Crime and thriller shows are my absolute favorite to watch. I watch them so much that I’ve got my mom a little hooked, too. I’ve seen my fair share of shows in each genre, both good and bad. So, I’ve compiled a list of my ten favorite crime and thriller series (in no particular order).

Law and Order: SVU

This is easily one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Our titular character, Dexter, is a blood-spatter analyst by day, serial killer by night. But, he only targets other killers. Dexter is a bit gorier than some of the other shows on the list but, if you don’t mind violence, you should definitely give it a watch.

The Following

The Following tells the story of retired FBI agent, Ryan Hardy, as he tries to capture escaped serial killer Joe Carol. If you’re interested in the occult, you’ll love this one. This show had me captivated from the first episode. Not to mention, Kevin Bacon plays Ryan Hardy, and who doesn't love Kevin Bacon?

The Handmaid’s Tale

This is a Hulu original based on the novel by Margaret Atwood. The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian story that you just have to see to believe; it’s hard to explain without giving too much away. There’s only one season so far, but you’ll be craving the second season by the time you finish watching.

Criminal Minds

I’m still working my way through Criminal Minds, but it’s my favorite “background noise show.” That’s not to say that I don’t pay attention to what’s happening, but because there isn’t really one story arc, it’s a great show to watch while getting ready in the morning, doing the dishes, etc.

Ozark

Ozark is a Netflix original about money laundering full of suspense. My boyfriend introduced this show to me and, though the money talk can be confusing to me, I was instantly drawn in. (Luckily my dad is an accountant and was able to explain the technicalities to me.)

How to Get Away With Murder

This is another series that I haven’t caught up to, but seriously got addicted to. It’s super suspenseful and will have you biting your nails every second. Plus, Viola Davis is always a win.

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is another pretty gory show, so if you’re squeamish I’d skip this one. If you love suspense and zombies, then what are you waiting for? The series has been kind of going downhill the past couple of seasons, but hopefully it will pick back up soon.

Stranger Things

This Netflix original is full of 80s nostalgia and Sci-Fi goodness. You’ll be scared, confused, but most importantly, invested. The plot can be confusing at first, but you will be pulled in by the suspense and those adorable kids.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror, what are you doing with your life? I have been obsessed since I first watched this Netflix original a few months ago. This show is all about the potential consequences of technological advances. The show is an anthology of different stories that are all confirmed to take place in the same universe. So while the stories may not be directly connected, you will see pieces of episodes intermingling. My one piece of advice: don’t start with the first season. Start with season three, then go back to season one and continue on. You will thank me later.