Top 10 Unmissable Procedural Dramas of the New Era: A 2020s Ranking!

Ah, procedural dramas—those delightful little nuggets of television that invite us to live vicariously through a group of specialized professionals as they plunge headfirst into a whirlwind of complex mysteries. Whether we're scuttling through the hallways of a hospital or sleuthing through the gritty back alleys of a bustling metropolis, these shows keep us on our toes. Just think of classics like General Hospital and Law & Order; they serve up an irresistible buffet of crime and medicine, allowing us to indulge in the irresistible nuances of their intricacies.

And who can ignore that majestic array of long-running procedurals, each demonstrating a unique flavor of dramatic tension? The 2020s may be babies in the realm of decades, yet they've thrown us a cornucopia of thrilling new series. Even as the world slowed to a crawl during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain networks triumphantly waved the flag of progress and popped out exciting shows like it’s a game of Whac-A-Mole. Take, for instance, FBI—Dick Wolf’s latest pet project that has smoothly captained its way into the hearts of many with riveting storylines and characters that are, dare I say, more three-dimensional than a cardboard cutout of a classic detective.

Oh, let’s not forget the spin-off, FBI: International, which whisks us away to Europe! It features a “Fly Team” based in Budapest working diligently to dismantle threats to the U.S. Picture it: a cocktail of American grit blended with a dash of European flair, as our heroes juggle international terrorism and foreign legal shenanigans. It's like if you dropped a magnifying glass on a globe and let it land where it may. Suddenly, we feel cultured just by tuning in from our couches.

Then there's Perry Mason, that charming renegade detective who kicked up his heels in the late 1950s. HBO dusted off the vintage case files and breathed life back into Mason's world, with Matthew Rhys stepping in to fill those rather large shoes. Struggling with PTSD post-Great War, and the decay that follows the Great Depression, our old friend Mason manages to nail it with style. And what better way to reignite the passion for justice than a good old-fashioned child kidnapping case? The new series spins a yarn that's both steeped in nostalgia and exhilaratingly modern, managing to stand proudly beside grittier dramas like Peaky Blinders and All Creatures Great and Small.

Now let's stroll over to Bloodlands, where the past collides with the present in a delightful dance of drama. DCI Tom Brannick is the star of this show, connecting dots between a present-day case that collides with the haunting mystery of his wife's murder two decades ago. Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland, it navigates real historical tragedies with a finesse that many shows stumble over. Here, our characters don’t just inhabit this world—they breathe it and resonate with its scars.

Amidst the chaos, step forward Tommy, the freshly minted Chief of Police for the LAPD. Welcome to a world where the challenges are endless, and Tommy battles both the rising crime rate and her own tumultuous inner demons. Sure, you might argue it’s not breaking any molds in its themes. Still, our leading lady—as a gay mother and grandmother—adds a sprinkle of uniqueness that draws us in. We're all rooting for her, primarily because she’s juggling enough without the job throwing its heavy workload onto her plate.

Then, we have the ever-talented Suranne Jones sweeping in with Vigil. Here she plays DCI Amy Silva, who faces the distinctly unsettling task of probing a death aboard a submarine named Vigil. The claustrophobic settings, paired with the unraveling mystery, makes you remember why you decided to binge-watch this with the lights on. The series isn't just about twists; it’s about being on a submarine, where you realize that isolation can sometimes intensify the drama—like an unexpected claustrophobic hug.

If you’re seeking a bit of innovation, Time brilliantly veers off the beaten procedural path. This gem introduces us to a prison guard named Eric McNally, who forms an unexpected bond with inmate Mark Cobden. When the lines between personal morals and ethical duties blur, drama ensues. Fast forward to a second season, and we’re swept into the lives of three incarcerated women, shedding light on the intricacies of prison life seldom explored. Ah, yes! The view from inside the bars proves to be oddly compelling.

And now, allow me to present Love & Death, which offers us a true crime tale that thumps along with a police drama’s sharp stride. Following the scandalous affair and murder of Betty Gore by Candy Montgomery, viewers are left entrapped in a web of expectations and societal perceptions surrounding this housewife. It’s gritty, unnerving, and oh-so gripping—definitely not for the faint of heart! This narrative manages to explore just how bewilderingly backward police investigations can sometimes underestimate the complexities of human behavior.

As British spies cruise into the spotlight, Slow Horses excitedly reminds us that not all espionage is frolicking through glamorous soirées. Enter Slough House, an ensemble like no other, where Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb commands a rather eclectic crew of rejects from the Secret Service. Watching them navigate the disarray proves to be immensely satisfying, despite the danger