7 long-running shows to watch if you liked 'Blue Bloods'

7 long-running shows like
Fans of Blue Bloods will enjoy watching these 7 long-running shows (Image via CBS/Criminal Minds Facebook Page/Prime Video)

Blue Bloods is a beloved police procedural show that is currently in its final season. The show has consistently delivered in terms of engaging storylines.

Since its premiere in 2010, Blue Bloods has introduced viewers to the Reagan family which has been linked to New York law enforcement for many generations. The series boasts an eclectic ensemble cast including Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes, and Bridget Moynahan.

The fourteenth and final season of Blue Bloods is divided into two parts. The first episode of Part 2 was released recently on October 18, 2024.

The show has earned high praise for being able to combine the thrill of police investigations with the complex relationship dynamics present within the family. While fans wait for new episodes that are scheduled to be released weekly, they can fill the interludes with episodes from the long-running shows on this list that have a similar vibe to Blue Bloods.

Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.


Bosch and six other shows like Blue Bloods that explore the challenges that come with high-stakes professions

1) Law & Order (1990)

Law & Order, like Blue Bloods, is a well-known police procedural drama that has amassed fans worldwide (Image via NBC)
Law & Order, like Blue Bloods, is a well-known police procedural drama that has amassed fans worldwide (Image via NBC)

It is certainly impressive that Blue Bloods has been on air for over 10 years but it still pales in comparison to Law & Order which is currently in its 24th season. To date, it has a total of 504 episodes. Interestingly enough, the show went into hiatus after 2010 and was revived recently in 2022.

Like Blue Bloods, it is a police procedural with the added aspect of legal drama. To a certain extent, police procedurals tend to shed light on personal stories, but in Law & Order, the focus is primarily on the case. The audience can follow each case from the investigation stage to the subsequent courtroom proceedings.

Even though it features a slew of characters every season, the show creators have been able to make each one distinctive and memorable especially crowd favorites like Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), Mike Logan (Chris Noth), and Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston). The show's strength lies in bringing forth puzzling new cases that aren't overly complicated but still make the viewer at home think.

Where to watch: Episodes of this show are available for streaming on Prime Video.


2) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000)

Similar to Blue Bloods, this show also features memorable characters that the audience can easily connect to (Image via Official Facebook Page)
Similar to Blue Bloods, this show also features memorable characters that the audience can easily connect to (Image via Official Facebook Page)

The narrative of Blue Bloods is as much about the members of the Reagan family as it is about what they do for a living. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has a similar character-driven narrative that focuses on a group of crime scene investigators who are experts in their field but still display human vulnerabilities that help make them relatable.

The show stars William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, George Eads, Gary Dourdan, and Paul Guilfoyle, among others. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is particularly interesting to watch because the cases are never obvious, which prompts the team to employ clever approaches to find potential leads.

In addition to well-developed characters, the show boasts cleverly written lines that viewers will appreciate.

Where to watch: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, containing 15 seasons and 337 episodes, is available on Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu.


3) NCIS (2003)

Fans of Blue Bloods will enjoy the witty narrative of this long-running show (Image via CBS)
Fans of Blue Bloods will enjoy the witty narrative of this long-running show (Image via CBS)

In Blue Bloods, the Reagan family share a lot of light-hearted moments, but they still spring into action whenever things get serious. A similar vibe can be seen in NCIS, wherein a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service dig deeper into perplexing criminal cases rated to the Navy and Marine Corps.

Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly, and others, are part of the main cast. The first episode of the latest season of NCIS, season 22, premiered on October 14, 2024, and the rest of the episodes are scheduled for release on a weekly basis.

The show's popularity can be linked to its intelligent screenplay that boasts complex characters, well-thought-out cases, and witty dialogues. Also, the fact that the plot revolves around military-based crime investigations differentiates it from the other titles on this list.

Where to watch: NCIS, containing 468 episodes, can be streamed on Netflix and Prime Video.


