Just when people thought no more streaming services could possibly exist in the world, Peacock has debuted. Serving as the platform for NBC, Peacock hopes to join in on the success HBO Max and Disney+ have been experiencing recently.
Though Peacock is just getting started with its original programming, it does still have an impressive catalog of great shows, from the most recent hits to beloved classics. If viewers are in the mood for dramas, Peacock has plenty to go around. With some great crime stories, family dramas, and procedurals, fans will have no shortage of binge-worthy content to enjoy.
Yellowstone
For fans of the modern Western genre, Yellowstone is a great recent series to dive into. The series follows a family who owns the biggest ranch in America and is constantly fighting off others who wish to encroach on it.
With Kevin Costner leading a strong cast, it is a riveting new drama. It has enough backstabbing violence and intrigue, even those who may not usually like the Western genre could be pulled into this intense saga.
Law & Order
Out of all the many crime procedural shows out there, Law & Order might be the most iconic of all. The show followed a case-of-the-week formula to great effect as each episode is divided between the detectives investigating the crimes and the lawyers prosecuting the accused.
While the formula will no doubt wear on some viewers after a while, it is telling that the show lasted for twenty seasons while still entertaining fans. That also means there are plenty of episodes to get through for anyone looking for an extra-long binge.
Ray Donovan
Liev Schrieber delivers one of the most intense performances on television as the titular character in the series Ray Donovan. This dark crime drama follows a professional fixer who solves problems for his rich and famous clients in Los Angeles. But his own troubles with his family are less easy to fix.
The show is not afraid to touch on some grim subjects and show its main characters being less-than-noble people. It makes for a riveting crime drama with plenty of exciting guest stars and shocking twists to keep audiences hooked.
Heroes
Years before the MCU began, Heroes told the story of extraordinary superpowered people connected from all over who must come together to save the world. It made for a very captivating serialized adventure that was unlike anything on television at the time.
While most fans think Heroes lost its way as it continued, that first season is still regarded as some of the most exciting television storytelling of the 21st century. It should be fascinating to revisit the show now that superhero culture is everywhere and even more in the mainstream.
The Rockford Files
Peacock is not just packed with recent great shows but also some classics that younger audiences might not be familiar with. The Rockford Files is one of the most exciting titles in the Peacock library and is a great crime show for audiences to rediscover or find for the first time.
The show stars Hollywood legend James Garner as Jim Rockford, an ex-convict turned private detective who takes on engrossing cases each week. Garner brings so much charm as the laidback hero, which helps to elevate The Rockford Files beyond the typical detective show while also bringing some comedy to the crime drama.
The Affair
Before shows like Big Little Lies captured the attention of audiences with its seductive and lavish crime story, The Affair showed the potential of the genre. The series stars Dominic West and Ruth Wilson as Noah and Allision, two troubled people who begin a passionate affair that spirals into dangerous territory.
One of the most interesting aspects of the show is how it explores the same story from a variety of perspectives. It makes for an in-depth dissection of the truth while also featuring incredible performances and mounting tension throughout the series.
Miami Vice
When thinking of classic cop shows, Miami Vice is surely one that comes to mind. The ’80s series might seem out of date and has been the butt of jokes for a number of years. But that is too dismissive for a show that was ahead of its time and at its best was truly excellent.
It followed the exploits of Miami detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they worked various dangerous undercover missions. The show had a distinct style of its era that is a lot of fun to look back on and the fact that Michael Mann was one of the producers should speak to its quality as a crime series.
House
There have been countless medical dramas throughout the years, but few have captured the excitement and interest of viewers as much as House. Hugh Laurie stars as Gregory House, a brilliant but eccentric doctor who specializes in bizarre cases that no one else can figure out.
Laurie’s performance was a winning aspect of the show and the character of House was a nice change of pace from the usual television doctors as he saved lives but seemed to have disdain for people in general. He was a medical version of Sherlock Holmes and it was always a thrill to watch him work.
Friday Night Lights
Though it was originally a movie, Friday Night Lights is now best remembered as an uplifting television sports drama. Set in a small Texan town where football is the most important thing, the show follows the coach and several key players of the high school team as they deal with the pressures of winning.
Friday Night Lights was filled with moments of heartbreak and tragedy as well as triumph and inspiration. Kyle Chandler made for a stirring lead as Coach Taylor while the show also helped establish young talents like Jesse Plemons and Michael B. Jordan.
Columbo
Despite the detective genre being filled with notable figures like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, Columbo stands out as one of the best as well as one of the most distinct. Peter Falk gives an iconic performance in the lead role as Columbo, a disheveled detective whose odd approach nevertheless manages to uncover the most carefully concealed crimes.
With such a wonderful lead character, the show is endless fun to watch as Columbo mumbles and stumbles his way through one intriguing case after another.
