10 Shows & Movies Like Professor T (2021)

Description: An obsessive-compulsive detective with extraordinary attention to detail solves crimes while struggling with his numerous phobias and quirks, demonstrating that brilliance often comes with personal challenges.

Fact: The character was originally conceived as a drama about a detective with Tourette syndrome before becoming a comedic portrayal of OCD. The show won multiple Emmy Awards for its lead actor.

Description: A brilliant but misanthropic diagnostician solves medical mysteries using unconventional methods and deductive reasoning, often clashing with colleagues due to his abrasive personality.

Fact: The character was loosely based on Sherlock Holmes, with medical cases replacing criminal investigations. The show's diagnostic process was often based on real, rare medical conditions.

Description: A forensic anthropologist with exceptional intelligence and social awkwardness works with an FBI agent to solve crimes by analyzing human remains, combining science and detective work.

Fact: The character was inspired by real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, who wrote the novels the show is based on. The series featured highly detailed and scientifically accurate forensic reconstructions.

Description: A hyper-observant fake psychic detective solves crimes with his best friend, using his keen attention to detail and photographic memory while maintaining a humorous, lighthearted approach.

Fact: The pineapple appearing in every episode became a famous running gag among fans. The show's theme song was performed by the lead actor's actual band.

Description: A former fake psychic uses his exceptional observational skills and psychological insight to solve crimes, often outsmarting both criminals and law enforcement with his unorthodox techniques.

Fact: The character of Patrick Jane was inspired by real-life mentalists and psychological illusionists. The show's 'Red John' storyline spanned multiple seasons, creating a compelling overarching mystery.

Description: A bestselling mystery novelist partners with a detective to solve crimes, using his creative thinking and storytelling perspective to approach cases from unique angles.

Fact: The fictional books written by the main character were later published as real novels. The show frequently broke the fourth wall with meta-references to television tropes and crime dramas.

Description: A deception expert uses his knowledge of microexpressions and body language to solve crimes and uncover the truth, proving that human behavior often reveals more than words alone.

Fact: The show was based on the real work of psychologist Paul Ekman, who served as a scientific consultant. Many of the techniques shown were actual methods used in deception detection.

Description: A brilliant con artist partners with the FBI to solve sophisticated crimes, using his criminal expertise and clever mind to outsmart other white-collar criminals.

Fact: The show's lead character was originally written as British before being changed to American. Many of the art forgeries shown were created by a professional art forger hired as a consultant.

Description: A brilliant but socially awkward detective with a sharp mind and unconventional methods solves complex crimes, often relying on his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning.

Fact: The series modernizes Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, setting them in contemporary London. Each episode is 90 minutes long, resembling a mini-movie rather than a traditional TV episode.

Description: A genius detective with a troubled past and addiction issues works with a sober companion to solve crimes in New York City, showcasing remarkable deductive abilities and attention to detail.

Fact: This was the first American television adaptation to feature a female Dr. Watson. The series relocated the classic Sherlock Holmes stories from London to modern-day New York.