Australian crime dramas stand apart from the global competition because of their ability to combine gripping criminal investigations with authentic social commentary. Whether the setting is the sprawling urban neighborhoods of Sydney, the stylish nightlife of Melbourne, or the unforgiving landscapes of the outback, these shows go beyond simple whodunits. They highlight cultural divides, historical corruption, and the struggles of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

What makes the genre especially compelling is its refusal to present a clear line between good and evil. Police officers are often flawed, criminals are sometimes sympathetic, and justice is never guaranteed. This complexity resonates with audiences around the world, turning Australian crime dramas into international exports that compete with the best from Britain and America. Below is a definitive list of the 25 best Australian crime dramas, each offering a unique perspective on crime and justice down under.

25. The Principal (2015)

• Run: 1 Season (2015)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Alex Dimitriades, Aden Young, Mirrah Foulkes

• Creator: Kristen Dunphy

• Genre: Crime, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.1

The Principal dares to set its crime story within the walls of a struggling Sydney school, showing how violence and gang influence can corrupt even the most familiar institutions. When a newly appointed principal arrives with high hopes of reform, he quickly learns that leadership is not about rules and textbooks but about survival and moral courage. The show reflects on how crime isn’t confined to the streets — it infiltrates homes, communities, and the education system. By tackling issues like racial divisions, immigrant struggles, and intergenerational conflict, the drama becomes a sharp social critique as well as an engaging thriller. It’s an overlooked gem that proves crime drama can flourish in unconventional settings.

24. Mystery Road (2018–2020)

• Run: 2 Seasons (2018–2020)

• Runtime: 57 min per episode

• Starring: Aaron Pedersen, Judy Davis, Deborah Mailman

• Creator: Ivan Sen, Rachel Perkins

• Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.6

Expanding upon the acclaimed films, Mystery Road transforms Jay Swan into one of Australia’s most iconic TV detectives. His investigations in remote towns blend the tension of classic noir with the haunting emptiness of the outback. Aaron Pedersen’s performance is quietly powerful, carrying the weight of cultural expectation and personal demons. The series explores far more than just missing persons or murders; it delves into systemic injustice, fractured communities, and the mistrust between Indigenous people and the institutions meant to protect them. The wide, empty landscapes echo the loneliness of its characters, making every scene feel loaded with silence and suspense. Mystery Road is not just a crime drama but a deeply atmospheric portrait of a country’s divisions and hopes.

23. East West 101 (2007–2011)

• Run: 3 Seasons (2007–2011)

• Runtime: 50 min per episode

• Starring: Don Hany, Susie Porter, Aaron Fa’aoso

• Creator: Kris Wyld, Steve Knapman

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 7.8

East West 101 remains a landmark for its willingness to tackle race, religion, and identity within a crime drama. The series follows Detective Zane Malik, a Muslim officer navigating Sydney’s Major Crime Squad. Through his investigations into terrorism plots, gang violence, and high-profile murders, the show constantly forces viewers to consider the personal sacrifices made by those working in law enforcement. At the same time, it highlights the prejudice Malik faces, even from within his own team. Each storyline has an emotional weight, grounding police work in the very real lives of those impacted by crime. Few Australian dramas have been as fearless in asking tough questions about justice and belonging.

22. Blue Murder (1995)

• Run: Miniseries (1995)

• Runtime: 90 min per episode

• Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Tony Martin, Steve Bastoni

• Creator: Terry Blake, Michael Jenkins

• Genre: Crime, Biography, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.5

Often called the greatest Australian crime drama ever produced, Blue Murder is legendary for its raw depiction of real-life corruption in New South Wales. The miniseries dramatizes the relationship between career criminal Neddy Smith and detective Roger Rogerson, showing how crime and law enforcement became disturbingly intertwined. It’s not just about shocking events but about the culture of silence and complicity that allowed crime to flourish at the highest levels. Richard Roxburgh’s portrayal of Rogerson is chillingly magnetic, while the storytelling itself was so bold that the series was banned from airing in its home state for years. Gritty, unflinching, and unforgettable, Blue Murder stands as a benchmark for authenticity in crime television.

