10 Shows and Movies Like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Description: SVU, like CSI, is a procedural crime drama that focuses on solving crimes. However, SVU specializes in sexually based offenses. Both shows use forensic evidence and investigative techniques to solve cases, and both have a strong emphasis on justice for victims.

Fact: SVU is the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history. The character of Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay, has become an iconic figure in television. The show often tackles controversial and socially relevant topics.

Description: Similar to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS focuses on forensic science and crime-solving, but with a military twist. Both shows feature a team of experts who use cutting-edge technology and deductive reasoning to solve complex cases. The procedural format and episodic storytelling are also key similarities.

Fact: NCIS is a spin-off of the show JAG. The character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, is one of the longest-running characters in television history. The show has spawned multiple spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

Description: Criminal Minds, like CSI, is a procedural crime drama that focuses on solving crimes through forensic and behavioral analysis. However, Criminal Minds places more emphasis on the psychological profiling of criminals. Both shows feature a team of experts working together to solve cases.

Fact: Criminal Minds has one of the largest ensemble casts in television history. The show's focus on behavioral analysis was inspired by real-life FBI profilers. The character of Dr. Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, is a fan favorite.

Description: The Closer, like CSI, is a crime procedural that focuses on solving complex cases through forensic evidence and investigative techniques. However, The Closer places more emphasis on the interrogation skills of the protagonist, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. Both shows feature a strong female lead and a team of experts.

Fact: The Closer was one of the highest-rated shows on cable television. The character of Brenda Leigh Johnson was inspired by real-life female detectives. The show spawned a spin-off, Major Crimes.

Description: Bones shares CSI's focus on forensic science, particularly forensic anthropology. The show combines crime-solving with character-driven storytelling, much like CSI. Both series emphasize the importance of teamwork and the use of scientific methods to solve crimes.

Fact: The character of Dr. Temperance Brennan is loosely based on real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, who also produces the show. The show ran for 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas. Bones and CSI had a crossover episode in

Description: The Mentalist shares CSI's focus on crime-solving, but with a unique twist: the protagonist, Patrick Jane, uses his keen observational skills and psychological manipulation to solve crimes. Both shows feature a charismatic lead and a team of experts working together to solve cases.

Fact: The character of Patrick Jane is loosely based on Sherlock Holmes. The show's creator, Bruno Heller, also created Rome and Gotham. The Mentalist was one of the most-watched shows during its run.

Description: Castle, like CSI, is a crime procedural that combines forensic science with character-driven storytelling. However, Castle adds a comedic and romantic element, with the protagonist being a mystery novelist who helps solve crimes. Both shows feature a team of experts and a focus on solving complex cases.

Fact: The character of Richard Castle is inspired by real-life mystery authors. The show's lead actors, Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic, had a well-publicized off-screen feud. Castle ran for 8 seasons and had a passionate fan base.

Description: Rizzoli & Isles shares CSI's focus on forensic science and crime-solving, but with a stronger emphasis on the personal lives and relationships of the main characters. Both shows feature a team of experts who use scientific methods to solve crimes.

Fact: The show is based on a series of novels by Tess Gerritsen. The lead actresses, Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, had great on-screen chemistry. The show was praised for its strong female leads.

Description: Without a Trace, like CSI, is a crime procedural that focuses on solving cases through forensic evidence and investigative techniques. However, Without a Trace specializes in missing persons cases. Both shows feature a team of experts working together to solve cases.

Fact: Without a Trace was one of the first shows to focus exclusively on missing persons cases. The show was known for its emotional storytelling and focus on the families of the missing. Without a Trace was one of the highest-rated shows during its run.

Description: Cold Case shares CSI's focus on forensic science and crime-solving, but with a unique twist: the cases are all unsolved crimes from the past. Both shows use forensic evidence and investigative techniques to solve cases, and both have a strong emphasis on justice for victims.

Fact: Cold Case was known for its use of period music to evoke the time period of the unsolved crimes. The show was praised for its emotional storytelling. Cold Case was one of the few crime dramas to focus exclusively on cold cases.