The Problem with NCIS, Blue Bloods, and Today’s Crime Dramas: A Call for Diversity
Television has evolved from family sitcoms like I Love Lucy to groundbreaking dramas like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, proving that TV can offer deep storytelling just as compelling as cinema. However, not all TV genres are using their platform responsibly. Shows like NCIS and Blue Bloods, popular crime procedurals, may be entertaining, but they also contribute to a troubling lack of diversity and perpetuate harmful racial stereotypes.
The rise of crime dramas and police procedurals since the 1990s has shaped many viewers’ perceptions of law enforcement and justice, often without accurately reflecting society. While shows like Law & Order: SVU and Chicago P.D. portray a world where justice is always served, the reality is far more complex, with crime rates and law enforcement practices not aligning with what these shows suggest.
A Lack of Diversity in Crime Dramas
Recent studies have shown that many hit crime dramas, including NCIS and Blue Bloods, lack meaningful racial representation both in front of and behind the camera. A 2017-2018 study revealed that 21 out of 26 popular TV series had white male showrunners, and most had no Black writers. NCIS and Blue Bloods are notable examples, with predominantly white, male casts. The harmful impact of these series is clear: they reinforce stereotypes of law enforcement being dominated by white men, ignoring the diverse reality of today’s world.
Why This Matters
CBS, the network airing both NCIS and Blue Bloods, must address this lack of diversity. While these shows remain popular, with NCIS and Blue Bloods earning IMDb ratings of 7.8 and 7.7 respectively, their failure to represent a broader range of people and perspectives is problematic. Shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and Elementary also face criticism for their predominantly white casts, further fueling a narrow, outdated view of law enforcement and society.
As the world strives to combat racial inequalities, these shows must adapt to reflect a more inclusive, realistic view of the world. The future of TV must move beyond these tired, damaging stereotypes and embrace the diverse audience it serves.
NCIS and Blue Bloods are currently streaming on CBS, Paramount+, and Disney+.
