Major Crimes

Major Crimes reimagines how the criminal justice system operates when police work intersects with the courtroom. In Los Angeles, Captain Sharon Raydor leads a special unit that handles sensitive cases and high profile investigations. The team goes beyond routine arrests to coordinate with prosecutors, crafting solid cases while negotiating political pressure, media scrutiny, and ethical gray areas. The series focuses on the people behind the badge, from veteran detectives to DA office allies, and the tension between gathering evidence and winning convictions. It probes accountability, trust, and the cost of pursuing justice within a system built on deals as well as laws.

Premiered in 2012 on TNT, Major Crimes was created by James Duff as a continuation of The Closer universe. Mary McDonnell stars as Captain Sharon Raydor, with an ensemble that rotates through a team of directors; the show is an original concept, not adapted from a film, and it developed a loyal following through longer, character driven arcs.

Major Crimes helped cement a trend of female led leadership in police procedurals, elevating Captain Raydor as a steady, pragmatic presence on screen. The series kept alive the Closer universe and fed fan appreciation for a longer running LA crime drama that blends procedure with character drama, ethics with real world consequences, and a willingness to tackle institutional complexities.

Critics generally welcomed the ensemble cast and its blend of standalone cases with ongoing arcs. The show tackles themes of accountability, cooperation between cops and prosecutors, and the toll of high stakes policing on individuals and communities while keeping a steady procedural rhythm. It also digs into leadership under pressure and the personal costs of balancing duty with family and morality.

Awards: The series earned industry recognition and critic praise across its run, with nods for acting, writing, and its ability to extend a beloved franchise beyond The Closer. Viewers praised Mary McDonnell and the ensemble for bringing depth to a procedural format while the writers balanced character development with case driven suspense.