Crime shows have been around since entertainment took to the small screen.

Some shows focus on one of the three main aspects, and some tackle all of the above.

In some cases, the shows are still running, while one even has several spin-offs coming soon.

The-10-Best-Crime-Shows-of-the-2000s,-Ranked

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The show was so popular, it spawned a film series.

But through it all, hes also trying to investigate the murder of his wife.

The series was so popular that more than a decade after it ended, a follow-up movie calledMr.

Shawn and Gus making growl faces with hands up in Psych

USA Network

Monks Last Case: A Monk Moviewas released.

The series ended in epic fashion and led to a spin-off series calledMayans M.C.that aired for five seasons.

The characters name is so recognizable that even those who havent watched24know who he is.

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This often means taking down enemies, saving lives, and preventing catastrophes.

Yes, even commercials are factored into the plot.

Thus, a season of 24 episodes is a full day.

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That builds the intensity throughout, while every season brings an exciting new plot.

Until this show, that was an often-overlooked aspect of the job.

The show appeals to adult viewers of all ages, from the younger generation to grandparents.

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And its still going strong.

Dexter is a sadistic, ritualistic serial killer.

Yet viewers cant help but like him,even find him endearing.

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Thats because Dexter (Michael C. Hall) has learned to live by a code.

He taught him to investigate and only ever kill people he believed deserved it.

Thus, Dexter is the personification of a vigilante killer.

Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk in ‘Monk’ looking annoyed

Image via NBC

But in retrospect, viewers have come to appreciate its brilliance.

NEXT:The Best Crime TV Shows of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb

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Charlie Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy looking serious.

Image via FX

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Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, pointing a gun in the first season of 24.

Image via 20th Century Fox Television

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A man looking intently at evidence in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CBS

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Stabler and Benson investigating a case on Law & Order: SVU.

Image via NBC

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Dexter stands like a deer in the headlights holding a knife over a dead body in Dexter.

Image via Showtime

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James Gandolfini sits in a chair in Dr. Melfi’s office smiling in The Sopranos episode Big Girls Don’t Cry

Image via HBO

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Michael K. Williams as Omar in The Wire holding a gun and looking serious

Image via HBO

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Jesse and Walter arguing, face to face in Breaking Bad.

Image via AMC

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Breaking Bad