Whether you're like me and enthralled when the mystery, the murder or "the game is on" -- or you just want an engaging show to watch -- you've come to the right place. To me, there is nothing more exciting than that spark as you piece together a mystery, the thrill when a twist arises and that calm-before-the-storm when the darkness is grounded by the humanity of the cast (and, sometimes, even the antagonist's). You will find this, and more, in the list below! Enjoy!
For the fans of classical crimes
"Criminal Minds"
"Criminal Minds" is one of the few shows that gets more interesting (and creepier) the longer it is on. Seeing as how the show is on its twelfth season, that’s saying something. Whether you are a long-time fan who watches every premiere like me, or you just happen to land on an episode while flipping channels, you will be hooked—if not by the great chemistry of the cast, then by the crimes that stay fresh and thrilling.
Synopsis: As self-described by the show’s creators, “An elite squad of FBI profilers analyzes the country's most-twisted criminal minds, anticipating the perpetrators' next moves before they can strike again. Each member of the "mind hunter" team brings his or her expertise to pinpoint predators' motivations and identify emotional triggers in order to stop them. The team is led by a strong profiler, Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, who excels at gaining people's trust and eliciting their secrets. Other members of the team include a specialist on obsessional crimes, a quirky genius, and a computer wizard.”
What I love most about "Criminal Minds": The team. What I believe makes "Criminal Minds" stand above the other police shows is the chemistry of the team. In the same way that every person has a part to play in solving crimes, each member also has a part to play in this family dynamic. Unlike the other police shows, you really see the bond between the cast. They are not just coworkers, but a family, whether they are pranking each other on their jet or guarding one another’s back in the line of fire.
It took me over an hour to wade through the genius known as "Criminal Minds" to pick my favorite quotes, so gosh darn it, you’re getting three:
Hotchner: You were just responding to what you learned, Vincent. When you grow up in an environment like that, an extremely abusive and violent household… it's not surprising that some people grow up to become killers.
Vincent: Some people?
Hotchner: What's that?
Vincent: You said some people grow up to become killers.
Hotchner: ... And some people grow up to catch them.
(From “Natural Born Killer." Season one, episode eight.)
"Hotch, I was a 12-year-old prodigy in a Las Vegas public high school. You kick like a nine-year-old girl."
(From “L.D.S.K.” Season one, episode six.
Garcia: Emily, The Strange and Great, what can I do you for?
Prentiss: Hey, I'm looking for a drug that would temporarily paralyze or subdue someone, not kill them, but give full control.
Garcia: Well, I always use alcohol - less fuss, way cheaper.
(From “A Higher Power.” Season three, episode 15.)
For the sci-fi enthusiasts
"Orphan Black"
Clones, murders, biotechnology, conspiracies and self-directed evolution -- where do I begin? This show is not so much about criminals as it about crimes against humanity, although, I suppose crime is a relative term, depending on whose side you’re on in this show. Having finished its fourth season, "Orphan Black" is an intense thriller of a roller coaster that makes you question just how far we should go when it comes to our power over the human life.
Synopsis: Sarah Manning’s decision to steal the identify of a woman who committed suicide and looks exactly like her leads her to unravel the mystery of a conspiracy that will dictate not only her present and future, but also that of her sister-clones.
What I love most about "Orphan Black": The acting. While the entire cast is skillful, Tatiana Maslany may be the best performer of our time. I often find when actors become well-known it is harder to immerse yourself in their role because you are consciously aware that you are watching a famous celebrity. I never find this to be true when watching Tatiana Maslany, who plays most of the cast in "Orphan Black." In fact, a phenomenon shared by the fans of "Orphan Black" is how Maslany disappears so completely into her roles that several of her characters can be on-screen at once and yet, even as you watch them, you forget they are all played by the same actress.
One of my favorite quotes: “OK, let's talk nature. Out of nine [clones] so far, one's a psycho who killed four others, one committed suicide, one is a bloody soccer-mum, and then there's you. My crazy sister is sane by comparison.”
