What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMajor Crimes
James Duff · Series · 2012
If you loved Major Crimes, start with The Closer (James Duff, 2005) — a series from the same story. Below: 3 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Major Crimes across media.
What kept you watching Major Crimes was the way the team navigates the fragile intersection of bureaucratic pressure and the pursuit of justice.
Start with the source
The source
The Closer
James Duff · Series · 2005
Books on the same thread
The Late Show
Michael Connelly · Book · 2017
Shares a thread with Major Crimes: Police Procedural.
Like Major Crimes, this story focuses on the internal politics of the LAPD, following a driven detective whose journey through the department mirrors Sharon Raydor’s own professional climb.
The Closers
Michael Connelly · Book · 2005
Shares a thread with Major Crimes: Moral Ambiguity.
If you appreciated the focus on high-profile case management in Major Crimes, you will find this investigation into unsolved crimes similarly grounded in the gritty reality of police work.
The Burning Room
Michael Connelly · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Major Crimes: Police Procedural.
This narrative mirrors the mentorship and veteran-rookie dynamics seen in Major Crimes, emphasizing the meticulous, bureaucratic dedication required to secure justice for the most vulnerable victims.
Films on the same thread
L.A. Confidential
Curtis Hanson · Film · 1997
Shares 2 threads with Major Crimes: Moral Ambiguity, Police Procedural.
Fans of the moral ambiguity present in Major Crimes will recognize the same tension between institutional corruption and individual integrity within this complex, character-driven police procedural.
Polisse
Maïwenn · Film · 2011
Shares 2 threads with Major Crimes: Moral Ambiguity, Police Procedural.
This film captures the same emotional burnout and heavy bureaucratic weight that defined the team dynamics in Major Crimes, focusing on the sensitive nature of child protection cases.
The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola · Film · 1972
Explores: Power, Family Loyalty, Corruption.
While set in the world of organized crime, this saga explores the same themes of family loyalty and moral compromise that underscore the high-stakes decisions in Major Crimes.
Dredd
Pete Travis · Film · 2012
Explores: Urban Decay, Brutal Justice, Overpopulation.
The rigid commitment to order amidst urban decay reflects the same uncompromising pursuit of justice that Sharon Raydor instilled in her squad throughout the run of Major Crimes.
Podcasts on the same thread
Law And Crime Investigations
Podcast
Explores: Criminal Trials, Police Investigations, Legal Commentary.
For viewers who enjoyed the procedural legal analysis in Major Crimes, this resource offers a similar deep dive into the real-world criminal trials and investigations that inform the genre.
Forensic Files
Podcast
Explores: crime scene investigation, scientific analysis, evidence-based analysis.
This podcast mirrors the forensic precision found in Major Crimes, focusing on the scientific evidence and investigative rigor required to solve complex cases and close high-profile files.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Major Crimes a direct continuation of The Closer?
Yes, Major Crimes is a spin-off series that follows the events of The Closer. It focuses on the Los Angeles Police Department's special squad as they navigate the legal system and pursue convictions for high-profile or sensitive cases after the conclusion of the original series.
Should I watch The Closer before starting Major Crimes?
Watching The Closer before Major Crimes provides helpful context regarding the origin of the special squad. Both series were created by James Duff and explore the collaborative relationship between law enforcement officers and prosecutors to secure convictions within the American justice system.
What is the primary focus of Major Crimes?
Major Crimes centers on how the American justice system handles the art of the deal. Captain Sharon Raydor leads a specialized LAPD squad tasked with investigating high-profile or sensitive cases, working closely with prosecutors to ensure that every investigation results in a successful conviction.
How does the work of the squad in Major Crimes differ from standard police units?
The squad in Major Crimes is specifically assigned to high-profile or sensitive cases. Unlike standard units, their primary objective is to work in tandem with prosecutors to navigate the American justice system and secure convictions through the art of the deal.