21. Underbelly (2008–2013)

• Run: 6 Seasons (2008–2013)

• Runtime: 43 min per episode

• Starring: Kat Stewart, Rodger Corser, Caroline Craig

• Creator: Greg Haddrick, Felicity Packard

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 8.1

Underbelly isn’t just a TV series — it was a cultural event. Each season recreated a different era of Australia’s criminal history, from Melbourne’s gangland wars to infamous drug syndicates and outlaw figures. Its mix of dramatized events and real headlines gave viewers the sense that they were reliving history, but with added style and intensity. Beyond the shootouts and betrayals, Underbelly was about ambition, greed, and the human costs of power. Audiences couldn’t look away, making it one of the most-watched series in the country’s history. Even years later, it remains one of the most definitive Australian crime dramas.

20. Janet King (2014–2017)

• Run: 3 Seasons (2014–2017)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Marta Dusseldorp, Damian Walshe-Howling, Hamish Michael

• Creator: Greg Haddrick

• Genre: Crime, Legal Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.6

Janet King stands out for placing a powerful woman at the center of a high-stakes legal world. Marta Dusseldorp brings sharp intelligence and quiet strength to her role as Crown Prosecutor Janet King, who must balance her personal life with cases that often expose corruption at the highest levels. Each season revolves around a central crime that expands into broader conspiracies involving sports, politics, and corporate power. The series doesn’t shy away from showing how difficult it can be for women in positions of authority, adding a refreshing perspective to the genre. Elegant and gripping, Janet King is as much about the pursuit of truth as it is about the resilience of its lead character.

19. The Code (2014–2016)

• Run: 2 Seasons (2014–2016)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Dan Spielman, Ashley Zukerman, Adele Perovic

• Creator: Shelley Birse

• Genre: Crime, Thriller, Political Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.7

Blending cyber-thriller with rural drama, The Code feels both contemporary and uniquely Australian. The series follows two brothers — a journalist and a hacker — who stumble into a conspiracy that stretches from the desert outback to the halls of government. As they dig deeper, they face cover-ups, surveillance, and deadly enemies. The show’s genius lies in combining intimate family drama with national-level stakes, showing how even small discoveries can shake entire systems of power. Its brisk pace and sharp writing made it a hit with critics, while its themes of accountability and truth-telling continue to resonate today.

18. Secret City (2016–2019)

• Run: 2 Seasons (2016–2019)

• Runtime: 55 min per episode

• Starring: Anna Torv, Jacki Weaver, Marcus Graham

• Creator: Belinda Chayko, Matt Cameron

• Genre: Crime, Political Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

Set in Canberra, Secret City takes the crime genre into the political arena, where lies and espionage threaten national security. Anna Torv stars as a relentless journalist determined to uncover the truth, only to discover that power and corruption run deeper than anyone imagined. Each revelation opens new doors to betrayal, foreign interference, and moral compromise. With its high-stakes conspiracies and polished direction, Secret City feels cinematic while still grounded in Australian political reality. It’s a rare example of a show that merges crime with political intrigue without losing its emotional heart.

17. The Straits (2012)

• Run: 1 Season (2012)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Brian Cox, Aaron Fa’aoso, Rena Owen

• Creator: Louis Nowra

• Genre: Crime, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

The Straits is a bold family crime saga set in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands. Led by patriarch Harry Montebello, played by Brian Cox, the family runs both a sugar-cane empire and smuggling operations across the region. When Harry announces his retirement, a power struggle erupts among his children, inviting betrayal, rivalry, and violence. The series distinguishes itself with its cultural richness, showcasing Torres Strait Islander traditions alongside the ruthless logic of organized crime. Visually vibrant and emotionally charged, The Straits proves that crime drama can thrive outside of urban centers, tapping into Australia’s diverse landscapes and communities.

