If you're a fan of 'The Closer' (2005), you know how gripping its blend of crime-solving and character-driven drama can be. This article is for viewers who loved the show's sharp writing, compelling performances, and intricate cases. We’ve curated a list of 10 similar movies and TV shows that deliver the same mix of suspense, wit, and emotional depth. Whether you're looking for another strong female lead or a procedural with a twist, these picks will keep you hooked.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)
Description: SVU shares The Closer's focus on serious crimes and strong female leadership (Olivia Benson and Brenda Leigh Johnson). Both shows explore the emotional toll of investigating violent crimes while maintaining procedural elements. The shows also delve into the personal lives of their main characters.
Fact: The longest-running primetime live-action series in US TV history. Mariska Hargitay is the only original cast member still on the show. Many episodes are inspired by real cases.
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Monk (2002)
Description: Monk shares The Closer's blend of crime procedural and character-driven storytelling. Both feature brilliant but eccentric detectives (Monk's OCD vs. Brenda's Southern charm and interrogation skills). The shows balance serious cases with humor and personal growth arcs.
Fact: Tony Shalhoub won three Emmys for his role as Monk. The show was inspired by Sherlock Holmes. The series finale was one of USA Network's highest-rated episodes.
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NCIS (2003)
Description: NCIS shares The Closer's procedural format and focus on team dynamics in law enforcement. Both shows mix serious crime investigations with moments of humor and character development. Like Brenda Leigh Johnson, Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a strong, unconventional leader with a unique approach to solving cases.
Fact: NCIS is a spin-off of JAG. It's one of the longest-running primetime TV shows in the US. Mark Harmon's character Gibbs was originally intended to appear in only a few episodes of JAG.
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Criminal Minds (2005)
Description: Like The Closer, Criminal Minds focuses on solving serious crimes through psychological insight and teamwork. Both shows feature strong female characters in law enforcement (JJ and Brenda) and explore the darker aspects of criminal investigations while maintaining character development.
Fact: The show's original title was Quantico. Mandy Patinkin left the show due to its dark content. It has spawned multiple spin-offs.
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Bones (2005)
Description: Bones, like The Closer, combines crime-solving with character development and workplace dynamics. Both shows feature brilliant, somewhat socially awkward female leads (Brennan and Johnson) who excel in their fields. The shows balance gruesome crimes with humor and personal stories.
Fact: Based on the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. The show's full title is Bones: The Forensic Files. It ran for 12 seasons, making it one of Fox's longest-running dramas.
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Psych (2006)
Description: Psych shares The Closer's mix of crime-solving and humor, though it leans more heavily into comedy. Like Brenda's unorthodox methods, Shawn Spencer's fake psychic detective approach provides a unique twist on the procedural format. Both shows feature charismatic leads with special skills.
Fact: The pineapple in each episode is an inside joke among the cast. James Roday Rodriguez and Dulé Hill had great off-screen chemistry. The show has spawned three TV movies after its series finale.
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The Mentalist (2008)
Description: Like The Closer, The Mentalist features a charismatic lead with unorthodox methods (Patrick Jane's psychological insight vs. Brenda Leigh Johnson's interrogation skills). Both shows blend crime-solving with personal story arcs and maintain a balance between serious cases and lighter moments.
Fact: Simon Baker was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role as Patrick Jane. The Red John storyline spanned multiple seasons. The show was inspired by Sherlock Holmes stories.
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Castle (2009)
Description: Castle shares The Closer's mix of crime procedural and character-driven storytelling. Both shows feature strong female detectives (Beckett and Johnson) and incorporate humor into their narratives. The will-they-won't-they dynamic between Castle and Beckett parallels some of Brenda's personal relationships.
Fact: Nathan Fillion's character was inspired by real-life authors who consult for law enforcement. The show ran for eight seasons. Castle's daughter Alexis was named after creator Andrew W. Marlowe's niece.
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Rizzoli & Isles (2010)
Description: Rizzoli & Isles shares The Closer's focus on strong female leads in law enforcement. The show combines crime procedural elements with character-driven drama and light-hearted moments, similar to the tone of The Closer. Both shows explore the personal and professional lives of their protagonists.
Fact: Based on novels by Tess Gerritsen. The show's title characters are named after the actresses who played them in the books. It ran for seven seasons on TNT, the same network as The Closer.
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Major Crimes (2012)
Description: Major Crimes is a direct spin-off of The Closer, continuing the story of the LAPD's Major Crimes Division. It shares the same setting, many of the same characters, and a similar procedural format. The show maintains the focus on high-stakes criminal investigations with a blend of drama and humor, much like its predecessor.
Fact: Major Crimes was created by James Duff, who also created The Closer. The show ran for six seasons, concluding in
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