10 Shows Like Line of Duty (2012) You Need to Watch

Description: Like 'Line of Duty', 'The Shield' delves into the morally ambiguous world of law enforcement, focusing on a specialized unit that often bends the rules to achieve justice. Both series explore themes of corruption, loyalty, and the thin line between right and wrong within police departments. The gritty, realistic portrayal of police work and the intense, fast-paced storytelling are key similarities.

Fact: 'The Shield' was one of the first TV shows to feature antiheroes as main characters, paving the way for series like 'Breaking Bad'. The show was praised for its raw and unflinching depiction of police corruption. Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey, the show's morally complex protagonist.

Description: 'The Wire' shares with 'Line of Duty' a deep, systemic look at the institutions of law enforcement and the complexities of policing. Both series are known for their meticulous attention to detail, realistic dialogue, and multi-layered storytelling. The focus on institutional corruption and the impact on individual officers is a strong parallel.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by David Simon, a former police reporter, which lends authenticity to its portrayal of crime and policing. The show is often cited as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Unlike many crime dramas, 'The Wire' explores the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to crime.

Description: 'Luther' and 'Line of Duty' both feature brilliant but flawed detectives navigating the dark underbelly of crime. The intense, psychological storytelling and the focus on the moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement are key similarities. Both shows also feature strong, charismatic leads in Idris Elba and Martin Compston.

Fact: 'Luther' stars Idris Elba in a career-defining role as the titular detective. The show is known for its stylish, cinematic visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. Luther's iconic coat became a symbol of the character's brooding intensity.

Description: 'The Killing' and 'Line of Duty' both focus on long-form investigations, with each season dedicated to a single case. The shows share a gritty, realistic tone and a focus on the emotional toll of police work. The strong female lead in 'The Killing', played by Sofie Gråbøl, is another point of similarity.

Fact: 'The Killing' is a Danish series that gained international acclaim and was remade in the US. The show's protagonist, Sarah Lund, is known for her iconic sweater. The series was praised for its slow-burn storytelling and complex characterizations.

Description: Like 'Line of Duty', 'Happy Valley' features a strong, morally complex female lead in a police setting. Both shows explore themes of justice, revenge, and the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. The gritty, realistic tone and focus on character-driven storytelling are key similarities.

Fact: 'Happy Valley' was created by Sally Wainwright, known for her strong female characters. The show's title refers to the ironic nickname for the Calder Valley, where the series is set. Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood earned widespread acclaim.

Description: 'Broadchurch' shares with 'Line of Duty' a focus on the meticulous unraveling of a crime, with a strong emphasis on the emotional and psychological impact on the investigators and the community. Both shows are praised for their strong character development and realistic portrayal of police procedures.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was a critical and commercial success in the UK, reviving interest in British crime dramas. The show stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman, whose performances were highly praised. The series was filmed on location in Dorset, giving it a distinctive visual style.

Description: 'The Fall' shares with 'Line of Duty' a focus on the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and a cunning criminal. Both shows are known for their psychological depth and suspenseful storytelling. The strong female lead in 'The Fall', played by Gillian Anderson, is another point of similarity.

Fact: 'The Fall' stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer played by Jamie Dornan. The show was praised for its slow-burn tension and character development. It was one of the first BBC dramas to be picked up by Netflix, gaining an international audience.

Description: 'True Detective' and 'Line of Duty' both feature intense, character-driven narratives centered around police investigations. The anthology format of 'True Detective' allows for deep dives into complex cases, similar to the serialized investigations in 'Line of Duty'. Both shows also explore the psychological toll of police work on their protagonists.

Fact: The first season of 'True Detective' starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, whose performances were widely acclaimed. The show is known for its philosophical undertones and existential themes. Each season features a different cast and storyline, making it unique among crime dramas.

Description: 'Unforgotten' and 'Line of Duty' both focus on cold cases and the painstaking process of uncovering the truth. Both series emphasize the human stories behind the crimes and the impact on the investigators. The procedural elements and the focus on teamwork within the police force are strong parallels.

Fact: 'Unforgotten' features a rotating cast of guest stars, each season focusing on a different cold case. The show is known for its emotional depth and nuanced characterizations. Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar star as the lead detectives, with their chemistry being a highlight of the series.

Description: 'Bodyguard' and 'Line of Duty' share a creator in Jed Mercurio, ensuring similar themes of political intrigue, corruption, and high-stakes action. Both shows feature intense, twist-filled narratives and a focus on the personal and professional lives of their protagonists.

Fact: 'Bodyguard' became the UK's most-watched drama in over a decade, with over 17 million viewers. Richard Madden's performance earned him a Golden Globe. The show's opening scene, a tense train sequence, was widely praised for its suspense.