The Best Current Procedural Dramas

Updated February 11, 2021 6.3k votes 2.1k voters 37.9k views28 items

List RulesProcedural crime dramas currently airing in a first TV run

List of top procedural dramas currently on-air. Television dramas fall into two categories: procedural and serial. Dramatic series in the procedural genre often have one new plot line every week, as opposed to a serial, shows with a continuing story arc or plot. Procedurals often follow a "case-of-the-week" formula, which makes the story easy for television viewers to follow. A number of procedural programs have been included in the greatest TV dramas of all time. This list includes both serial cop dramas, medical dramas, and serial legal dramas, as well as long-running procedurals.

One of the most successful procedural drama franchises is NCIS, which premiered in 2003 and has launched two popular spin-offs NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. Current procedural dramas feature a dynamic and memorable lead character with a quirky personality, though ensemble casts are also common in any drama procedural, especially in most-watched shows set around a law enforcement agency, medical facility, or courtroom. The predictable format of such highly-rated programs also makes it easy to air as re-runs because viewers often don't have to follow a certain order or have seen previous episodes.

What is the best current procedural drama? Many are among the best current network dramas, and all are great TV entertainment. Use the list below to vote for the top dramatic procedural that is currently on-air, and if your favorite show isn't included, make sure to add to the list so that other viewers can become fans, too!

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Nathan Fillion, Afton Williamson
Premiered: 2018
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NCIS
Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly
Premiered: 2003
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Freddie Highmore, Antonia Thomas
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Scott Bakula, Lucas Black
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Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu
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Clarice
Nick Sandow, Lara Binamé
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True Detective
Mahershala Ali, Matthew McConaughey
Premiered: 2013
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The Murders
Jessica Lucas, Dylan Bruce
Premiered: 2021
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Perception
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The Good Doctor

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