8 Most Influential Detective Shows of All Time, Ranked

The greatest detectives are not born; they are written. From classic literature to modern television marvels, detective fiction is arguably the most enduring genre of all and continues to thrill, confuse, shock, and awe fans to this day. Since the days of Telecrime, detective shows have proven to be one of the most successful on television, turning their heroic sleuths into household names. Shows like Columbo broke new ground, while Magnum P.I. became definitive of their eras, and shows like Poirot became evergreen landmarks of detective television.