Today TV shows are not far behind movies in terms of providing world-class entertainment to viewers. The recent TV shows provide that extra entertainment factor to people who are sometimes not even seen in movies. Out of the many genres of TV shows which are currently on air, I believe crime has the largest fan following. There's something different about the whole concept of crime shows; the scary atmosphere, the chase to hunt down the culprit, the confusion, the clues and the never expected ending makes the TV time more entertaining. Even though this genre has a large fan following, there are very few good quality shows which can be called the best crime TV shows. This article is a tribute to all those great shows which made weeknights even more scary. Best Crime Shows 2011 Almost all TV show followers and critics have agreed that 2010 was a great year for television shows. However, 2011 is surely going to be nerve-wracking with many new crime shows coming to air and new seasons of the previous hit series making their comeback this fall. Let's have a look at the various crime TV shows for 2011. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC Since the show's debut in 1999, it has been one of the most successful Crime TV shows on the planet. With over 200 episodes, this show keeps getting better like a good old wine. The show focuses cops and detectives and the various methods they apply in catching criminals. Almost every episode of the show is loosely based on real life crimes and murders which had received some media attention. Dexter, Showtime The sixth season is going to premier this fall and people are anxiously waiting for it. Dexter is the most successful television series on Showtime and the story focuses on a forensics expert hired with the Miami police department who becomes a serial killer at night to quench his own thirst for blood. This highly acclaimed crime drama starts Michael C Hall, Jennifer Carpenter and Julie Benz. Breaking Bad, AMC Breaking Bad is the ultimate critics child. Since its inception in 2008, this crime drama has been one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows and it continues to get high ratings. It is a journey of a chemistry teacher who has taken the path of crime to support his family after he contracted terminal cancer. He and his former student join the business of making the world's top quality crystal meth. The show has just completed its 3rd season and the lead actor Bryan Cranston took home his 3rd consecutive Emmy. Castle, ABC If you ask me, I never thought Castle would be a hit drama show. I mean the whole idea of a fictional writer helping the NYPD solve criminal cases sounded too bizarre. But who cares what I think, Castle has been declared a hit and it is one of the most watched crime shows on TV today. The chemistry between Castle (Nathan Fillion) and detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) keeps this show very lively and interesting. The Mentalist, CBS Another interesting crime syndicated show, The Mentalist showcases the talents of Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) a psychic, who helps the CBI close criminal cases. The show debuted in the year 2008 and has enjoyed great ratings and reviews since then. The 3rd season has currently ended and the 4th season will air on CBS this fall. Best Crime TV Shows of All Time Other than the top crime TV shows of 2011, here's a list of some of the best crime shows of the past which gave TV viewers countless amazing moments of entertainment.

Crime Shows	Network
The Wire	HBO
The Shield	FX
Prison Break	Fox
OZ	HBO
Hustle	BBC
Without a Trace	CBS
The Sopranos	HBO
Brotherhood	Showtime
Miami Vice	NBC
Magnum, P.I.	CBS

Hope you've liked reading on the best crime shows of all time. It is very obvious that I may have missed out on a few favorites, so don't be disappointed and leave the names in the comment box and share your views with others.