4) Criminal Minds (2005)

The show has 17 seasons and 344 episodes to date (Image via Official Facebook Page)
The show has 17 seasons and 344 episodes to date (Image via Official Facebook Page)

In Blue Bloods, fans particularly enjoy the conversations over Sunday roast because they offer insight into how cops think and the rationale behind every decision they take. Likewise, in Criminal Minds, viewers can better understand the different approaches that criminal profilers use to narrow down suspects.

This series follows the members of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit who take on complicated cases. Each member has a different specialization but all of them primarily use behavioral analysis and profiling to find leads.

Like Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds also puts the spotlight on the personal struggles of the team members, in addition to showcasing the constant pressures they face at the workplace. It has seen many cast changes over the years. Like Law & Order, this show also witnessed a revival in 2022 and was renamed Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Where to watch: Criminal Minds is available on Prime Video and Disney+. Episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution can be viewed on Paramount+.


5) Chicago Fire (2012)

This show stars Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund and more (Image via NBC)
This show stars Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund and more (Image via NBC)

Blue Bloods appeals to viewers because it depicts a realistic side of law enforcement professionals. They may be brave enough to risk their lives in the line of duty but that doesn't make them superhumans. They make mistakes, feel pain, and struggle with personal issues like the rest of us. Chicago Fire explores the high-risk profession of firefighting in a similar fashion.

Centered around the Chicago Fire Department, the narrative follows brave firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics who work at the fictional Firehouse 51. Like the officers in Blue Bloods, the firefighters in Chicago Fire have to face high-pressure situations that require utmost alertness and fortitude.

The fast-paced show introduces a lot of likable characters who will make an impression on the audience. It is also interesting to see the character arcs and the growing relationship dynamics within the close-knit team. Season 13 is currently on air and the finale is set to release on October 23, 2024.

Where to watch: Chicago Fire, containing 13 seasons and 256 episodes to date, can be streamed on Prime Video and Peacock.


6) Bosch (2014)

Like Blue Bloods, this show also explores the psyche of police officers and detectives (Image via Prime Video)
Like Blue Bloods, this show also explores the psyche of police officers and detectives (Image via Prime Video)

Like Tom Selleck's character Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods, Harry Bosch (played by Titus Welliver) is the glue that holds the narrative together in Bosch. A skilled LAPD detective, Bosch is very good at what he does but that doesn't mean that he doesn't have skeletons in the closet. He has to overcome his personal struggles while he goes about seeking justice for his victims.

Containing seven seasons and 68 episodes, Bosch thrives on intelligent writing which ensures that each new case is exciting and suspenseful. Welliver shines as Bosch who is very particular about doing the right thing. The rest of the characters are also well-developed and realistic, which adds to the viewing experience.

Where to watch: Episodes of Bosch are available for streaming on Prime Video.


7) Chicago P.D. (2014)

This action-packed show has 12 seasons and 225 episodes (Image via NBC)
This action-packed show has 12 seasons and 225 episodes (Image via NBC)

Chicago P.D., like Blue Bloods, gives a peek into the personal and professional lives of courageous cops who are determined to keep the streets safe. It is centered around the 21st District of the Chicago Police Department with a special focus on its uniformed patrol officers and members of the Intelligence Unit.

Chicago P.D. stars Jason Beghe, Jon Seda, Sophia Bush, Jesse Lee Soffer, and others. The finale of the ongoing season 12 is set to premiere on November 6, 2024. Similar to Blue Bloods, this show is fast-paced which means that there is never a dull moment. Each episode has something interesting happening that helps keep the viewer invested season after season.

Beghe's character in Chicago P.D., Detective Sergeant Hank Voight, is as passionate about tackling crime as Tom Selleck's Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Voight isn't the only character who stands out. All of the characters in the show are well-written and have plausible backstories that make them relatable and realistic.

Where to watch: Chicago P.D. can be streamed on Prime Video, Peacock and Apple TV+.


Blue Bloods fans who are feeling blue about their favorite show coming to an end can indulge in these exciting shows that are equally dramatic and action-packed.

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Edited by Meeta Borah
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