The most engrossing criminal thrillers encourage binge viewing, as a captivating mystery or charismatic criminal can keep you hitting the “next” button. Some of the best television writing can be found in the twists and turns of a great crime story, with narratives that invite talented creators to balance tension and drama to create a satisfying story. In many cases, storytelling is stronger when it doesn’t drag on, making some of the best crime thrillers no more than a single season or a self-contained miniseries.

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