10 Movies & Shows Similar to Sketch Artist (1992)

Description: 'Twin Peaks' shares with 'Sketch Artist' a focus on small-town crime and the psychological depth of its characters. Both works explore the darker sides of human nature and the complexities of solving crimes that are deeply personal and emotionally charged. The surreal and atmospheric storytelling in 'Twin Peaks' is akin to the tension and mystery in 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: David Lynch initially turned down the offer to direct 'Twin Peaks' but changed his mind after reading the script. The show's famous 'Red Room' scenes were inspired by Lynch's own dreams. 'Twin Peaks' was one of the first shows to use a serialized narrative on television.

Description: Like 'Sketch Artist', 'The X-Files' delves into the mysterious and often dark aspects of crime and the supernatural. Both involve investigations that require a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human psychology. The show's blend of procedural elements with overarching mysteries mirrors the investigative nature of 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: 'The X-Files' was inspired by real-life UFO sightings and government conspiracy theories. The show's iconic theme music was composed by Mark Snow in under an hour. It won 16 Emmy Awards during its run.

Description: Both 'SVU' and 'Sketch Artist' deal with the emotional and psychological toll of solving crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable victims. The shows share a commitment to portraying the human side of law enforcement and the justice system. The procedural elements and focus on character development are key similarities.

Fact: 'SVU' is the longest-running live-action primetime drama in TV history. The show's creator, Dick Wolf, also created the original 'Law & Order'. Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, is the daughter of Jayne Mansfield.

Description: 'CSI' and 'Sketch Artist' both focus on the meticulous process of solving crimes through evidence and deduction. The shows share a procedural format and a fascination with the science behind crime-solving. The visual storytelling in 'CSI', with its detailed crime scene recreations, is reminiscent of the sketch artist's work in visualizing suspects.

Fact: 'CSI' was initially rejected by several networks before being picked up by CBS. The show's success led to a real-life increase in forensic science enrollments. The original title was 'CSI: Las Vegas'.

Description: 'Criminal Minds' and 'Sketch Artist' both delve into the minds of criminals and the professionals who track them down. The procedural nature of 'Criminal Minds', with its focus on profiling and forensic psychology, is similar to the investigative techniques used in 'Sketch Artist'. Both shows highlight the importance of understanding human behavior to solve crimes.

Fact: The show's creators consulted with real FBI profilers to ensure accuracy. 'Criminal Minds' has one of the largest ensemble casts in television history. The show's title was almost 'Quantico'.

Description: Like 'Sketch Artist', 'Bones' combines crime-solving with a unique skill set—forensic anthropology. Both shows emphasize the importance of physical evidence and the human stories behind the crimes. The partnership between the logical, scientific Temperance Brennan and the more intuitive Seeley Booth mirrors the dynamic in 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: The character of Temperance Brennan is loosely based on real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. The show's creator, Hart Hanson, also created 'The Finder'. 'Bones' was originally titled 'Forensics'.

Description: Both 'The Mentalist' and 'Sketch Artist' feature protagonists with unique skills that aid in solving crimes. Patrick Jane's ability to read people and manipulate situations parallels the sketch artist's talent for visualizing suspects. The shows also share a focus on the psychological aspects of crime-solving.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, is actually Australian, not American. The character of Patrick Jane was inspired by real-life mentalists and psychics. The show was filmed in California, but it's set in Sacramento.

Description: 'Hannibal' and 'Sketch Artist' both explore the psychological depths of their characters, particularly the minds of criminals and those who pursue them. The shows share a dark, atmospheric tone and a focus on the artistry of crime-solving. The visual style of 'Hannibal', with its haunting imagery, is akin to the detailed sketches in 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: The show was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings, despite critical acclaim. Bryan Fuller, the show's creator, also worked on 'Pushing Daisies' and 'American Gods'. The show's food stylist was a former chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Description: 'The Fall' and 'Sketch Artist' both focus on the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals. The shows share a slow-burning, psychological approach to storytelling and a deep dive into the minds of both the investigators and the perpetrators. The tension and suspense in 'The Fall' mirror the gripping narrative of 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: Gillian Anderson, who stars in 'The Fall', also starred in 'The X-Files'. The show was filmed in Northern Ireland, where it's set. The character of Paul Spector was inspired by real-life serial killers.

Description: Like 'Sketch Artist', 'True Detective' is deeply rooted in the psychological and emotional complexities of its characters. Both works feature investigations that uncover dark secrets and explore the human condition. The nonlinear storytelling and atmospheric tension in 'True Detective' are similar to the moody, introspective nature of 'Sketch Artist'.

Fact: Each season of 'True Detective' features a completely new cast and storyline. The show's first season was inspired by real-life Louisiana crimes. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were childhood friends before starring together in the first season.