10 Best Shows Like Bones – Price Prediction

While Bones is a truly beloved show, there are many other popular crime dramas available. Even though it first aired almost 21 years ago, Bones has maintained a dedicated fanbase and is considered a cult classic. The show’s recent popularity on streaming platforms means that the unique chemistry between Emily Deschanel’s Temperance Brennan and David Boreanaz’s Seeley Booth is still enjoyed by many viewers.

It’s easy to see why fans still love Bones – the show has memorable characters and intriguing mysteries. However, many other excellent detective series have emerged since then. The truly outstanding ones capture a similar spirit to Bones but still feel fresh and unique, establishing themselves as great shows in their own right, rather than simply trying to copy what came before.

10. Numb3rs

The FBI Enlists A Genius Math Professor To Solve Crime

Even though it ran for six seasons, the crime drama Numb3rs never quite got the recognition it deserved. The CBS show, which was on TV from 2005 to 2010, centered around two brothers working to solve crimes: Don Eppes (Rob Morrow), an FBI agent, and his brother Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz), a brilliant math professor.

The TV show Numb3rs demonstrates how creative problem-solving, particularly through math, can help solve difficult crimes. Charlie Eppes uses his mathematical skills to help a team of FBI agents see evidence in fresh ways. Beyond the weekly cases, the show also focuses on the intricate bond between Don, Charlie, and their father, Alan.

9. CSI

The Flagship Series Heavily Emphasizes The Importance Of Physical Evidence

Like Brennan’s unconventional methods showed Booth that detectives can’t always solve cases with force, the TV show CSI revealed how many specialized skills are essential to crime solving—skills often overlooked in typical detective shows. A prime example is forensic entomology, the study of insects and related creatures, which Dr. Gil Grissom (played by William Petersen) brought to the forefront, demonstrating how much information these tiny creatures can provide.

Just like the TV show Bones uses skeletons to figure out how someone died, CSI uses insects found on bodies to determine when and where a death occurred. Along with experts in blood spatter and criminal minds, CSI highlights the importance of physical evidence – the often overlooked clues – in solving crimes, rather than relying on traditional detective work.

8. Lucifer

A Fallen Angel Ends Up In A Classic Crime Drama Slow-Burn

Most fantasy TV shows struggle when they try to mix genres, but Lucifer manages to pull it off. The show is both a fantastical story about the battle between good and evil, and a compelling police drama. Lucifer Morningstar (played by Tom Ellis) is a demon who becomes fascinated with Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) and joins the LAPD as a consultant just to be near her.

Over time, Lucifer actually starts to enjoy his work as a consultant, almost as much as he loves Chloe. It’s funny because he even gets hooked on the TV show Bones, seeing similarities between the characters Brennan and Booth and himself and Chloe. He’s such a fan, in fact, that his knowledge of the show actually helps him solve a case when he recognizes a suspect as an actor from Bones.

7. Body of Proof

A Medical Examiner Struggles To Maintain Work-Life Balance

Both Bones and Body of Proof offered fresh takes on the classic crime drama. While Bones gained a lot of attention, Body of Proof really stood out for its realistic depiction of forensic science. The show follows Megan Hunt (Dana Delany), a brilliant former neurosurgeon who becomes a medical examiner and uses her skills to help the police solve challenging murder cases.

Like Brennan, who often seems uncomfortable in social situations, Megan initially appears distant and uncaring during the first season. But as she builds relationships with her coworkers, her compassionate side emerges, particularly when the murder cases become personal or bring up painful memories of her daughter, Lacey.

6. House

A Grouchy Sherlock Holmes Type Explores Medical Mysteries

While Brennan often gets a bad rap and is actually a kind person, Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is intentionally difficult, arrogant, and always ready with a sarcastic comment. Despite his rude behavior with patients, House is incredibly intelligent, solving medical mysteries with his exceptional diagnostic skills.

While Booth and Brennan share a playful, teasing relationship, the friendship between House and James Wilson is truly legendary in television history. Often called “Hilson” by fans, these two characters constantly swing between dislike and genuine care for each other, making their complex connection a central part of every episode.

5. The X-Files

An Expert On Supernatural Phenomena & A Skeptic Form An Unlikely Pair

Beyond its status as a classic science fiction show, The X-Files is incredibly influential. While it follows the familiar structure of detective shows – pairing two contrasting partners – The X-Files distinguishes itself by investigating the most unusual, bizarre, and seemingly unexplainable mysteries, going beyond what science can account for.

Fox Mulder, played by David Duchovny, has always been fascinated by the unexplained, while Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is a firm believer in logic and evidence. Like other great detective pairings, Mulder and Scully complement each other perfectly, making them ideal partners.

4. Rizzoli & Isles

A Skilled Detective & A Forensics Expert Work As A Dynamic Duo

As a huge fan of crime dramas, I always enjoyed Rizzoli & Isles. It’s based on Tess Gerritsen’s books and centers around the fascinating dynamic between a homicide detective, Jane Rizzoli, and a medical examiner, Maura Isles. They’re best friends, but total opposites – Jane is tough and witty, while Maura is a bit quirky and incredibly sweet. Together, they tackle the toughest murder cases in Boston. It’s a really compelling pairing!

Many crime shows from the 2000s have been forgotten or haven’t held up well over time. While Rizzoli & Isles isn’t currently a huge hit, the dynamic between its two lead characters remains compelling. Thanks to the fantastic chemistry between the actors and the show’s lighthearted moments, Rizzoli & Isles is consistently enjoyable to watch.

3. NCIS

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service Forms A Heartwarming Found Family

NCIS is likely CBS’s most successful show ever. The series has spawned numerous related programs – including prequels and sequels – suggesting the NCIS universe could continue indefinitely. However, many fans still prefer the original show, which centers on special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Major Case Response Team (MCRT).

Over its almost 23 seasons, the cast of NCIS has changed a lot. But what really makes NCIS a good choice for fans of Bones is its strong focus on teamwork, which is a key part of the show. If you enjoyed the close-knit team at the Jeffersonian Institute, you’ll likely enjoy NCIS as well.

2. Castle

A Best-Selling Novelist Becomes A Murderer Suspect When A Copycat Strikes

Fans of both Castle and Bones often debate which show is better, but many agree it’s best to simply enjoy them both. While Castle shares a similar feel and slow-developing romance with Bones, the core storylines are quite distinct.

Okay, so I’m totally hooked on Castle. It starts with this really successful, but kind of cocky, mystery writer, Richard Castle (played by Nathan Fillion), teaming up with Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) because someone starts copying the murders from his books! It’s not just a typical will-they-won’t-they workplace romance, though – there’s a lot of tension and playful antagonism right from the start. Honestly, if you were a Bones fan, this show will definitely scratch that same itch!

1. Elementary

A Modern Twist On Sherlock & Watson Makes For A Gripping Procedural

While it doesn’t closely resemble Bones, Elementary is a truly outstanding detective series. This fresh take on the stories of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson – played by Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu respectively – offers completely unique and compelling interpretations of these iconic characters.

Both Elementary and Bones are strong shows, and they create a similar viewing experience by expertly blending humor, emotional depth, and intriguing mysteries. While Bones remains one of a kind, Elementary is equally enjoyable and offers the same satisfying appeal as the popular Bones series.

2026-02-21 18:31