10 Shows and Movies Similar to Elementary (2012)

Description: 'Monk' and 'Elementary' both feature detectives with unique personal struggles that both hinder and help their crime-solving abilities. Adrian Monk's OCD and Sherlock Holmes' addiction recovery are central to their characters and often play a role in how they solve cases. Both shows balance procedural elements with character development.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub won three Emmys for his portrayal of Adrian Monk. The character was inspired by a real-life detective with OCD. The show's theme song, 'It's a Jungle Out There', was written by Randy Newman.

Description: 'Bones' and 'Elementary' both feature brilliant but socially awkward protagonists who use their unique skills to solve crimes. Both shows blend procedural elements with ongoing character development and romantic tension. The partnership between Brennan and Booth is similar to that of Sherlock and Joan in 'Elementary'.

Fact: Emily Deschanel, who plays Brennan, is a vegan and animal rights activist in real life. The character of Brennan was inspired by real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. The show's creator originally envisioned it as a more serious drama, but added humor after seeing the chemistry between the leads.

Description: While 'Psych' is more comedic in tone than 'Elementary', both shows feature a highly observant protagonist who solves crimes with the help of a best friend. The dynamic between Shawn and Gus mirrors that of Sherlock and Watson, with one being the brilliant but eccentric detective and the other the grounded, supportive partner.

Fact: The pineapple that appears in every episode is a nod to the show's creator's love of the fruit. James Roday Rodriguez, who plays Shawn, actually has a photographic memory in real life. The show was originally conceived as a drama about a fake psychic, but was reworked as a comedy.

Description: 'The Mentalist' shares with 'Elementary' a protagonist who uses his exceptional observational skills and psychological insight to solve crimes. Both shows blend procedural crime-solving with ongoing character arcs and personal drama. The charismatic, yet flawed lead characters in both series also have a penchant for unconventional methods.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, was actually considered for the role of Sherlock Holmes in 'Elementary'. The character of Patrick Jane was inspired by real-life mentalists like The Amazing Kreskin. The show was originally pitched as 'a psychic detective who doesn't believe in psychics'.

Description: 'Castle' and 'Elementary' both feature unconventional detectives who work alongside law enforcement to solve crimes. Both shows blend procedural elements with ongoing character development and romantic tension. The witty banter between Castle and Beckett is similar to the dynamic between Sherlock and Joan in 'Elementary'.

Fact: Nathan Fillion, who plays Richard Castle, is a huge fan of 'Firefly' and often references it in the show. The character of Castle was inspired by real-life mystery writers like James Patterson. The show's creator originally envisioned Castle as a serious journalist, but changed him to a mystery writer after meeting with Fillion.

Description: Like 'Elementary', 'Lie to Me' features a brilliant but socially awkward protagonist who uses his unique skills to solve crimes. Both shows focus on the science of deduction and observation, with Lightman specializing in microexpressions and Holmes in more general detective work. The shows also share a similar tone, balancing drama with moments of humor.

Fact: Tim Roth, who plays Dr. Lightman, based his performance on real-life deception expert Paul Ekman. Many of the cases in the show are based on real-life events. The show was cancelled after three seasons due to declining ratings, despite a loyal fanbase.

Description: Like 'Elementary', 'White Collar' features a brilliant but flawed protagonist (Neal Caffrey) who works with law enforcement to solve crimes. Both shows explore themes of redemption and second chances, and feature a strong partnership between the lead characters. The stylish, sophisticated tone of 'White Collar' is also similar to 'Elementary'.

Fact: Matt Bomer, who plays Neal Caffrey, was originally considered for the role of Superman in a cancelled film. The show's creator was inspired by real-life con artists like Frank Abagnale. Many of the art forgeries featured in the show were created by a real art forger hired as a consultant.

Description: Like 'Elementary', 'Luther' features a brilliant but troubled detective who uses unconventional methods to solve crimes. Both shows explore the darker side of human nature and the psychological toll of detective work. The intense, gritty tone of 'Luther' is similar to some of the darker episodes of 'Elementary'.

Fact: Idris Elba, who plays Luther, won a Golden Globe for his performance. The character was inspired by real-life detectives that the show's creator met while researching the show. The show was originally conceived as a more traditional police procedural, but evolved into a character-driven drama.

Description: Like 'Elementary', 'Sherlock' is a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. Both series feature a brilliant detective with keen observational skills and a troubled past, solving complex crimes with the help of a loyal companion. The show's dark, stylish aesthetic and intricate storytelling are also reminiscent of 'Elementary'.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock, initially turned down the role twice before accepting it. The series is set in modern-day London, but retains many elements from the original stories. Each episode is 90 minutes long, similar to a mini-movie.

Description: 'The Blacklist' and 'Elementary' both feature brilliant but morally ambiguous protagonists who work with law enforcement to solve crimes. Both shows explore themes of redemption and the blurred lines between good and evil. The complex relationship between Reddington and Keen is similar to that of Sherlock and Joan in 'Elementary'.

Fact: James Spader, who plays Reddington, was the producers' first and only choice for the role. The character of Reddington was inspired by real-life criminals like Whitey Bulger. The show's creator originally envisioned it as a more traditional procedural, but changed it to focus on the relationship between Reddington and Keen.