10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Castle (2009)

Description: Like 'Castle', this show features a brilliant but eccentric consultant (Adrian Monk) solving crimes with police. Both protagonists use unique perspectives to crack cases, and the shows balance humor with darker personal backstories. The supporting cast provides comic relief similar to Castle's precinct colleagues.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub won 3 Emmys for his role as Monk. The show was originally developed as a drama before becoming a comedy-drama. Monk's phobias were based on real obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Description: Similar to 'Castle', 'Bones' pairs a creative genius (Dr. Brennan) with a more intuitive law enforcement partner (Booth). The will-they-won't-they romantic tension mirrors Castle/Beckett, and both shows blend crime procedural with character-driven storytelling and humor.

Fact: Emily Deschanel is a vegetarian but had to handle meat frequently on set. The character of Zack Addy was written specifically for actor Eric Millegan. Creator Hart Hanson based Brennan partly on a friend who was a forensic anthropologist.

Description: Like 'Castle', 'Psych' combines crime-solving with humor and a charismatic lead duo. The show features a protagonist with a unique skill set (fake psychic detective) paired with a more grounded partner, similar to Castle and Beckett's dynamic. Both shows balance procedural elements with ongoing character development and lighthearted moments.

Fact: The pineapple appearing in every episode is a running gag. The theme song was performed by the show's lead actor, James Roday. Creator Steve Franks originally pitched the show as 'The Mentalist' but funnier.

Description: This series shares 'Castle's' formula of a brilliant but unconventional consultant (Patrick Jane) working with law enforcement to solve crimes. Like Castle, Jane uses unorthodox methods and has a complicated past that drives his character arc. Both shows mix procedural cases with serialized personal storylines.

Fact: Simon Baker did most of his character's magic tricks himself. The show was originally developed as a vehicle for actor Rob Morrow. The Red John mystery was inspired by real-life serial killer Zodiac.

Description: This shares 'Castle's' premise of a brilliant consultant (Dr. Cal Lightman) using unique skills to help solve crimes. Like Castle, Lightman has an unconventional approach that clashes with but ultimately aids law enforcement. Both shows blend science with detective work.

Fact: Based on the work of real-life psychologist Paul Ekman. Tim Roth initially turned down the role multiple times. The production consulted with Ekman throughout the series.

Description: Like 'Castle', this features a charming, quick-witted protagonist (Neal Caffrey) working with law enforcement. Both shows blend crime procedural with character-driven storytelling and have a light, stylish tone. The central partnership mirrors Castle and Beckett's dynamic.

Fact: Matt Bomer did many of his own stunt driving scenes. The show's art theft plots were vetted by real FBI consultants. Willie Garson improvised many of Mozzie's quirky lines.

Description: Like 'Castle', this modern Holmes adaptation features a brilliant but eccentric consultant solving crimes with law enforcement. The central partnership and mix of standalone mysteries with serialized elements mirror Castle's structure, though with a more serious tone.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman didn't meet until their first read-through. Each 90-minute episode took about a month to film. The iconic coat cost £800 and was personally selected by Cumberbatch.

Description: This shares 'Castle's' formula of pairing opposites to solve crimes - a tough detective with a medical examiner. Like Castle, it balances procedural elements with humor and strong character relationships. The female-led dynamic offers a different but comparable partnership energy.

Fact: Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander were friends before the show. Based on Tess Gerritsen's novels, though significantly lighter in tone. The morgue set was so realistic it made visitors uncomfortable.

Description: This modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation shares 'Castle's' structure of a brilliant consultant working with law enforcement. Like Castle, Sherlock has an unconventional approach and forms a close partnership with his female counterpart (Joan Watson). Both shows mix standalone cases with serialized character arcs.

Fact: Lucy Liu was the first female Watson in a Holmes adaptation. Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) are real-life friends. The show was originally set in London before moving to New York.

Description: Like 'Castle', this features a charismatic, unconventional male lead (Lucifer Morningstar) partnering with a by-the-book detective. The will-they-won't-they romance and mix of procedural cases with supernatural elements creates a similar dynamic, though with a fantasy twist.

Fact: Based on a DC Comics character from 'The Sandman'. Tom Ellis learned to play piano for the role. The show was canceled by Fox but revived by Netflix due to fan demand.