5 Highly Bingeable Police Shows for ‘Blue Bloods’ Fans to Watch Before ‘Boston Blue’

Blue Bloods is really a staple when it comes to mixing police drama, family values and a pinch of ethical dilemmas. And with its spinoff Boston Blue, featuring one of the core members of the original characters, Danny Reagan, coming soon, the fans can’t wait to see what it will add to the table.

However, there are several other series that offer the same adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth. Here are 5 best of them all.

1. The Rookie (2018-)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Rookie has 68% from critics and 91% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Rookie has 8/10.

The Rookie stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, a man who undergoes a drastic career change after a mid-life crisis to become a police officer. Although the premise could have been played for laughs, the show treats Nolan's journey respectfully, adding heartfelt moments to the story.

As Nolan and his fellow rookies face real-world dangers and moral dilemmas, the show captures the human side of law enforcement work much like Blue Bloods. The relationships between the rookies and their training officers ensure that everyone has a decent arc that is followed through to the end.

2. Chicago P.D. (2014-)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Chicago P.D. has 88% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Chicago P.D. has 8.1/10.

If you're craving a grittier, more hard-hitting police drama, Chicago P.D. is your perfect choice. Focused on the elite Intelligence Unit of the CPD, the show offers a raw and often emotionally charged look at crime in one of America’s most dangerous cities. Led by the morally complex Hank Voight, the unit often operates in the gray area between justice and vigilantism.

Unlike the clean-cut idealism sometimes found in Blue Bloods, Chicago P.D. thrives on ethical murkiness and high-stakes action, which makes it a must watch for the fans of police dramas.

3. Southland (2009-2013)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Southland has 90% from critics and 98% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Southland has 8.5/10.

Southland offers a raw portrayal of life as an LAPD officer and is arguably one of the most realistic depictions of urban police work on television. The series doesn't shy away from the emotional and psychological toll the job takes. It focuses on both rookies and seasoned officers as they navigate the chaos of Los Angeles.

“My absolute favorite Police Drama! Cancelled too soon, then brought back and then cancelled again. Fantastic cast who all brought their A games. Right from the first episode it felt completely different from everything else on TV,” Redditor StandupComicGuy said.

4. Bosch (2014-2021)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Bosch has 97% from critics and 94% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Bosch has 8.5/10.

Fans who appreciate a slower, more thoughtful approach to crime solving will love Bosch. Titus Welliver stars as Detective Harry Bosch, a principled Los Angeles homicide detective who refuses to compromise, even at the cost of his personal life. The series is adapted from Michael Connelly’s best-selling novels and stays true to its noir roots.

With tight scripts, rich atmosphere, and long-running storylines that pay off across seasons, Bosch feels like a detective novel brought to life. The themes of justice, integrity, and legacy echo the values that define Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods.

5. Blue Lights (2023-)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Blue Lights has 92% from critics and 89% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Blue Lights has 8.1/10.

Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Blue Lights offers a fresh perspective on the police drama genre. The series follows three probationary officers navigating a politically charged environment. Unlike most U.S.-based police dramas, this series is highlighting the consequences of violence more than the action itself.