10 Shows & Movies Like Poker Face (2023)

Description: Similar to 'Poker Face', this series features an amateur detective (Jessica Fletcher) who solves crimes through sharp observation and understanding of human nature. Both protagonists travel to different locations, encountering new characters and mysteries in each episode, with a mix of humor and drama.

Fact: Angela Lansbury performed her own stunts in the opening credits sequence. The fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine would statistically have the highest murder rate in America. The show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Jean Stapleton (Edith Bunker), but she turned it down.

Description: Both 'Monk' and 'Poker Face' feature protagonists with exceptional deductive abilities who solve crimes others can't. While Monk's OCD is more extreme than Charlie's lie detection, both characters use their unique perspectives to notice details others miss, often putting themselves in danger to solve cases.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub based Monk's physicality on his father's movements. The show was originally developed as a drama before becoming a comedy-drama. Monk's apartment number (4A) is a reference to Sherlock Holmes' address (221B).

Description: Like 'Poker Face', 'Veronica Mars' features a quick-witted, observant protagonist who solves mysteries while navigating dangerous situations. Both shows blend noir elements with contemporary settings, and both protagonists use their understanding of human nature to outsmart criminals.

Fact: Kristen Bell recorded the answering machine message used in the show. The series was almost called 'Untitled Rob Thomas Project'. The 2014 movie revival was funded through Kickstarter, setting records at the time.

Description: Like 'Poker Face', 'Bones' features an exceptionally observant protagonist (Temperance Brennan) who solves crimes through careful analysis. Both shows balance scientific/analytical approaches with human drama, and both feature strong female leads who challenge traditional authority.

Fact: Emily Deschanel is a vegetarian unlike her character who eats meat. The show is loosely based on the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. David Boreanaz directed several episodes of the series.

Description: Like 'Poker Face', 'Psych' combines crime-solving with humor, featuring a protagonist with extraordinary observational skills (though Shawn Spencer pretends to be psychic). Both shows balance episodic mysteries with ongoing character development and feature pop culture references.

Fact: The pineapple appearing in every episode became a running gag after appearing in the pilot by accident. James Roday Rodriguez (Shawn) and Dulé Hill (Gus) did all their own driving scenes. The theme song was recorded in one take by the show's creator Steve Franks.

Description: Like 'Poker Face', this show features a protagonist (Patrick Jane) with extraordinary observational skills who solves crimes by reading people and situations. Both characters have tragic pasts that motivate their crime-solving, and both shows blend procedural elements with serialized storytelling.

Fact: Simon Baker did most of his own magic tricks on screen. The character was partly inspired by real-life mentalist The Amazing Kreskin. The show's creator Bruno Heller also created 'Rome' and 'Gotham'.

Description: Both 'Castle' and 'Poker Face' combine crime-solving with humor and feature protagonists with unique perspectives that help solve cases. While Castle is a writer rather than a human lie detector, both shows balance procedural elements with character-driven storytelling and romantic tension.

Fact: Nathan Fillion kept one of Castle's Hawaiian shirts from every season. The character was partly inspired by real-life crime writer Michael Connelly. Stana Katic (Beckett) learned to speak five languages for various roles.

Description: This show is particularly similar to 'Poker Face' as it focuses on a protagonist (Cal Lightman) who specializes in detecting lies through microexpressions and body language. Both shows explore the science of deception and feature protagonists who use their skills to solve crimes and navigate complex social situations.

Fact: The show was inspired by the work of real-life psychologist Paul Ekman. Tim Roth based Lightman's American accent on filmmaker Robert Altman. Ekman served as a scientific consultant and even appeared in several episodes.

Description: Like 'Poker Face', 'Columbo' features a protagonist with a unique ability to detect lies and solve crimes through keen observation and deductive reasoning. Both shows follow a 'howcatchem' format where the audience knows the culprit from the start, and the tension comes from watching the detective piece together the clues.

Fact: Columbo's iconic raincoat was purchased off the rack by actor Peter Falk for $

Description: This modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation shares with 'Poker Face' a focus on deductive reasoning and observation to solve crimes. Both shows feature unconventional detectives who see patterns others miss, and both balance episodic mysteries with longer character arcs.

Fact: Lucy Liu was the first woman to play Dr. Watson in a major adaptation. The show was originally set in New York because CBS already had a modern Sherlock show ('Sherlock') set in London. Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch (who played Sherlock in different shows) are real-life friends.