16. Phoenix (1992–1993)

• Run: 2 Seasons (1992–1993)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Simon Westaway, Andy Anderson, Susie Porter

• Creator: Alison Nisselle, John Clarke

• Genre: Crime, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.0

One of the earlier classics of Australian crime TV, Phoenix gave viewers a realistic, unglamorous look at police work. Based on actual cases, it followed the police squad investigating armed robberies, showing both the professional pressures and the personal toll of their job. Its commitment to authenticity made it stand out at a time when many crime dramas leaned on clichés. The show’s documentary-style grit paved the way for later Australian crime series, proving that audiences craved honesty and depth. Phoenix remains influential for its realism and dedication to portraying police officers as flawed but deeply human.

15. Wildside (1997–1999)

• Run: 2 Seasons (1997–1999)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Tony Martin, Rachel Blake, Aaron Pedersen

• Creator: Michael Jenkins

• Genre: Crime, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.1

Wildside broke new ground for its gritty, documentary-style realism. Instead of polished heroes, it gave audiences raw, flawed characters working in community policing and social services. Cases unfolded with a natural flow, often without neat resolutions, which made the show feel authentic and unpredictable. Themes such as domestic violence, addiction, and street crime were treated with nuance rather than sensationalism. Its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths earned it critical acclaim and a cult following. For many, Wildside remains one of the most daring and socially conscious Australian crime dramas ever made.

14. Halifax f.p. (1994–2002)

• Run: 6 Seasons (1994–2002)

• Runtime: 90 min per episode (TV movies)

• Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Robyn Nevin, Richard Roxburgh

• Creator: Roger Simpson

• Genre: Crime, Psychological Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Unlike traditional cop dramas, Halifax f.p. placed a forensic psychiatrist at the center of its storytelling. Rebecca Gibney’s portrayal of Dr. Jane Halifax made her one of the most iconic Australian TV characters of the 1990s. Each telemovie explored the psychological side of crime, from serial killers to stalkers, revealing the complexity of human behavior behind violent acts. The series was ahead of its time in showing how profiling and psychology could be as important as forensics or police work. Smart, stylish, and gripping, Halifax f.p. paved the way for a generation of psychological crime dramas.

13. City Homicide (2007–2011)

• Run: 4 Seasons (2007–2011)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Shane Bourne, Nadine Garner, Aaron Pedersen

• Creator: John Hugginson, John Banas

• Genre: Crime, Police Procedural

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

City Homicide offered viewers a classic police procedural with a distinctly Australian edge. Set in Melbourne, the show followed a homicide squad tackling everything from domestic killings to organized crime. What distinguished it was its balance between case-of-the-week stories and the personal arcs of its detectives. The ensemble cast created memorable characters whose private lives often bled into their professional duties. Its mix of emotional depth and procedural structure made it both accessible and engaging, securing its place as one of the longest-running modern Australian crime dramas.

12. Jack Irish (2016–2021)

• Run: 3 Seasons (2016–2021)

• Runtime: 55 min per episode

• Starring: Guy Pearce, Aaron Pedersen, Shane Jacobson

• Creator: Andrew Anastasios, Matt Cameron

• Genre: Crime, Noir, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.8

Based on Peter Temple’s novels, Jack Irish brought noir storytelling to Australian TV. Guy Pearce stars as the titular character, a former criminal lawyer turned private investigator, gambler, and debt collector. With dry wit and a weary charm, Jack finds himself entangled in conspiracies, murders, and mysteries that draw on Melbourne’s underworld. The show blends noir aesthetics with an Aussie sense of humor, creating a mix of grit and levity. Stylish and character-driven, Jack Irish remains one of the most entertaining and distinctive Australian crime dramas of recent years.

