Last updated March 2024
On the hunt for sensationally awesome Best Crime Tv Shows 2012? See our compilation of 30 marvelous, universally beloved Best Crime Tv Shows 2012 handpicked for your viewing pleasure. Critically celebrated by revered IMDB reviewers and widely adored by our own legion of savvy users, these world-class titles simply have no equal. Lend fellow viewers a hand by voting up the titles you feel are keepers. We appreciate your stellar contributions showcasing the finest entertainment available!
Line of Duty (2012)
Plot Summary:
Steve Arnott is a young officer who’s fallen foul of his superiors for refusing to help in the cover-up of an operation that ended in the shooting of an innocent father. He seems ideal to join AC-12, an anti-corruption police unit, just as it starts to investigate Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates, the regional force’s Officer of the Year
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
IMDB Votes: 68000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK
Plot tags: police corruption, honest law enforcer, corruption, female police detective, dirty cop, police detective, police, british police, policewoman, twists and turns, law enforcement, law enforcer, police procedural, secret, evidence, corrupt law enforcer, right and wrong, interrogation, police officer, officer, dishonesty, squad, investigation, internal affairs, murder mystery
Endeavour (2012)
Plot Summary:
The early days of a young Endeavour Morse, whose experiences as a detective constable with the Oxford City Police will ultimately shape his future
Duration: 89 min
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK
Plot tags: police, police detective, investigator, murderer, talented, police investigation, coworker, british, oxford, murder, intelligence, bodies, police procedural, law enforcement, investigation, whodunit, police protagonist, justice, murder mystery, who done it, uncover truth, mafia, pride and honor, boss, victim
Longmire (2012)
Plot Summary:
A Wyoming sheriff rebuilds his life and career following the death of his wife. Based on the “Walt Longmire” series of mystery novels written by best-selling author Craig Johnson
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
IMDB Votes: 39000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Western
Country: USA
Plot tags: sheriff, police, cowboy, small town, policewoman, machismo, police investigation, small town life, election, law enforcement, fighting crime, social relations, peril, police officer, native american, gunfight, shooting, greed, legal, father daughter relationship, graphic violence, small town sheriff, supernatural, murder, friends
Psycho-Pass (2012)
Plot Summary:
Psycho-Pass is a Japanese anime television series that takes place in the future where it is possible to instantaneously measure a person's mental state, personality, and the probability that a person will commit crimes with a device installed on each citizen's body called the Psycho-Pass. It follows members of Unit One of the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division and the crimes they investigate
Duration: 25 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Animation, Action, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country: Japan
Plot tags: cyberpunk, partners against crime, human nature, mastermind, police investigation, society, graphic violence, master criminal, psychopath, investigation, dystopia, psychology, death, chase, criminal, anarchist, dystopian future, distopia, police, violent content, life is a bitch, gore, mature, conspiracy, brutality
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)
Plot Summary:
Our lady sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920’s Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit. Leaving a trail of admirers in her wake, our thoroughly modern heroine makes sure she enjoys every moment of her lucky life. Based on author Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery novels
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Crime, Drama, History, Mystery
Country: Australia
Plot tags: investigation, private investigator, female detective, murder, private detective, heroine, murderer, riddles and clues, evidence, aristocracy, intelligence agency, female protagonist, feminism, murder investigation, independent woman, jazz, assistant, maid, strong female lead, police procedural, women, love, whodunit, lesbian, fashion
Ripper Street (2012)
Plot Summary:
A drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit
Duration: 59 min
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK, Ireland
Plot tags: serial killer, danger, killings, victim, police detective, victorian england, investigator, multiple suspects, jack the ripper, notoriety, murder, urban, detective inspector, who done it, responsibility, murderer, murder investigation, police investigation, corpse, evidence, law enforcement, law enforcer, police procedural, killer, spy
Elementary (2012)
Plot Summary:
A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 117000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: USA
Plot tags: investigation, sherlock holmes, private detective, talented, female partner, prodigy, mastermind, mind game, riddles and clues, unconventional method, law enforcement, friendship, resourceful, police detective, police investigation, intelligence, friends, teamwork, whodunit, expert, loyalty, multiple suspects, supportive friend, coworker, hotshot
The Bletchley Circle (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Bletchley Circle follows the journey of four ordinary women with extraordinary skills that helped to end World War II. Set in 1952, Susan, Millie, Lucy and Jean have returned to their normal lives, modestly setting aside the part they played in producing crucial intelligence, which helped the Allies to victory and shortened the war. When Susan discovers a hidden code behind an unsolved murder she is met by skepticism from the police. She quickly realises she can only begin to crack the murders and bring the culprit to justice with her former friends. The Bletchley Circle paints a vivid portrait of post-war Britain in this fictional tale of unsung heroes
Duration: 45 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK, Canada
Plot tags: crime investigation, investigation, amateur detective, world war two, riddles and clues, code breaking, serial killer, danger, murder, innocence, trial, suspicion, missing person, strong female character, feminist, murder mystery, women, mysticism, espionage, intrigue, strength, woman, resistance, sisterhood, girl power
