10 Most Underrated Crime Shows

Counterpart

Counterpart begins as a spy story but quickly becomes personal. Howard Silk works at a dull office job in Berlin until he learns his agency guards a passage to a parallel world. There he meets another version of himself who is confident and dangerous. Soon he is caught in a hidden war between the two worlds filled with lies and betrayal. Action exists, yet the real appeal comes from the emotional side of the story.

Prodigal Son

Malcolm Bright helps the NYPD solve murders because he understands killers better than anyone. His father happens to be a famous serial killer sitting in prison. Every investigation forces Malcolm to think like the criminals he hunts, which damages his mental health and relationships. Conversations between father and son carry the biggest tension, often unsettling but strangely honest. Instead of a standard case-of-the-week drama, it becomes a story about inherited trauma and the fear of becoming the person you hate.

River

Inspector John River solves murders while seeing the victims in his mind. These visions represent guilt and unfinished business rather than ghosts. Each case turns into an emotional farewell as he tries to help them rest and forgive himself. His partner’s death weighs heavily on him, pushing the investigation into personal territory. Action takes a back seat to human emotion.

The Chestnut Man

A murder scene containing a small doll made of chestnuts starts a disturbing investigation. Detectives connect the clue to a politician’s missing daughter, turning the case personal. Rainy settings and careful police work build tension over time. Secrets slowly appear, revealing pain behind the crimes instead of simple cruelty. Patience rewards the viewer as answers finally arrive. Rather than relying on sudden twists, the story develops dread through detail and character emotion.

Mr. Inbetween

Ray Shoesmith works as a hired criminal while trying to live a normal life. Parenting duties, friendships, and dating continue between dangerous jobs. Everyday conversations about food or errands sit next to sudden violence, making events feel real instead of glamorous. The series never praises crime; consequences appear in relationships and personal guilt. Humor keeps scenes engaging without removing the seriousness.

Collateral

The killing of a pizza delivery driver appears random but leads to a larger conspiracy. Authorities uncover links to immigration struggles, government decisions, and organized crime networks. Every person involved has understandable motives, making the situation realistic rather than sensational. The detective leading the case faces pressure from multiple sides while trying to uncover truth.

The Following

Joe Carroll, a former professor turned serial killer, commands loyal followers even while imprisoned. His admirers commit murders in his name, treating violence like a belief system. The investigation becomes a battle of intelligence between him and the agent chasing him. Danger increases because threats come from many people instead of one criminal. Psychological tension drives the story more than gore.

Blue Lights

New police recruits begin work in Belfast, a city filled with tension and complicated history. Training does not prepare them for real street situations where every decision carries risk. Mistakes have serious consequences, forcing them to grow quickly. The series presents policing as stressful and uncertain rather than heroic action. Relationships between officers and citizens develop slowly as trust builds.

Godfather of Harlem

Bumpy Johnson returns to Harlem after prison to reclaim control of his neighborhood. Rival gangs and powerful organizations challenge his authority immediately. The story also explores the civil rights era, placing crime within social change. Bumpy cooperates with activists while protecting his business interests, creating constant conflict.

Giri/Haji

A Tokyo detective travels to London searching for his missing brother accused of murder. His brother’s ties to organized crime create danger in both cities. Family duty pushes him forward even when truth threatens to destroy their bond. Cultural differences between Japan and Britain add tension and humor to encounters. The investigation reveals how loyalty can lead people into violence.