(From “Effects of External Conditions.” Season one, episode four.)
For the fairytale-lovers
"Grimm"
Are normal cops and criminals not cutting it for you? Do you prefer something a little more -- magical? Look no further! Going on its sixth season, "Grimm" is for those ready to peel back the sweet, sing-song sugar coating of fairytales and confront the dark monsters lurking under their beds -- sometimes literally!
Synopsis: Nick Burkhardt, a homicide detective in Portland, Oregon, learns that he descends from a family of Grimms, who are fabled vigilantes duty-bound to keep the peace between humans and creatures known as Wesen.
What I love most about "Grimm": The sheer uniqueness. I dare you to name one other TV show that stars an antique-enthusiast, Pilates-loving, vegetarian werewolf. Quirks aside, this show will suck you into a captivating world of bizarre creatures and crimes that will bring a new definition to the word grim.
One of my favorite quotes: “"If the fortune tellers were any good, they would have seen it coming."
(From “Marechaussee.”Season four, episode 12.)
For those who want a trip to the dark side
"The Blacklist"
It never felt so good to be so bad. Coming out on its fourth season, The Blacklist will make you question which side you really want to be on when it comes to a life of crime. No one does “fugitive” with as much flair as Raymond Reddington (James Spader).
Synopsis: Raymond Reddington, the “concierge of crime” who is on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, surrenders himself to offer help in catching his fellow criminals…under one condition: he communicates with only Elizabeth Keen, a profiler who has only just begun her career. Now Keen must discover her connection with this criminal mastermind in order to separate the truth from the web of lies that have ensnared her life.
What I love most about "The Blacklist": The connection between Reddington and Keen. Throughout the series, there is the perpetual question of whether or not Reddington is Keen’s father. Regardless of their relation, I am constantly intrigued as I watch Elizabeth’s bond develop from one of distrust to eventual acceptance for her ever-vigilant guardian, Raymond Reddington.
One of my favorite quotes: “I’m a sin eater. I absorb the misdeeds of others, darkening my soul to keep theirs pure. That is what I’m capable of.”
(From “Tom Connoly.” Season two, episode 22.)
For the idiots, geniuses, IQs in-between, adrenaline-junkies, detectives, Sherlockians and anyone else.
"Sherlock"
My favorite TV show of all time! To explain just how captivating this show is, I will tell you that my mom and I were flipping through the channels when we stumbled on the last ten minutes of the first episode of "Sherlock." We had no idea what was going on, but we were more riveted by the last minutes than we had been by any other full-length show in ages. "Sherlock" has everything, from exhilarating crimes, complicated characters, brilliant humor, touching moments and one amazing bromance.
For the diehard Doyle fans: People often fear that a new version will not stand up to the charm of the original. When it comes to "Sherlock," have no fear. Being an Arthur Conan Doyle fan myself, I can tell you firsthand that the show captures the elegance and brilliance of the original, while bringing it up to date in an incredibly realistic and thought-out way (plus, they give Watson the respect he deserves). You can tell the creators of "Sherlock" have just as much respect and admiration for Doyle’s work as any other Holmesian.
What I love most about "Sherlock": Everything. Not kidding! With the other shows I can point to a singular thread that keeps me captivated, but with "Sherlock," it’s not one thread -- it’s an entire coat with a red buttonhole. (Observe the picture above to get the joke). In between the moments of brilliant deductions and crimes that keep you on your toes, you can also see how the characters grow. Their developments, both subtle and significant, are visible as you watch a cold-hearted sociopath gain humanity and a war veteran realize he has a life to live after all. The off-camera subtleties also play a part in this groundbreaking show. If you are interested in filming or “behind-the-scenes” information, you only have to watch the beginning five minutes of the first episode to recognize the innovative techniques that the creators employ.
One of my favorite quotes: “I’m not a psychopath, Anderson. I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.”
(From “A Study in Pink.” Season one, episode one.)
