A slick, breezy procedural-fantasy hybrid with a charismatic lead, playful case-of-the-week energy, and a surprisingly durable will-they-won’t-they core. It’s not especially subtle, but it is consistently entertaining, especially once it leans into the ensemble and its comic-book mythology.
Lucifer
Where to watch: Buy
TV Show · Crime · Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mon
Created by: Tom Kapinos
Starring: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro
Overview
Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar abandoned his throne and retired to Los Angeles, where he has teamed up with LAPD detective Chloe Decker to take down criminals. But the longer he's away from the underworld, the greater the threat that the worst of humanity could escape.
Created by
Tom Kapinos
Cast
Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Aimee Garcia, Rachael Harris, Brianna Hildebrand
Curator Review
Verdict
A slick, breezy procedural-fantasy hybrid with a charismatic lead, playful case-of-the-week energy, and a surprisingly durable will-they-won’t-they core. It’s not especially subtle, but it is consistently entertaining, especially once it leans into the ensemble and its comic-book mythology.
Best for
Viewers who like crime shows with a supernatural twist
Fans of charismatic, bantering leads and romantic tension
Binge-watchers who want an easy, high-concept network series
People who enjoy light mythology layered over procedural cases
Skip if
You want hard-edged realism or grounded police work
You’re looking for tightly plotted prestige drama
You dislike camp, self-aware humor, or melodrama
You prefer shows that stay tonally consistent without soapier detours
Overview
Lucifer works because it knows exactly what kind of show it is: glossy, funny, romantic, and just a little bit ridiculous. The premise is irresistible, and Tom Ellis gives the series a magnetic center, turning what could have been a one-note gimmick into a long-running character engine. The crime stories are often secondary to the banter, chemistry, and emotional back-and-forth, but that’s part of the appeal.
Worth noting
The early seasons are the most efficient version of the show, with the procedural setup and supernatural premise balancing each other cleanly. As it goes on, the mythology expands and the tone gets more serialized, which gives fans more to chew on even if the plotting becomes more uneven. The Netflix years tend to be more ambitious and more openly emotional, with a few dips in momentum, but the series remains easy to watch and hard to dislike.
Bottom line
If you want a polished genre series that moves quickly, leans into charm, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is a strong pick. It’s especially rewarding for viewers who like their crime drama with romance, divine nonsense, and a lead who can sell both comedy and vulnerability in the same scene.