Lilyhammer (2012)
Plot Summary:
Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt), is a former member of the New York mob. After testifying in a trial in the United States, Tagliano is relocated to Lillehammer in Norway through the FBI's witness protection program. Frank Tagliano was intrigued by Lillehammer when he saw television images of the Winter Olympics in 1994, and therefore chooses to start his new life there. The transition from being a feared and respected gangster in New York, to become an unemployed immigrant in Norway, is not simple. Frank discovers that to get up and in the Norwegian rural society, he must resort to the old, ruthless methods. The spelling of the series title alludes to Tagliano's dog Lily, and the way that Frank and some other anglophones pronounce the town's name
Duration: 45 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: Norway, USA
Plot tags: mafia, culture clash, dark humor, blackmail, lifestyle change, starting over, middle aged, business venture, businessman, small town life, fish out of water, gangster, shooting, snitch, criminal heroes, fbi, misfit, prejudice, social relations, immigrant, nordic, witness protection, nypd, judiciary, lawyer
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)
Plot Summary:
All of the movies you add will be added as part of this particular translation
Duration: 24 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Family, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country: USA
Plot tags: good versus evil, heroes, martial arts, superhero, mutant animal, ninja, mutant, sewer, enemy, mentor, master villain, teenager, turtle, nunchaku, buddies, genetically altered, ninja turtle, rat, comic book, talking animal, childhood, friends, imaginary, partner, escapades
Major Crimes (2012)
Plot Summary:
Major Crimes explores how the American justice system approaches the art of the deals as law enforcement officers and prosecutors work together to score a conviction. Los Angeles Police Captain Sharon Raydor heads up a special squad within the LAPD that deals with high-profile or particularly sensitive crimes
Duration: 43 min
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: USA
Plot tags: female detective, female protagonist, homicide detective, policewoman, police detective, law enforcement, lapd, murder investigation, murder, fighting crime, investigator, interrogation, police, crime investigation, police lieutenant, dead body, homicide, police investigation, coworker, swat team, murder mystery, police procedural, police station, investigation, legal
The Finder (2012)
Plot Summary:
Walter Sherman, an Iraq War veteran, has the extraordinary ability to help people find the unfindable
Duration: 44 min
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Plot tags: investigation, team, hotshot, weirdo, talented, teamwork, riddles and clues, partners against crime, peril, escapades, lawyer, coworker, evidence, expert, ex military, ex soldier, war veteran, chases and races, veteran, suspicion, partner, iraq veteran, brain injury, police, psychic
Magic City (2012)
Plot Summary:
Set in 1959 Miami, Florida shortly after the Cuban Revolution, Magic City tells the story of Ike Evans, the owner of Miami's most glamorous hotel, the Miramar Playa. Evans is forced to make an ill-fated deal with Miami mob boss Ben Diamond to ensure the success of his glitzy establishment
Duration: 50 min
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Plot tags: mob boss, hotshot, mafia, hotel, gangster, intrigue, organized crime, businessman, lifestyle, ambition, power struggle, family relations, rivalry, secret, rivals, slick, dishonesty, fbi, stripper, parents and children, seduction, infidelity, female nudity, mobster, sex
Perception (2012)
Plot Summary:
Dr. Daniel Pierce, a neuroscientist and professor, is recruited to help the federal government crack difficult cases. His intimate knowledge of human behavior and masterful understanding of the mind give him an extraordinary ability to read people, but his eccentric view of the world and less-than-stellar social skills can often interfere with his work
Duration: 42 min
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: USA
Plot tags: investigation, schizophrenia, fbi, prodigy, college professor, riddles and clues, hallucination, intelligence, talented, genius, law enforcement, professor, crime investigation, policewoman, investigator, doctor, special agent, murderer, psychopath, supernatural, outside help, mental illness, murder mystery, crime solving, women
Arrow (2012)
Plot Summary:
Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow
Duration: 42 min
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
IMDB Votes: 443000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Plot tags: superhero, heroes, double life, fighting crime, martial arts, rivalry, crime fighter, vigilante, archer, archery, dual identity, millionaire, vigilantism, parkour, twists and turns, righting the wronged, killings, young man, cop, multiverse, undercover, villain, corruption, organized crime, secret
Alcatraz (2012)
Plot Summary:
Alcatraz is an American television series created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt, and produced by J. J. Abrams and Bad Robot Productions. The series premiered on Fox on January 16, 2012, as a mid-season replacement. Switching between eras, the series focuses on the Alcatraz prison, which was allegedly shut down in 1963 due to unsafe conditions for its prisoners and guards. The show's premise is that both the prisoners and the guards disappeared in 1963 and have abruptly reappeared in modern-day San Francisco, where they are being tracked down by a government agency. The series starred Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia, Sam Neill and Parminder Nagra. The show was cancelled on May 9, 2012
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
IMDB Votes: 40000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: USA, Canada
Plot tags: prison, twists and turns, investigation, time travel, police investigation, uncover truth, law enforcement, murderer, warden, existence paradox, escaped prisoner, police detective, mysterious place, partner, hidden truth, merciless, government facility, secret agenda, island, conspiracy, dishonesty, disappearance, prison life, manhunt, alcatraz