Ah, the 80s and 90s! A time when shoulder pads were bigger than your hopes and dreams for the future and mullets were, for some reason, a fashion statement. But if there's one thing we can all agree was bang-on in that era, it's the abundance of epic crime-detective TV shows. So, pop in your mixtape, tease that hair, and let's revisit the 10 best crime-solving shows.
Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988) Before Tom Selleck was making us laugh with his thick moustache and "dad" vibes in "Friends", he was...well, still rocking that moustache, but solving crimes in Hawaii as Thomas Magnum. Aloha, plot twist!
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996) The late GREAT Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a writer turned amateur detective, was such a beacon of hope. Casually solving murders in between writing novels and attending garden parties… what a legend!
Columbo (1968-2003) Technically, Columbo started in the 70s, but its iconically shabby detective, played by Peter Falk, continued to cause chaos in the 80s and 90s. His catchphrase? "Just one more thing..."
Miami Vice (1984-1990) Pastel suits. White loafers. And oh, those glorious sunsets. Miami Vice wasn't just a show; it was an aesthetic. Detectives Crockett and Tubbs made crime-solving look so...tropical?
A Touch of Frost (1992-2010) Introducing Detective Inspector Jack Frost. David Jason, with his tousled hair and gritty demeanor, took us on intense journeys through the grim streets of Denton. A touch of class, this one!
Inspector Morse (1987-2000) Oxford's most famous detective, Inspector Morse, was sharp, cultured, and had a soft spot for opera and ale. With his trusty sidekick Lewis, he navigated the cobblestone streets and elite colleges, proving crime doesn’t discriminate – even if you went to Oxford.
Hill Street Blues (1981-1987) An ensemble cast, personal dramas, and a lot of "let's be careful out there." This series gave us a closer look at the police precinct's daily grind, reminding us that behind every badge is... another cop show.
Cagney & Lacey (1982-1988) Dynamic female duo? Check. Exploring societal issues while catching criminals? Double check. Cagney & Lacey were groundbreaking not just for their detective prowess but for being women in a man's world. Power couple goals!
Prime Suspect (1991-2006) Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison was a force to be reckoned with. Trailblazing for female detectives on screen, this series was dark, gritty, and proof that Britain can do “edgy” as well as any American show.
The Bill (1984-2010) A long-standing staple of British TV, The Bill gave viewers a look into the lives of police officers in London's fictional Sun Hill. With dramatic chase sequences and tea breaks, it's quintessentially British.
So there you have it! The crème de la crème of 80s and 90s crime detective shows. Whether you were a Miami pastel enthusiast or more of a gritty London streets aficionado, there was something for everyone. Now, all we need is a reboot with all these detectives coming together. "Avengers of Crime", anyone? Until then, let’s just binge-watch these classics and relive the nostalgia. Mullets optional.