Introduction
Investigating detection: methods of detection in American detective dramas
Defining detection: the detective genre
Telling detection: the narrative structures of American TV detective dramas
Stabilising detection: protecting and serving the status quo from 1950-1968
Reforming detection: social change and political corruption from 1968-1980
Diversifying detection: proliferation of channels and television cycles from 1980-2000
Disillusioned detection: DNA and 9/11 from 2000-2010
Rethinking detection: alternative methods of detection
Conclusion
Appendix.