When it comes to crime and mystery, you can’t beat the 1980s in these types of shows. There are many series that caught our eye on a weekly basis. Here are 5 of the best crime shows of the 1980s:

Miami Vice (1984-1989) 

Detective Crockett and Detective Tubbs take on the city of Miami in an action-packed weekly series that lasted 6 years. It featured numerous cameos from actors and musicians and was certainly the most popular police show on primetime TV in the 80s.

Matlock (1986-1995) 

Criminal Defense Lawyer, Ben Matlock, is a standout due to his brash tactics and tough face personality to prove his client’s innocence through reasonable doubt in a court of law. This was a popular court-based show that lasted up to 9 seasons.

Knight Rider (1982-1986)

Undercover cop, Michael Knight, gained a new lease on life when he got a new face and new name after being severely wounded. He was able to continue his undercover efforts by getting equipment and a trusty new sidekick, the indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar, KITT.

In the Heat of the Night (1988-1995) 

This is a show that combines crime, small-time politics, and racial tension all in one show. The sheriff of the county, Bill Gillespie works with investigator Virgil Tibbs and police lieutenant Bubba Skinner, to catch criminals in this wild show.

Cagney & Lacey (1982-1988)

The two policewomen have opposing personalities which they try to combine for the better in their personal and professional lives.