10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Bones (2005)

Description: As one of the pioneering forensic investigation shows, CSI established many tropes that Bones would later use. Both focus on scientific approaches to solving crimes, though Bones adds more character-driven elements and humor. The visual style of showing scientific processes is similar in both.

Fact: The show's famous 'Who Are You' theme was originally temporary music that test audiences loved. William Petersen (Grissom) left the show to return to theater work. The show's popularity led to a real increase in forensic science program enrollments ('the CSI effect').

Description: NCIS shares with Bones a focus on forensic investigation and team dynamics in solving crimes. Both shows mix serious crime drama with moments of humor and feature strong ensemble casts. The procedural format with personal storylines developing over seasons is another similarity.

Fact: NCIS is a spin-off of JAG (1995-2005). Mark Harmon (Gibbs) was initially only contracted for the first two episodes. The show's success spawned multiple spin-offs (NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans). It's one of the few shows to have a real military ship (the USS Iowa) as part of its set.

Description: Like Bones, Criminal Minds focuses on solving crimes through specialized knowledge (profiling vs forensic anthropology). Both shows feature teams of experts and delve into the psychology behind crimes. The balance between procedural elements and character development is similar.

Fact: Mandy Patinkin left the show because he found the content too dark. The BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) depicted is based on a real FBI unit. Thomas Gibson (Hotch) was fired in season 12 after an on-set altercation. The show has one of TV's highest body counts.

Description: Psych shares Bones' mix of crime-solving and humor, though Psych is more overtly comedic. Both feature protagonists with extraordinary observational skills who work with law enforcement. The will-they-won't-they dynamic between Shawn and Juliet mirrors Booth and Brennan.

Fact: The pineapple appearing in every episode became a fan-favorite running gag. James Roday Rodriguez (Shawn) is actually half-Mexican and changed his name early in his career. The show's theme song was performed by the creator's band. A musical episode was produced for the final season.

Description: Like Bones, The Mentalist features a brilliant but unconventional consultant (Patrick Jane) working with law enforcement to solve crimes. Both shows balance procedural elements with ongoing character development and personal story arcs. The dynamic between Jane and Lisbon mirrors the Booth-Brennan relationship in its evolution.

Fact: Simon Baker (Patrick Jane) actually directed several episodes of the series. The show was originally going to be set in New York but moved to California for production reasons. The character of Patrick Jane was partially inspired by real-life mentalist The Amazing Kreskin.

Description: Similar to Bones, Castle combines crime-solving with humor and a will-they-won't-they romantic dynamic between the leads. Both shows feature a strong, intelligent female lead working with a charming, somewhat unconventional male partner. The procedural format with an overarching personal storyline is also a key similarity.

Fact: Nathan Fillion (Castle) and Emily Deschanel (Bones) both starred in popular Joss Whedon projects before these shows. The character of Richard Castle was originally conceived as a serious mystery writer, but Fillion's portrayal made him more humorous. The show's success led to actual novels being published under Richard Castle's name.

Description: Similar to Bones' scientific approach, Lie to Me focuses on using behavioral science (specifically microexpressions) to solve crimes. Both shows feature brilliant but socially awkward leads who use specialized knowledge to assist law enforcement. The mix of science and crime-solving is comparable.

Fact: Based on the work of real psychologist Paul Ekman. Tim Roth initially turned down the role twice. The show was canceled despite strong ratings due to high production costs. Ekman served as a consultant and even appeared in one episode.

Description: While focused on white-collar crime rather than murders, White Collar shares with Bones the dynamic of an unconventional expert (Neal Caffrey) working with a straight-laced law enforcement agent (Peter Burke). The mix of procedural elements with ongoing character relationships is similar.

Fact: Matt Bomer (Neal) was originally considered for Captain America. The show was filmed entirely in New York City. Willie Garson (Mozzie) kept his character's hat as a souvenir. The series finale was intentionally left open-ended for potential future stories.

Description: This show shares with Bones the dynamic of two strong professionals (a detective and medical examiner) solving crimes together. The mix of crime procedural with character-driven stories and female friendship mirrors Bones' approach. Both shows balance dark subject matter with lighter moments.

Fact: Based on novels by Tess Gerritsen. Angie Harmon (Rizzoli) was pregnant during the first season, written into the show. Sasha Alexander (Isles) previously starred in NCIS. The show was originally going to be called 'Rizzoli' but was changed to emphasize the partnership.

Description: This modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation shares with Bones the dynamic of a brilliant but socially awkward consultant (Holmes) working with a more grounded partner (Watson). Both shows focus on deductive reasoning and forensic science to solve crimes, with ongoing character development.

Fact: Lucy Liu became the first female Watson in a major adaptation. The show was initially controversial among Holmes purists. Jonny Lee Miller (Holmes) and Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's Sherlock) are friends and once performed Frankenstein together on stage. The New York setting was a deliberate departure from traditional London-based versions.