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Based on the non-fiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets by David Simon, the cop show Homicide, or Homicide: Life on the Street, fictionally adapts the book’s Baltimore Police Department’s homicide unit and the cases they solve. The show aired for seven seasons from 1993 to 1999.
The series, created by Paul Attanasio, has an ensemble cast of Andre Braugher, Daniel Baldwin, and Richard Belzer, among others. Author and former police reporter David Simon is associated with it as a producer and consultant.
Homicide is critically acclaimed for its gritty realism and has received recognition from the Directors Guild of America Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards. The show is also consistently ranked among the Best TV Shows of all time.
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For those who admire the brilliant acting, taut direction, and tense drama of this 90s show, here are eight other similar series to watch.
The Wire, Southland, Law & Order, and other shows to watch after Homicide
1) The Wire - Prime Video
Another brilliant crime drama from David Simon, The Wire is also based in Baltimore and aired from 2002 to 2008. The show was a sleeper hit and is now regarded as one of the finest procedural dramas.
From its astute depiction of the police force as an imperfect institution (similar to Homicide), the casting of diverse actors, and its accurate portrayal of the Baltimore dialect—The Wire nailed everything down to the minutest details.
The series is also uniquely known for its exploration of gray characters. Most importantly, the show lays bare the flaws of mighty metropolitan institutions like bureaucracy, the education system, and the media.
2) NYPD Blue - Apple TV+
Created by Steven Bochco and David Milch, this police drama is set in New York City, specifically focusing on the cases concerning the fictional 15th Precinct detective squad, based out of Manhattan. The show aired from 1993 to 2005, making it one of the longest-running drama series.
During its entirety, the show ran into controversies for its explicit language and nudity—a rare occurrence for network television during the early 90s. Yet, the show is a cult classic and is similar in tone to Homicide, such as in its depiction of realistic police departments and character-centric story arcs like that of Detective Andy Sipowicz.
3) Luther - Prime Video
Starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther and Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan, this British series is a psychological crime thriller. Written by Neil Cross, the show is like a cat-and-mouse game between Luther and Morgan. While Luther is a dedicated inspector, Morgan is a murderer and psychopath, who Luther is unable to arrest.
Over the course of the series, the two form an unlikely and complex partnership, as Morgan helps Luther catch other criminals. The show leans heavily on psychological elements and offers layered portrayals like Homicide: Life on the Street. The series gave way to a movie, and Idris’ acting won him several awards.
4) Southland - Apple TV+
Created by Ann Biderman, Southland is a crime drama that aired from 2009 to 2013. The show is character-driven, like Homicide, and dives deep into the lives of police officers, in this case, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
It mainly revolves around four characters—Officers Ben Sherman, John Cooper, Detective Lydia Adams, and Detective Sammy Bryant.
The show is praised for being true to its setting in LA and highlighting issues regarding the LGBTQ+, classism, and working conditions of police officers. The series has a snappy and crisp direction and is loaded with offbeat humor.
5) Detroit 1-8-7 - Prime Video
Centered around the leading homicide unit of a police department, like in Homicide, Detroit 1-8-7 is a gritty police procedural drama based on the Detroit Police Department. The show’s title refers to the California Penal Code for homicide and features an ensemble cast including Michael Imperioli and Natalie Martinez, along with others.
The show is stylishly produced and has an edgy vibe. It includes similar elements to Homicide, such as being set in a smaller city, the realistic banter between the agents, and the character depth. It also has tense episodes that lead to a shocking finale.
6) The Shield - Prime Video
The Shield, created by Shawn Ryan, is an acclaimed crime drama that honestly shows corrupt police officers. The series stars Michael Chiklis, Glenn Close, Walton Goggins, and others.
It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2002, and the final season won a 2008 AFI Award for Best Television Series. The story is about LAPD’s experimental division in the fictional Farmington district, filled with gang violence and drug trafficking.
The series has a no-nonsense approach like Homicide and highlights the questionable methods used by the division’s strike team, led by Vic Mackey (Chiklis). The show is noted for its unflinching narration and use of handheld cameras for a documentary feel that adds to the realism.
7) Law & Order - Prime Video
A staple in pop culture, Law & Order combines police procedural with legal drama. The show’s unique format displayed a case being solved by two sides—the police and the prosecution. Created by Dick Wolf, the show aired from 1990 to 2010, and then again, ongoing from 2022 to the present.
The show is a fan favorite, has given rise to multiple spin-offs and media franchises, and has won several Emmy Awards. The show is based in New York City and is inspired by real-life crimes that are adapted for fictional purposes. It is more dramatic than Homicide but is a cornerstone crime drama series.
8) Chicago P.D. - Prime Video
Also created by Dick Wolf, this police drama packs a punch with its action scenes. The show is a spin-off of Chicago Fire, focusing on the street crimes occurring in Chicago’s fictional 21st District. The show is led by Intelligence Unit leader, Detective Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), who is also seen in Chicago Fire.
The show has received mixed reviews but its initial seasons were particularly praised for showing a corrupt cop turning good, introducing complex characters like Homicide, and showcasing strong female characters that hold their own.
Viewers can go through this list and enjoy the thrill of a procedural drama and investigative fiction, again.
