The 'best crime series ever made' is so good people are 'taking sick days' to binge it

A popular crime series is being called the “best ever made” by fans who say they were so hooked they took time off work just to watch it. The Blacklist ran for ten seasons and follows a wanted criminal who turns himself in to help the FBI catch other dangerous fugitives. It stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former international fugitive with links to the underworld and one of the FBI’s most wanted men.

But viewers say it’s not just the storyline that pulls you in, it’s how addictive it becomes once you start watching. “This show is so addicting,” one fan wrote. “I started it on a Friday and ended up faking sick on Monday just to watch the rest of the series. I couldn’t stop! Seriously the best crime show out there.”

Another said: “My friends told me to watch this, and they were right. It’s so good you can’t stop watching. It’s really that great.”

Many praised the acting and twists. One review said: “James Spader is amazing in this show. The plot is just crazy good. I got so hooked and basically binged the whole thing in a few days. Definitely the best crime series I’ve watched.”

Others were even more direct. “I’m convinced this is the best crime show ever,” a fan wrote.

“The story is just so perfect. I got so into it that I actually took a sick day to finish the whole series. Totally worth it.”

The Blacklist first aired in 2013 and quickly became a hit.

The pilot episode drew more than 12 million viewers in the US, and the series went on to earn several award nominations.

Each episode features a new target from Reddington’s personal blacklist, a secret list of global criminals he helps the FBI track down.

Over the years, the show built a loyal fanbase and inspired spin-offs, novels, and even a video game.

Several critics praised the show’s fast pace and unpredictable twists, especially in the early seasons.

Canadian reviewer John Doyle called it “outstanding and inventive” and said it proved network TV could still produce big hits.

The Blacklist ended in 2023 after 218 episodes, but the entire series is now available to stream on Prime Video.