Gritty ’90s Crime Shows: 5 Series That Pushed Boundaries
It’s always satisfying to watch a crime show. The procedural wraps up within an hour usually – unless the episode is “to be continued” – and the bad guy (or gal) is caught, and everything is copacetic again. These procedurals have been a staple on scripted television for years. However, in the 1990s we saw a rise of crime shows. These were more involved, with serialized storytelling and much deeper character development. This set the stage for some of the best crime show dramas that you see on television now.
Crime Shows that Showcase The Underbelly of Society
When you think of the most dramatic and gritty crime shows, probably “The Sopranos” and “The Wire” come to mind. Both of these series commanded cable during the earlier part of the 21st century. The two serialized dramas explored complex and controversial topics, flawed characters, and each made the city in which they were set in a large part of the plot.
North Jersey – the good and bad parts – played a part in “The Sopranos.” And don’t forget the Pine Barrens! Then “The Wire” put the harsh realities of Baltimore, front and center. Additionally, the complicated relationship with law enforcement, crime bosses, and politicians were constantly illustrated in this series. The production quality and sheer talent of the cast made these highly rated shows emotional, entertaining, and unforgettable.
5 Boundary Pushing Crime Shows
How did this television trend start? Let’s check out five crime shows that set the stage for gritty, realistic, and dramatic serialized storytelling to take over.
“Oz” 1997-2003
Before “Orange is the New Black” we had “Oz.” Taking place in Oswald “Oz” Max Security Correctional Facility, this drama explores harsh prison life. It looks at politics, corruption, drug dealing, and hierarchy. It pits not only prison guards against the inmates, but different gangs and affiliates against each other. Inmates are trying to survive and even thrive.
Standout performances are from Ernie Hudson, Harold Perrineau, Lee Turgesen, Dean Winters, Eamonn Walker, and especially J.K. Simmons. Simmons was sheer perfection in a frightening role as Schillinger, a neo nazi. This series is often overlooked because of better known series like “The Sopranos” on HBO (which we loved). This was certainly one complicated crime show worth watching.
“Profiler” (1996-2000)
The only crime about this crime show is the fact it was on for too short of a time. Another show that didn’t gain the same popularity as its successor did, like “Criminal Minds,” “Profiler” explores the criminal mind at its deepest level. The series followed Dr. Sam Waters (Ally Walker), a forensic profiler who works with the Violent Crimes Task Force.
Walker portrayed Dr. Waters with a unique blend of strength, calm, and determination to a tee. Complemented by actor Robert Davi and Roma Mafia, the series was tense, gritty and incredibly intriguing. Unfortunately, Walker left during season three, so the ratings fell.
“NYPD” Blue (1993-2005)
It would be remiss of us to not mention the groundbreaking and gritty crime show “NYPD Blue.” This crime show gave us a glimpse of life in New York’s busy 15th Precinct. It followed Detectives Sipowicz and Simone through their often difficult and sometimes ambiguous cases.
The show was largely responsible for launching or enhancing the careers of Jimmy Smits, Nicholas Turturro (“Blue Bloods”), Sharon Lawrence, Gordon Clapp (“Chicago Fire”), and Henry Simmons. But Dennis Franz was the real standout here. He played Sipowicz with both honor and tenacity. Under the character’s rough exterior, Franz adeptly showed his ability to be vulnerable and a bit likable. Franz garnered multiple awards for the role.
“Homicide: Life on the Street” (1993-1999)
In the same vein as “Law & Order” (heard of that show?) “Homicide: Life on the Street” featured Detectives Munch, Pembleton, and Bayliss as they navigated tough city life and major crimes in Baltimore. This was set in the same universe of “Law & Order,” following Detective Munch (Richard Belzer) and Detective Pembleton (Andre Braugher), as they both solved cases.
The critically acclaimed series earned multiple Emmy wins for acting (Braugher) and awards for series writer and director. Although it was a rough and harrowing watch at times, this gritty crime drama paved the way for shows like “The Wire” and later, “True Detective.”
“Law & Order” (1990-present)
This is the true “elephant in the precinct.” Need we say more? The long-running show was developed by Dick Wolf. It’s had multiple spin-offs to include “Law & Order: SVU” and even Canadian and British counterparts. It’s been an astounding 36 years since the start of this franchise!
What makes this crime show so amazingly successful? It’s likely the combination of character development, nuanced use of guest actors in roles (cast often against type), and crimes inspired by real life stories. (Also known as “ripped from the headline” type of writing.) The fact that the show and some of its spin-offs are still on today is a true testament of its phenomenal success.
Ingredients in a Good Crime Show
The 1990s saw the rise of these gripping police procedurals, which would entice the audience to “armchair solve” a crime. These series also provided us with relatable characters and intriguing sub-plots. Dark humor was occasionally used in these shows, utilized to endear a character or lighten the mood.
While we reflect on the gritty crime shows we referenced here, it’s important to acknowledge the influence they have had on contemporary shows. Without the groundwork these shows laid, we likely wouldn’t have the “CSI” franchise – and ultimately the crime shows which dominate the small screen today.