11. Water Rats (1996–2001)

• Run: 6 Seasons (1996–2001)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Colin Friels, Catherine McClements, Steve Bisley

• Creator: John Hugginson, Tony Morphett

• Genre: Crime, Police Procedural

• IMDb Rating: 7.1

Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Water Rats followed the Water Police as they patrolled one of the busiest waterways in the world. It combined action-packed rescues with gripping murder investigations, offering a refreshing change of scenery compared to landlocked cop dramas. The dynamic between its leads, along with its emphasis on teamwork, gave the show a strong emotional foundation. Its use of Sydney’s harbor as a constant visual presence made it stand out and helped solidify its reputation as a defining Australian police drama of the late 1990s.

10. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)

• Run: 3 Seasons (2012–2015)

• Runtime: 55 min per episode

• Starring: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Ashleigh Cummings

• Creator: Deb Cox, Fiona Eagger

• Genre: Crime, Historical Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 8.3

Set in 1920s Melbourne, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries reinvented the genre with glamour, wit, and style. Essie Davis shines as Phryne Fisher, a private detective whose sharp mind and bold independence make her one of the most charismatic heroines in Australian television. Each episode delivers clever mysteries while also exploring themes of women’s independence, class, and social change. The lavish costumes and art-deco aesthetics give it a cinematic feel, while its light touch provides a refreshing alternative to darker crime dramas. Beloved worldwide, Miss Fisher has become an enduring symbol of Australian creativity.

9. The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013–2017)

• Run: 5 Seasons (2013–2017)

• Runtime: 57 min per episode

• Starring: Craig McLachlan, Nadine Garner, Joel Tobeck

• Creator: George Adams, Tony Wright

• Genre: Crime, Historical Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.0

Another period piece, The Doctor Blake Mysteries is set in 1950s Ballarat and follows Dr. Lucien Blake, a war veteran and police surgeon who uses his intelligence and compassion to solve murders. The show blends classic detective storytelling with post-war social themes, exploring how trauma, migration, and changing values shape the small-town community. Its mix of warmth, intelligence, and moral reflection made it hugely popular with audiences, while its historical setting gave it a unique charm.

8. Rush (2008–2011)

• Run: 4 Seasons (2008–2011)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Rodger Corser, Callan Mulvey, Nicole da Silva

• Creator: John Edwards, Roger Simpson

• Genre: Crime, Action, Police Procedural

• IMDb Rating: 7.6

Rush brought high-octane action to the Australian small screen. Following a tactical response unit, the series showcased hostage situations, armed robberies, and fast-moving investigations. Its adrenaline-fueled style was balanced by a strong focus on teamwork and the personal sacrifices demanded by such a dangerous job. The show’s dynamic pace and focus on elite policing made it one of the most exciting Australian crime dramas, proving that local TV could rival international productions in terms of scale and action.

7. Killing Time (2011)

• Run: 1 Season (2011)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: David Wenham, Diana Glenn, Colin Friels

• Creator: Ian David

• Genre: Crime, Biography, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.9

Based on real events, Killing Time tells the story of Andrew Fraser, a high-profile criminal lawyer who became entangled in the very underworld he represented. David Wenham gives a brilliant performance as Fraser, capturing his charm, ambition, and eventual downfall. The show explores the seductive lure of power and money, while also exposing the fragility of moral boundaries. As Fraser’s life spirals, the drama paints a portrait of corruption, excess, and betrayal. Gritty and deeply human, it’s a reminder that crime often pulls in those who least expect it.

6. Rake (2010–2018)

• Run: 5 Seasons (2010–2018)

• Runtime: 55 min per episode

• Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Matt Day, Kate Box

• Creator: Peter Duncan, Richard Roxburgh

• Genre: Crime, Legal Comedy-Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.5

While not a crime drama in the strictest sense, Rake deserves a spot for its razor-sharp blend of legal cases, political scandals, and dark humor. Richard Roxburgh plays Cleaver Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive barrister who defends some of the most notorious criminals in Sydney. Each case highlights hypocrisy in the justice system, while Cleaver’s chaotic personal life provides constant drama. The show is satirical yet heartfelt, making it one of Australia’s most beloved series. With its wit and complexity, Rake proved crime drama can also be wildly entertaining.

