10 Movies and Shows Similar to Will Trent (2023)

Description: Like 'Will Trent', 'Monk' centers on a detective with a unique perspective—Adrian Monk's OCD contrasts with Will Trent's dyslexia. Both shows explore how their protagonists' differences make them exceptional investigators.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub won multiple Emmys for his role. The show was inspired by a real detective with OCD. The series finale was one of the most-watched cable episodes at the time.

Description: 'NCIS' and 'Will Trent' both balance crime-solving with team camaraderie. While 'NCIS' has a military angle, both shows feature protagonists who overcome personal obstacles to excel at their jobs.

Fact: Mark Harmon also produced the show. It's one of the longest-running scripted TV shows. The show has spawned multiple spin-offs.

Description: 'The Closer' and 'Will Trent' both feature intense, character-driven police procedurals with a focus on the protagonists' personal and professional challenges. Brenda Leigh Johnson's interrogation skills parallel Will Trent's investigative instincts.

Fact: Kyra Sedgwick won an Emmy for her role. The show was a ratings hit for TNT. It spun off into 'Major Crimes'.

Description: Similar to 'Will Trent', 'Bones' combines forensic science with personal drama. Both shows feature strong, intelligent leads (Temperance Brennan and Will Trent) who solve crimes while navigating complex relationships and past traumas.

Fact: Emily Deschanel (Brennan) is a vegetarian, unlike her meat-loving character. The show is loosely based on the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. David Boreanaz directed several episodes.

Description: 'Psych' and 'Will Trent' both feature protagonists with extraordinary observational skills, though 'Psych' leans more into comedy. Both shows balance crime-solving with the protagonists' personal journeys and quirky personalities.

Fact: The pineapple in each episode is a running gag. James Roday Rodriguez and Dulé Hill had incredible on-screen chemistry. The show's theme song was performed by the lead actor's band.

Description: Like 'Will Trent', 'The Mentalist' features a protagonist with a unique skill set—Patrick Jane's keen observational abilities and psychological insight mirror Will Trent's investigative prowess. Both shows blend crime-solving with personal backstories, adding depth to the procedural format.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, won a Golden Globe for his performance. The show was inspired by real-life mentalists and psychic detectives. The Red John storyline was one of the most gripping arcs in TV crime dramas.

Description: 'Castle' shares with 'Will Trent' a mix of crime procedural and character-driven storytelling. Both feature unconventional partnerships—Will Trent with his colleagues and Richard Castle with Detective Beckett—blending humor, tension, and personal growth.

Fact: Nathan Fillion ad-libbed many of Castle's humorous lines. The show was initially inspired by real-life authors shadowing police officers. Stana Katic learned to speak multiple languages for her role as Beckett.

Description: This show, like 'Will Trent', focuses on the dynamic between two strong leads solving crimes. The mix of professional collaboration and personal friendship mirrors the relationships in 'Will Trent'.

Fact: Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander had instant chemistry. Based on Tess Gerritsen's novels. The show was praised for its female-driven narrative.

Description: As a successor to 'The Closer', 'Major Crimes' continues the tradition of strong, character-driven procedurals like 'Will Trent'. Both shows delve into team dynamics and the moral complexities of policing.

Fact: The show focused more on ensemble work than its predecessor. It explored the shift from interrogation to plea bargaining. Mary McDonnell brought gravitas to her role as Captain Raydor.

Description: 'Elementary' and 'Will Trent' both modernize classic detective tropes. Will Trent's dyslexia and Sherlock's recovery from addiction add layers to their crime-solving brilliance, making them relatable yet extraordinary.

Fact: Lucy Liu was the first woman to play Dr. Watson on screen. The show was set in New York instead of London. Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) are close friends.