If you loved the gripping forensic drama and character-driven storytelling of 'Crossing Jordan' (2001), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that deliver the same mix of mystery, medical intrigue, and compelling personal journeys. Whether you're a fan of crime-solving pathologists or strong female leads, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)
Description: A long-running crime procedural that focuses on sexually based offenses, blending legal drama with intense character-driven storytelling.
Fact: It is the longest-running primetime live-action series in U.S. television history, surpassing the original Law & Order.


CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000)
Description: A groundbreaking forensic crime drama that popularized the use of detailed scientific methods to solve crimes, with a focus on teamwork and technology.
Fact: The show's success led to the creation of several spin-offs, including CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, each with its own distinct style.


NCIS (2003)
Description: A military-themed crime procedural that delves into forensic investigations, team dynamics, and personal backstories of its characters.
Fact: NCIS is a spin-off of the series JAG and has spawned multiple spin-offs itself, creating a shared universe.


The Closer (2005)
Description: A police procedural centered around a deputy police chief with a talent for interrogation, combining crime-solving with personal and professional challenges.
Fact: The series was praised for its strong female lead and was followed by the spin-off Major Crimes, continuing the story of some characters.


Bones (2005)
Description: A crime procedural series that blends forensic science with character-driven storytelling, focusing on solving murders through detailed investigations and personal dynamics.
Fact: The show is loosely based on the life and writings of Kathy Reichs, a forensic anthropologist. It ran for 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas.


The Mentalist (2008)
Description: A crime-solving series featuring a consultant with keen observational skills, blending psychological insight with police procedural elements.
Fact: The protagonist's backstory involves a personal vendetta against a serial killer, adding a unique layer to the typical crime drama formula.


Castle (2009)
Description: A lighthearted crime drama that mixes mystery-solving with humor and romance, focusing on a writer who teams up with a detective.
Fact: The show's premise was inspired by the real-life experiences of a writer shadowing homicide detectives for research.


Rizzoli & Isles (2010)
Description: A crime drama that pairs a tough detective with a medical examiner, combining forensic science and detective work with strong female leads and personal relationships.
Fact: The series is based on the novels by Tess Gerritsen. It was praised for its portrayal of female friendship in a male-dominated field.


Major Crimes (2012)
Description: A crime drama that follows a team of detectives handling high-profile cases, with a focus on procedural detail and team dynamics.
Fact: The show was a direct spin-off from The Closer and maintained much of the original cast, transitioning smoothly between the two series.


Cold Case (2003)
Description: A crime drama that specializes in solving long-unsolved cases, often delving into the emotional and historical contexts of each crime.
Fact: The show was notable for its use of period-specific music to evoke the era in which each cold case originally occurred.
