The police procedural is one of the most common genres on television and has been so since the early days of the medium. From series like Law & Order to CSI to X-Files, these shows followed their characters as they investigated a new crime each week which made it easier for new fans to jump in at any time.
But that procedural structure is adaptable to a number of kinds of stories. There are plenty of great series that use that episodic storytelling to great effect with each new week exploring a different case. These shows proved it’s not just cops who can handle the procedural drama.
Terriers (2010)
Though it might not be as well-known as some of the other procedurals, Terriers is a criminally underrated crime show that was canceled too soon. It follows a flawed ex-cop and his ex-convict best friend who operate as dysfunctional and disorganized private investigators.
The show follows this entertaining and ragtag duo as they looked into various crimes. It is a refreshingly unpolished take on the genre that is not afraid to make the heroes look bad. It can tell a gripping mystery with a sense of humor as well.
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
When a procedural works, it is in part because of the exciting new story every week but also because of a fun hero to follow week after week. In Murder, She Wrote, Angela Lansbury helped create one of the most famous mystery-solving characters in television history with Jessica Fletcher.
Jessica is a smart and sophisticated mystery writer who begins moonlighting as an amateur sleuth, solving murders in her community. The charm and sweetness of the character make Murder, She Wrote a surprisingly cozy murder mystery series.
Evil (2019 -)
It’s always interesting to see which new ways shows can find to approach the procedural format. For Evil, the show decided to go with a supernatural avenue to explore their weekly adventures.
It follows a trio of heroes – a psychologist, a priest, and a contractor – who investigate extraordinary events, from demonic possessions to apparent miracles. It is an interesting series that suggests a thin line exists between something that can be explained with science and something truly supernatural.
The Practice (1997-2013)
Legal procedurals have gradually become almost as common as cop shows by this point and The Practice is one of the most exciting in the genre. It stars the likes of Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle as lawyers in a prominent legal defense firm.
While most legal drama shows of this kind focus on those trying to lock people up, The Practice is interesting for looking at the defense side of the law. This leads to moments where the clients are not always innocent and justice is not always found.
Veronica Mars (2004-2019)
Focusing on private investigators is a fun way for the procedurals to look at the crime world while also doing something besides another cop show. Veronica Mars differentiates itself by having its heroic sleuth in high school.
Kristen Bell had her breakout role as the titular teen who follows in her father’s footsteps to become a private investigator. She looks into various crimes in her affluent California community, many involving her fellow classmates.
Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
With the recent sad passing of Dean Stockwell, many fans are looking back on his beloved role in Quantum Leap. The fun and compelling sci-fi story stars Scott Bakula as Sam, a scientist whose experiment goes wrong, causing him to “leap” into various new bodies throughout time.
The show’s interesting premise allows it to tackle a lot of interesting subject matter as Sam tries to help out the people he inhabits while also hoping to return to his own time. It makes for an unpredictable and entertaining ride.
Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
Pushing Daisies is another series that uses supernatural elements in its procedural story while also tackling a murder mystery adventure. Lee Pace stars in the show as a man who is able to temporarily bring people back from the dead which he uses to solve various murders.
Despite the somewhat morbid premise, the show has a sweet and positive vibe that separated it from most procedural shows. Like Terriers, it is a series that has a strong following despite its early cancellation.
Matlock (1986-1995)
Another show that deals with the defense side of the law is Matlock starring Andy Griffith as the titular attorney. He plays a high-priced lawyer who defends his clients, often in murder cases, and is worth every penny for his winning record.
Like most procedural shows, Matlock is more concerned with entertainment than realism. Most cases end with dramatic reveals and grand speeches, but the show also has an easy-going charm to it that makes it a joy to watch.
Suits (2011-2019)
Stepping back into the legal side of the procedural dramas, Suits is a gripping and fast-paced show set in the world of corporate lawyers. It follows a young, aimless man named Mike who is hired by a top law firm under false pretenses where he partners with one of New York’s most effective legal closers.
The show has a lot of fun diving into the rich and sophisticated world of big-time lawyers while also looking at these wildcard characters who operated within this intense setting.
House M.D. (2004-2012)
The medical drama House seems to take a lot of inspiration for its main character from Sherlock Holmes. He is another brilliant mind who sees seemingly obvious things that no one else sees yet is also not a very good “people person.”
Each week, Gregory House takes on a new baffling medical case that no other doctor can solve. His arrogant and rude manner only makes his exciting work all the more entertaining. Hugh Laurie is wonderful in the highly enjoyable show.
