the crime TV genre with its focus on forensic science. While the original series was set in Las Vegas, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY spawned successful spin-offs that explored different cities. The series follows a team of crime scene investigators as they use cutting-edge technology and meticulous analysis to solve complex cases. CSI's emphasis on scientific evidence and its fast-paced storytelling appealed to a wide audience, making it one of the most popular crime TV shows of the 2000s. The CSI franchise's impact on popular culture is undeniable, influencing the way viewers perceive forensic science and inspiring a new generation of crime dramas. Its success paved the way for many other police procedurals that followed.

The Closer

Then, we have The Closer, starring Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, a skilled interrogator who heads the Priority Homicide Division of the LAPD. Known for her unconventional methods and sharp instincts, Brenda was a formidable force in the male-dominated world of law enforcement. Set in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, The Closer explored the challenges faced by female leaders in law enforcement and the personal sacrifices they often make to succeed. The show's strong writing, compelling performances, and realistic portrayal of police work earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following. The Closer paved the way for its spin-off, Major Crimes, which continued to explore the lives and careers of the detectives in the Priority Homicide Division.

Southland

Another notable mention is Southland, a gritty and realistic police drama that offers a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of LAPD officers. Set in the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Southland focuses on the daily challenges faced by patrol officers, detectives, and their families. The show's documentary-style cinematography and unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption set it apart from other police procedurals. Southland's strong ensemble cast and compelling storylines earned it critical acclaim, but its low ratings led to its cancellation after five seasons. Despite its short run, Southland remains a cult favorite among fans of crime TV, showcasing the darker side of Los Angeles and the toll that law enforcement takes on those who serve.

Bosch

One more show in this category is Bosch, based on the novels by Michael Connelly, Bosch follows LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch as he investigates complex and often politically charged cases. Set in the sprawling landscape of Los Angeles, Bosch captures the city's diverse neighborhoods and its complex social dynamics. The show's intricate plots, strong character development, and realistic portrayal of police work have earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Bosch's success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the detective genre and the enduring allure of Los Angeles as a setting for crime stories.

Legal Dramas and Courtroom Thrillers

Los Angeles also provides a rich backdrop for legal dramas and courtroom thrillers, which explore the intricacies of the legal system and the high-stakes battles that take place in the courtroom. These shows often delve into complex ethical dilemmas and moral ambiguities, offering viewers a thought-provoking look at the pursuit of justice. Here are some of the best legal dramas and courtroom thrillers set in Los Angeles:

Perry Mason

First, we have Perry Mason, a classic legal drama that set the standard for the genre. Starring Raymond Burr as the brilliant defense attorney Perry Mason, the series followed Mason as he defended clients who were wrongly accused of crimes. Set in the mid-20th century Los Angeles, Perry Mason showcased the city's legal system and the challenges faced by those who sought justice. The show's intricate plots, strong performances, and courtroom drama made it a hit with audiences and critics alike. Perry Mason's influence on legal dramas is undeniable, and its legacy continues to resonate with viewers today.

L.A. Law

Then, we have L.A. Law, a groundbreaking legal drama that explored the lives and careers of the attorneys at a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Set in the 1980s, L.A. Law tackled controversial social and political issues, such as abortion, AIDS, and sexual harassment, making it one of the most relevant and thought-provoking shows of its time. The show's ensemble cast, realistic storylines, and sharp writing earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following. L.A. Law's impact on television is undeniable, paving the way for many other legal dramas that followed.

The Practice

Another notable mention is The Practice, a gritty and realistic legal drama that focused on the attorneys at a small Boston law firm. While the show was primarily set in Boston, several episodes took place in Los Angeles, exploring the challenges faced by lawyers who practice in different legal environments. The Practice's complex characters, morally ambiguous storylines, and intense courtroom drama earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated following. The show's willingness to tackle difficult and controversial issues set it apart from other legal dramas, making it one of the most thought-provoking shows of its time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Los Angeles has served as a dynamic and compelling setting for a wide range of crime TV shows, from classic detective dramas to modern police procedurals and legal thrillers. The city's diverse neighborhoods, complex social dynamics, and rich cultural history have inspired countless writers and filmmakers to create captivating narratives that explore the dark underbelly of the City of Angels. Whether you're a fan of classic crime dramas or prefer the fast-paced action of modern police procedurals, there's a crime TV show set in Los Angeles that's sure to captivate and entertain. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to the gritty streets of Los Angeles, where crime never sleeps and justice is always a battle.

Enjoy watching, guys!