Top 10 Crime Fighting Duos on TV

Script written by Derick McDuff

Top 10 Crime Fighting Duos on TV

Two heads really are better than one. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 crime fighting duos on TV.

For this list, we’re looking at pairs of characters who fight crime. However, we’ve excluded duos that simply hunt down monsters, and couples where both members are police officers, as we already have a list of the top 10 buddy cops.

#10: Green Arrow & Arsenal
“Arrow” (2012-)

This comic-inspired series introduces Oliver Queen, a billionaire, who – after being marooned on an island for five years – decides to fight crime as a costumed vigilante with a bow and arrow, calling himself “The Arrow.” It doesn’t take long for this town hero to be noticed by another aspiring crime fighter, Roy Harper. After some bumps and bruises, which included an unfortunate incident where Arrow shoots Roy in the leg, Arrow eventually takes Roy on as a protégé, training him in archery, and providing him with a suit to wear as they fight crime together in Starling City.

#9: The Lone Ranger & Tonto
“The Lone Ranger” (1949-57)

This unlikely pair consists of the last living Texas Ranger and a local Native American, and their adventures together begin when Tonto saves the Lone Ranger, who is near death after an attack that leaves the rest of his posse dead. The Ranger and Tonto team up to bring justice to the gang that attacked him, as well other bandits, robbers, and lawbreakers in the Old West. The team is also responsible for a number of pop culture touchstones including silver bullets, catchphrases like “Hi-Yo, Silver,” and Tonto’s nickname for the Ranger, “Kemo Sabe.”

#8: Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan & Seeley Booth
“Bones” (2005-)

Brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan or “Bones,” and U.S. Army vet Seeley Booth prove the old adage that opposites attract. They team up to solve murders by examining human remains; mostly— you guessed it— bones. Each character brings something different to the table, with Bones’ expertise as a by-the-book anthropologist providing the brains, and FBI agent Booth’s instincts and “cop gut” providing the brawn. Solving crime isn’t the only thing they do well together, though; they’re one TV couple that nails the classic “will they or wont they” dynamic.

#7: Michael Knight & KITT
“Knight Rider” (1982-86)

This duo is unique in that one of its members is a car, or to be more specific, a highly durable tricked-out supercar with artificial intelligence voiced by William Daniels, best known for portraying Mr. Feeny on “Boy Meets World.” The other half of the pair is a former undercover police officer who’s given a new identity, Michael Knight, and is played by David Hasselhoff. Together, they are the first field agents of FLAG, a new and revolutionary organization devoted to fighting crime on the streets.

#6: Green Hornet & Kato
“The Green Hornet” (1966-67)

This pair of costumed vigilantes is distinct from other duos on this list because the sidekick is actually quite a bit cooler than the hero. That isn’t to say that the Green Hornet isn’t impressive, but his partner Kato is a martial arts master played by the phenomenal Bruce Lee. While Kato utilizes physical skills, rich playboy Britt Reid – aka the Green Hornet – uses guns and technology, like his car the Black Beauty, to fight the criminal underworld – all while they pose as criminals themselves.

#5: Olivia Dunham & Peter Bishop
“Fringe” (2008-13)

The sci-fi series “Fringe” focuses on a division of the FBI devoted to exploring the strange side of science, including a parallel reality and its inhabitants. Heading up these investigations is agent Olivia Dunham, who possesses some strange skills of her own, and Peter Bishop, a civilian with a sketchy past who’s brought in because he happens to be the son of mad scientist Walter Bishop. Over the course of the series, they thwart a number of bizarre threats, while growing closer to each other, and uncovering mysteries about their own pasts.

#4: Richard Castle & Kate Beckett
“Castle” (2009-)

Another odd-couple pairing, this team features a detective and a writer of murder mysteries as they partner up to solve real-life crimes. Castle is initially brought in when a copycat murderer begins to recreate the crimes from his novels – plus to help him get over his writer’s block. Although Kate is unhappy about Castle’s presence at first – obviously – as well as his decision to base a new character named Nikki Heat on her, her animosity eventually turns to flirtation, with the dynamic between them becoming the driving force of the show.

#3: Sterling Archer & Lana Kane
“Archer” (2010-)

It’s safe to say that dimwitted, yet highly talented, super spy Sterling Malory Archer, and his fellow agent and ex-girlfriend Lana Kane have a complicated relationship. The pair seems to constantly be somewhere between love and hate, and often it seems to be both at the same time, almost like they are in a kind of “danger zone.” However, as they are their agency’s two best operatives, they are usually teamed up together on dangerous missions, and even at the worst of times, it’s clear they truly care for each other.

#2: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson
“Sherlock” (2010-)

This British crime drama updates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective and his assistant by setting the stories in the present day. The show gives us modern versions of the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and war veteran Dr. John Watson, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, respectively. Holmes uses his wit and dazzling intellect to piece together all sorts of cases, but at times has difficulty relating to the human element, which is where Watson comes in. Together, the pair can solve virtually any crime.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

- Shawn Spencer & Burton ‘Gus’ Guster
“Psych” (2006-14)

- Ichabod Crane & Abbie Mills
“Sleepy Hollow” (2013-)

- Patrick Jane & Teresa Lisbon
“The Mentalist” (2008-15)

- The Tick & Arthur
“The Tick” (2001-02)

- Emily Thorne & Nolan Ross
“Revenge” (2011-15)

#1: Batman & Robin
“Batman” (1966-68)

There’s a reason they’re called the dynamic duo. Billionaire Bruce Wayne and his ward Dick Grayson became the costumed heroes Batman and Robin, who protect Gotham City from a variety of supervillains – including Mr. Freeze, the Riddler and Catwoman – while also doling out helpful tips, like a reminder to buckle your seatbelt. This campy version of the caped crusader and the boy wonder redefined the characters, and their hokey dialogue and antics remain incredibly popular to this day.

Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite pair of crime fighters? For more outstanding top 10s published daily be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.