5. Homicide (1964–1977)

• Run: 12 Seasons (1964–1977)

• Runtime: 50 min per episode

• Starring: Leonard Teale, George Mallaby, Charles Tingwell

• Creator: Ian Jones

• Genre: Crime, Police Procedural

• IMDb Rating: 7.7

A pioneer of the genre, Homicide was Australia’s first major police procedural and set the standard for decades to come. Each episode focused on the homicide squad investigating murders across Melbourne, combining realism with dramatic flair. It captured the public imagination during its 13-year run and remains an important part of Australian television history. Though dated by today’s standards, its influence can be seen in nearly every subsequent crime drama produced in the country.

4. Janet King: Crownies (2011)

• Run: 1 Season (2011)

• Runtime: 60 min per episode

• Starring: Marta Dusseldorp, Todd Lasance, Indiana Evans

• Creator: Greg Haddrick

• Genre: Crime, Legal Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.2

The prequel to Janet King, Crownies introduced viewers to a team of young Crown prosecutors handling serious criminal cases. While lighter in tone than its spin-off, it laid the groundwork for Janet King’s character arc and provided a compelling look at the pressures faced by lawyers early in their careers. Though short-lived, it set the stage for one of Australia’s most celebrated crime drama heroines.

3. The Broken Shore (2013)

• Run: Miniseries (2013)

• Runtime: 90 min per episode

• Starring: Don Hany, Claudia Karvan, Anthony Hayes

• Creator: Peter Temple (novel adaptation)

• Genre: Crime, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Based on Peter Temple’s award-winning novel, The Broken Shore is a moody, atmospheric crime drama that delves into the dark secrets of a small coastal town. Detective Joe Cashin investigates a brutal crime that reveals deep-seated corruption and prejudice within the community. With its strong sense of place and moral complexity, the miniseries is a perfect example of how Australian crime dramas use local settings to tell universal stories.

2. Blue Murder: Killer Cop (2017)

• Run: Miniseries (2017)

• Runtime: 90 min per episode

• Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Toni Collette, Matt Nable

• Creator: Peter Gawler

• Genre: Crime, Biography, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.2

A follow-up to the original Blue Murder, this miniseries revisits the story of Roger Rogerson decades later. Once again, Richard Roxburgh delivers a magnetic performance as the disgraced detective, showing his descent into deeper criminality. The show reinforces the long-lasting scars left by corruption and reminds audiences how blurred the line between cop and criminal can become. While not as groundbreaking as the original, it remains a powerful addition to the Australian crime canon.

1. Mystery Road: Origin (2022)

• Run: 1 Season (2022)

• Runtime: 55 min per episode

• Starring: Mark Coles Smith, Tuuli Narkle, Steve Bisley

• Creator: Blake Ayshford, Steven McGregor

• Genre: Crime, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 7.9

The prequel to Mystery Road takes the top spot for its fresh storytelling and cultural resonance. Mystery Road: Origin explores the early life of Detective Jay Swan, showing how he became the lone wolf detective audiences came to know. With stunning cinematography and a deeply personal narrative, it gives viewers both gripping mysteries and a character study of a man torn between two worlds. The series builds on the legacy of Australian crime dramas while setting a new standard for representation and storytelling in the genre.

Conclusion on Australian Crime Dramas

Australian crime dramas have shaped television history with their honesty, grit, and cultural richness. From the trailblazing Homicide to the groundbreaking Blue Murder and the modern brilliance of Mystery Road, they reveal not just crimes but the societies in which those crimes take place. The shows on this list prove that Australia can compete with — and often outshine — the biggest players in global crime television.

For audiences, these dramas offer more than entertainment; they are windows into the complexities of justice, morality, and identity. With new productions continuing to push boundaries, the future of Australian crime drama looks as compelling as its past. For further exploration, you can read The Conversation’s analysis of Australian TV exports and The Guardian’s coverage of Australian series.

Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Crime Dramas