3 Crime Dramas Better Than Breaking Bad

3 Crime Dramas Better Than Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is widely recognized as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, especially among crime dramas. Its story of a struggling chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin offered a compelling and rich concept. With an outstanding cast and creative team, it quickly earned a place on many "best of" lists following its 2013 finale.

The crime drama genre is exceptionally popular with both audiences and creators, often serving as the stage for showrunners' magnum opuses. This is why several crime series have managed to outshine even Breaking Bad in the eyes of many viewers.

The Shield

Often overlooked in discussions of the greatest TV shows, The Shield was the first prestige series to debut on the then new FX channel, which limited its initial audience. It also aired alongside The Sopranos, which may have saturated viewers with morally complex antiheroes. Despite this, The Shield remains a critically acclaimed and fan-favorite series.

The show stars Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey, leader of an experimental unit in one of Los Angeles's most dangerous neighborhoods.

"The Shield is an incredible show, widely regarded by critics and fans alike."

The series stands out for its raw portrayal of crime and law enforcement, setting a high bar for storytelling within the genre.

Author's Summary

This article highlights three crime dramas that surpass Breaking Bad, emphasizing the genre’s depth and the lasting impact of shows like The Shield.

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Screen Rant Screen Rant — 2025-11-05