3 Crime Dramas Better Than Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is widely recognized as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, especially within the crime drama genre. Its story of a struggling chemistry teacher turning into a drug kingpin captivated audiences and critics alike. When it ended in 2013, it quickly secured a spot on many best-of lists, thanks to its strong cast and creative team.
Crime dramas remain highly popular for viewers and creators, often being the genre where showrunners deliver their finest work. This has led to several exceptional series that can even rival Breaking Bad in quality.
The Shield
Often overlooked among the greatest shows, The Shield was the first prestige series on the then-new FX channel, which limited its early viewership. It also aired during the era of The Sopranos, when audiences were already exposed to complex antiheroes.
Despite this, The Shield is a critically acclaimed and fan-favorite series. It stars Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey, head of an experimental division tackling some of Los Angeles' most dangerous neighborhoods.
"The series stars Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey of the LAPD. Mackey is the head of an experimental division in one of LA's most dangerous districts."
The Shield’s intense storytelling and gritty realism have earned it a lasting reputation as a standout crime drama.