While it’s certainly disappointing to wait for the return of our favorite broadcast crime dramas, the Winter Olympics are taking over our screens. This is a great time to celebrate athletic greatness on the world stage, but there’s no doubt that we’re all counting down the days to the return of TV shows.
There are 10 crime dramas returning to broadcast networks in February 2026. This is only looking at the broadcast networks, but there are some great streaming shows to look forward to as well, such as Cross season 2, which premieres on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
We’re looking at returns. That means shows that have gone on a break, and not the shows that will premiere at the end of the month, which rules out CIA for example. Some of the other broadcast shows, we’ll need to wait until March!
FBI
The first of the TV crime dramas to return is FBI, which will finally bring its season 8 midseason premiere on Monday, Feb. 23. We’ll even get the FBI: Most Wanted crossover moment that we’ve been waiting for, as Special Agent Nina Chase will appear to help with the case.
The case itself involves a cartel wedding and a witness that the FBI will need to flip and protect. However, there is something much bigger to look forward to. Nina and Scola are ready to get married!
FBI season 8 episode 11 airs on Monday, Feb. 23 at 9/8c on CBS.
911
Thursday night is going to be a big night once the shows are back. We start with the TGIT lineup on ABC, and 911 is the first of the shows back. There are a lot of questions as the show returns due to the trailer and the cliffhanger from the previous episode.
Christopher has been taken by Abigail, but how long will it be for Eddie to figure out who took him? And what is Abigail going to do to Christopher? Meanwhile, Hen and Karen find themselves in an accident, which could threaten both of their lives.
911 returns on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8/7c on ABC.
911: Nashville
Following one first responder drama is another, as 911: Nashville returns with a new episode. This spinoff series isn’t as good as the main show — and definitely not as good as 911: Lone Star — but it has been fun viewing!
The series will bring us Don’s backstory when it returns. The man who killed his parents is on parole, and Don will need to speak. Will he support the idea of parole, or will he want to push for this man to be left to rot behind bars?
911: Nashville returns on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9/8c on ABC.
Matlock
As mentioned, Thursday nights are going to be busy. CBS will bring its shows back the last week of February, and that includes Matlock. While a legal drama, with the whole Matty’s false identity element to it, this definitely has a crime element to it.
At the end of the fall finale, Julian learned that Matty and Olympia have been working together on the Wellbrexa document situation. Now he has that information, he’ll want to figure out a way to get Matty out, but how much does he know about her falsified identity?
Matlock’s midseason premiere will air on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9/8c on CBS.
Elsbeth
The end of Thursdays is going to be big for those who love quirky murder mysteries. Elsbeth is back to solve some more crimes, and this time, it’s linked to a man who wants to live forever. A lot of shows are focusing on that need right now!
Hamish Linklater will play a wealthy man who is also a murderous biohacker. He’s willing to go to extreme lengths to stay young, but why did he kill? That’s what Elsbeth needs to get to the bottom of.
Elsbeth returns on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 10/9c on CBS.
Law & Order
If you’re craving more of the new detective in town on Law & Order, you’ll want to tune into the post-Winter Olympics return. Detective Walker is going to go undercover to help get to the bottom of a case. It’s the only way to get answers when others are too scared.
It turns out that a gang has built a reputation on brutality, and that means nobody wants to testify. The only option is to get answers while undercover, but it could put Walker’s life on the line. He’s willing to do what it takes to keep the city safe.
Law & Order season 25 episode 13 airs on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8/7c on NBC.
Law & Order: SVU
Still not sure what to watch on Thursday nights? How about NBC’s Law & Order: SVU? The new episode will focus on a conman who is preying on kids. The problem is that the kids don’t realize that they are stuck in this cult, because the truth is, people in a cult don’t see it until they’re ready to.
If Benson can’t get the kids to testify that things weren’t consensual, she won’t be able to take this monster down. Who is willing to stand up for what is right?
Law & Order: SVU returns on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9/8c on NBC.
The Hunting Party
And just in case you didn’t have enough to get through on Thursdays, there’s also The Hunting Party! The second season returns, and we have a lot of elements to break down right now. As the team chases after another psychopath from the Pit, Bex, Morales, and the others will need to do more digging into Lazarus.
They now know her original identity. However, Lazarus is going to murderous lengths to protect herself and her position. The big question is, how long will it take for Shane to realize that Lazarus is his biological mother?
The Hunting Party returns on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 10/9c on NBC.
Sheriff Country
Friday nights are all about the CBS dramas, and it all starts with Sheriff Country. This series has been a lot of fun so far, but the midseason finale left us with lives on the line. Travis has been shot, as the sheriff’s office is under attack.
Can the team survive the night? What will happen to Travis, and will it push Mickey into getting back with her ex-husband? We need the second half of this two-part episode already! It’s been such a long wait!
Sheriff Country returns on Friday, Feb. 27 at 8/7c on CBS.
Boston Blue
Finally, we turn our attention to the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue. Danny has decided to remain in Boston, and that’s sure to put some pressure on his relationships back in New York, but he’s doing what’s best for him and his son.
The new episode will see Ben’s killer released from prison, and that’s not going to be easy for Jonah. He’s struggling with grief and anger, and he can’t help but confront the man.
Boston Blue returns on Friday, Feb. 27 at 10/9c on CBS.
Now you just need to decide what you’re watching first!