American procedural crime dramas hold a special place in viewers’ hearts, and there are several reasons why they have become so popular. First, these shows offer audiences thrilling storylines based on crime investigations. Each episode is a self-contained story, allowing viewers to enjoy the intellectual battle between good and evil, creating an atmosphere of tension.
Secondly, the characters are often well-developed and multi-layered. Viewers become attached to the detectives and police officers, experiencing with them not only professional but also personal dramas. Their personalities are frequently filled with depth, allowing for an emotional connection with the audience. Viewers see them not just as protectors of the law, but as people with their own problems and inner conflicts.
A prime example of such a procedural is The Rookie. This series follows John Nolan, who, after a tough divorce and the traumatic experience of being a victim of a bank robbery, decides to become a police officer. The only catch is that he’s over 40, and competing with younger cops is quite a challenge. But his sense of humour and life experience work in his favour. We’ve gathered four more series with a similar atmosphere to The Rookie.
Southland
The crime drama Southland explores the workings of the police department in Los Angeles. A seasoned professional is tasked with mentoring rookie Ben, who faces numerous challenges. Additionally, there's a female officer hoping to be the first woman in the special forces unit, but her career is hindered by colleagues. Like The Rookie, Southland offers a detailed portrayal of police work and shares the sunny atmosphere of Los Angeles.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
This sitcom focuses on the work of police officers in a particular precinct. The main character, Jake Peralta, often makes funny mistakes but shows incredible bravery when needed. Brooklyn Nine-Nine shares a similar humour with The Rookie, as Nathan Fillion's character also often cracks jokes in the procedural.
Castle
In fact, Fillion is no stranger to police procedurals. One of his most well-known series is Castle, where he plays a detective novelist who, by chance, becomes involved in police investigations. His unique perspective and vast network of useful connections help solve crimes. Eventually, he even finds love.
The Mentalist
And of course, we can’t forget about another unconventional procedural that aired around the same time as Castle. In The Mentalist, a non-professional also helps the police. Patrick Jane, a former psychic, believes that all of his colleagues are charlatans. After the brutal murder of his family, he decides to find the killer himself. Like The Rookie, the main character changes careers later in life after a series of difficult life events.
