For many decades, crime shows have captivated audiences around the world. Their success depends on how good the storylines are, and the detective who leads the cases. These two factors determine whether viewers will tune in week after week, or they will give up shortly after the premiere.
Olivia Benson
Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) has served as the peoples detective in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. Benson was able to thrive and build a professional career that led her to lead the unit as a captain.
Benson was able to blossom both as a professional and as a person throughout the years. Becoming Captain Benson and a mother, she's accomplished some of her greatest goals. Overcoming the death of her partner, showing newcomers the rope, and returning her partner after a decade, whatever it is, Benson can do it.
Amanda Rollins
During her 12th season on Law & Order: SVU, Kelli Giddish did the impossible and became a popular Georgia peach. Although the task may have been difficult, Detective Amanda Rollins stole everyone's attention.
When Season 24 premieres, Giddish will step down. There are plenty of memories to remember her. Rollins grew as a woman, overcoming a gambling addiction, becoming a better detective, and finding the love of her life.
Jo Danville
CSI: NY brought Jo Danville (Sela Ward) to life during the seventh season. Although the team was already established, Danville's southern charm won everyone over, including tough boss Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise). It didnt take long for the audience to connect with the former FBI agent.
Jo Danville was the best in the game for three seasons, putting her expertise to the test on every occasion. She was warm and charming, but also gifted and knowledgeable. Her personal life (her children and her past) made her more relatable to the audience.
Lindsay Messer
Lindsay Messer (Anna Belknap) is a well-known detective because of personal hardships they have had to overcome. She was able to carry out her role in almost every case she was a part of.
Lindsay Messer spent half her time on the field and half her time working on the papers as a crime scene investigator. This combination of both activities has made her a great team player. Her path as a mother and wife showed the public her caring side, making them fall in love with her.
Kate Beckett
Without Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), although the show was titled Castle, and many may think it was all about Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), it would not have been what it was without her. The chemistry between the two definitely drew fans back every week and celebration when the couple got married.
Beckett went from a homicide detective to the lead of the NYPD's 12th Precinct. Fans of the show got to see her progress in her professional life and have a happy ending in her personal life.
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Natalia Boa Vista
Horatio Caine (David Caruso) is one of the most popular characters in the CSI universe, but he would not be able to solve as many cases as he did without the assistance of his team in Season 4. Natalia Boa Vista (Eva LaRue) was a regular member of CSI: Miami.
Natalia was initially thought to be an informant who was attempting to disrupt the lab. However, as Season 4 progressed, the crew realized she was only sharing positive information in an effort to make the team shine. After this embarrassing episode, she became a valued member of the team and loved by the audience.
Amy Santiago
Brooklyn Nine-Nine proved that crime shows could be successful thanks to an array of detectives with differing abilities. Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) was introduced to the public, causing the audience to fall in love with a smart, courageous, and funny character.
Santiago left the show as Chief, but spent the majority of the seasons looking for a mentor. Her admiration for Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) created one of the best dynamics on the program. Her fierceness led to her incredible marriage to Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a fan-favorite ship.
Dana Scully
If it hadn't been for The X-Files, there wouldn't have been as many FBI investigation shows, and those who love it know that Dana Scully wouldn't have been the same without Gillian Anderson's portrayal. She is considered one of the finest detectives in TV history because of her experience.
Anderson's ability and Scully's bond with Mulder (David Duchovny) are the reasons people continue to refer to her decades after the premiere. She became such an iconic figure that she was forced to include her in the ten more episodes she renewed for Season 11.
Catherine Willows
Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) was the lead actress on CSIin 2000, and fans fell in love with her mannerisms, skill, knowledge, and caring nature. She would always supervise strong male personalities, but never let that dim light down.
Willows appeared in Season 14, causing fans to want more. Lucky for those who havent stopped falling in love with her character, Helgenberger will reprise her role in Season 2 of CSI: Vegas.
Sara Sidle
Jorja Fox was hired as an assistant supervisor for Helgenberger's CSI unit in Season 8, after she left to live with her husband Gil Grissom (William Petersen). She later returned during Season 10 due to a long-distance relationship.
She always had a close connection with Grissom, making them one of the greatest love stories in the CSI universe. However, Sidle was a fan-favorite as an individual character as well for her determination and resourcefulness.