Crime Dramas That Start with a Bang

Crime shows are known for their gripping starts that make you want to watch more. Unlike other genres, crime dramas have to set up a lot in the first few minutes. They need to introduce characters, the crime, and the mystery.

Sneaky Pete

Kicks off with a tense moment between Marius and Pete. Marius teases Pete about his past, which hints that Marius will pretend to be Pete. This makes viewers curious about Marius's true intentions.

Good Girls

Begins by showing the everyday lives of three mothers. Then, it shocks viewers by showing them robbing a store. This opening makes you wonder why they did it and what will happen next.

Mindhunter

Starts with a hostage situation. It shows Ford's bravery and sets up his career in criminal profiling. This opening makes you think about the dangers of his job.

Better Call Saul

Opens with a quiet scene of employees working at a Cinnabon. Then, it cuts to Saul crying while watching a tape of himself as a lawyer. This shows that Saul is hiding from his past.

Dexter

Starts with a murder. Dexter talks about being hungry, which makes viewers curious. Then, it's revealed that he kills murderers, setting up the show's main conflict.

Bosch

Begins with a traumatic event that Harry Bosch is recovering from. It then jumps two years into the future, showing Bosch back at work. This opening sets up the show's exploration of Bosch's work life.

Ozark

Starts with a voiceover from Marty Byrde. He talks about the American dream and his dissatisfaction with his life. This sets up his move to the Ozarks and his involvement in crime.

True Detective

Begins with Marty Hart and Rust Cohle giving statements about a murder. This opening shows their personalities and sets up the show's mix of crime drama and character study.

The Sopranos

The pilot shows Tony Soprano's mental health struggles. It also shows his family life and his job as a mob boss. This opening sets up the show's exploration of Tony's complex life.

Breaking Bad

Starts with a mysterious scene. Walter White crashes an RV while wearing a gas mask and underwear. This opening makes viewers curious about what's happening and sets up the show's main conflict.