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Pop culture fans of all ages love police procedural dramas. The combination of intense action and broody melodrama often proves impossible to resist, with police procedurals becoming one of the most popular genres on television – regardless of the network. Still, two shows, in particular, stand out from the crowd: Criminal Minds and Law & Order: SVU. Both shows have distinct differences but have proven to be intensely popular with fans, years after they first debuted. Although each show has a very passionate fan base, one of them rises to the top, earning the distinction of being the most popular crime TV show, according to a recent study. 

Prentiss, in red blouse, standing next to Reid, wearing dark jacket, in episode of 'Criminal Minds'
Pictured (L-R): Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss and Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid | Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Crime TV shows and police procedural dramas have always held an important place in the hearts and minds of fans of all ages. Viewers can form fierce attachments to the characters in their favorite TV shows, remaining faithful to the series, even after years and years. According to a recent study by E-conolight, while there are many popular crime TV shows, including contemporary classics such as Breaking Bad, one show reigns supreme. 

Based on search volume, Criminal Minds is cited as the most popular crime TV show in the nation overall, although statistics vary greatly based on the state and specific region. Criminal Minds ran on TV for 15 seasons, with the final episodes of the show airing in early 2020. Shows such as Sons of Anarchy and The Boys are also included in the overall top five, with Law & Order: SVU rounding out the countdown of top crime shows. 

‘Criminal Minds’ is set for a big series revival

Criminal Minds first debuted on television in September 2005. The series follows a group of high-level criminal profilers who work for the FBI. The team works to tackle criminals by using behavioral analysis and profiling – but it isn’t all business, since the show often dives deep into the personal lives of the team members as well. Criminal Minds concluded in early 2020, but after fans clamored for more, a series revival was announced.

The series revival, which will premiere on Paramount+, will reportedly feature several members of the original cast, including Aisha Tyler and Joe Mantegna. Unfortunately, Matthew Gray Gubler, who played Spencer Reid, will not be involved in the revival. Showrunners are keeping many details about the series under wraps for now, but it’s likely that fans will learn more about the Criminal Minds reboot in the coming months. 

‘Law & Order: SVU’ is still running on television

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Law & Order: SVU has been around even longer than Criminal Minds. The series debuted on NBC in 1999, starring Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni. Over the years, the series has remained popular with viewers, with the show’s narrative structure and beloved characters contributing to the enduring success of Law & Order: SVU. Although Law & Order: SVU has come under fire over the years, with some pointing out that the series misrepresents the statistics behind crime victims, it has remained popular, earning new fans with every successive season.

According to The Washington Post, the show has distorted the true proportion of blacks and women who are crime victims. It also has been known to overrepresent females as victims. Through it all, including cast changes and critiques from the media and press, fans have stood by the show, praising the acting and the dramatic storylines – and these days, Law & Order: SVU is still going strong. 

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