Netflix has a such wealthy bounty of procedural content to choose from that it may get overwhelming for some viewers when it comes to selecting which ones to watch. From long-running zombie detective shows to British limited series, there is a very wide variety in Netflix's catalog.
Viewers should not settle for anything but the best of these shows, and IMDb viewers have rated each of them to help audiences better discern which to start with. These are the very highest-rated titles under Netflix's "Procedural Television Shows" search query.
iZombie - 7.8
iZombie ran on the CW for five seasons, depicting the life of an undead coroner's assistant as she solved crimes through her strange supernatural power that allowed her to read the memories of the deceased after consuming them--though she takes on quirky bits of those brains' personalities as well.
The series is framed after the usual procedural, with a fun supernatural twist. Starring Rose McIver in the main role of Olivia Moore, the show received several accolades during its run, as well as numerous nominations otherwise. iZombie can be viewed in its entirety on Netflix's platform.
The Blacklist - 8.0
Starring the eerily suave James Spader, The Blacklist depicts the exploits of a Navy officer turned criminal turned back to the law in the form of an FBI informant. In order to gain immunity for his crimes, Spader's character offers to turn over his list of the most dangerous criminals in the world, and then works with the FBI to track them down and bring them to justice.
The Blacklist is a great watch for fans of spy thrillers, and a lengthy one for viewers looking for a long-term binge. The series is still running, with the ninth season premiering on NBC on October 21st, 2021, but viewers can use Netflix to catch up on the first eight.
Lucifer - 8.1
Based on a character initially appearing in DC Comic books, Lucifer follows the life of Tom Ellis's Lucifer Morningstar. The character is intended to be the DC universe's version of the devil who leaves Hell behind in favor of running a nightclub in Los Angeles.
Lucifer initially ran on FOX for three seasons before being canceled and eventually picked up for its final three seasons on Netflix. Fans might also be interested to know that the CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" event confirmed the series as part of the Arrowverse, taking place on Earth-666.
Criminal Minds - 8.1
Criminal Minds is an indisputable staple of the genre. Beginning in 2005, the series spawned three spinoffs, though each was fairly short-lived. Criminal Minds followed FBI criminal profilers as they solved crimes-of-the-week and navigated life in their downtime.
The series has proved so popular that, in addition to the many spinoffs and docuseries, a revival was reportedly greenlit by Paramount+, just one year after the series finale, though news on that front has been scarce. Audiences can catch up on 12 of the show's 15 seasons on Netflix.
Unbelievable - 8.4
A Netflix original miniseries, Unbelievable has a stand-out cast led by Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever. The series is based on a horrific string of serial sexual assaults and rapes in the Washington and Colorado areas.
Unbelievable is only eight episodes long, making it a quick watch for viewers on the go. It proves to be a prestigious watch too, as the series was nominated for numerous awards upon its release, winning a Peabody Entertainment award and an Outstanding Acting Award for Collette.
Broadchurch - 8.4
Broadchurch is a British crime drama that ran for three series on ITV. The series is notable for many reasons, including starring not one but two actors who portrayed the Doctor on Doctor Who (David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker), as well as being created by current Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall.
The series follows Tennant's character Alec Hardy, and his partner Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) as they investigate grisly crimes, typically one main crime per series. The show was originally envisioned as a trilogy and is therefore not expected to return for a fourth series.
Supernatural - 8.4
Supernatural is yet another of the immensely popular procedurals with an otherworldly twist. The show follows Sam and Dean Winchester, brothers who fight monsters-of-the-week, including demons, hellhounds, angels, and plenty more.
The longest-running CW series of all time, there are a staggering 15 seasons in all, each of which is available to stream at anyone's leisure on Netflix. Additionally, now is a perfect time for viewers to catch up on the original series, with a prequel venture titled The Winchesters in development for the CW.
Delhi Crime - 8.5
If audiences are looking for something from the international market, then Delhi Crime is a great place to start. Based on disturbing true events, the show follows the Deputy Commissioner of Police as she struggles to bring the perpetrators of a heinous crime to justice.
The first season of Delhi Crime consisted of seven episodes and was lauded by critics, becoming the first Indian series to be awarded the title of "Outstanding Drama Series" in the International Emmys in 2020. Its success has garnered a second season, which is currently in development.
Rake - 8.5
Representing the Australian market is Rake, a series that ran from 2010 until 2018, over the span of five seasons. The series stars Richard Roxburgh as Cleaver Greene, a detective with a capacity of intelligence that is only rivaled by his capacity for self-destruction.
The series is considered to be one of Australia's best offerings on Netflix, and even garnered an American remake starring Greg Kinnear in 2014. Unfortunately, the remake was not as well-received as the original, only premiering 13 episodes before its cancellation.
Mindhunter - 8.6
Mindhunter revolves around the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit and the agents therein as they interview some of the worst killers to ever walk the planet in an attempt to understand how their minds work. The series involves psychoanalyses of real serial killers as it delves through the late '70s and early '80s criminal scene.
The show's two seasons have garnered wide critical praise for their production and their cast, which includes Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv. Though a third season is currently on indefinite hold, there is always a chance that the series will return to continue the BSU's exploits.