12 Best Shows Like Criminal Minds

Police procedurals have significantly evolved from the times of “Dragnet” and “Adam-12.” Today, they aren’t merely week-to-week cases solved by dedicated cops, but rather expansive series that last for years, giving birth to numerous spin-offs. One of the most successful in the past 25 years has been “Criminal Minds,” a show centering around a dedicated FBI team specializing in behavioral analysis and criminal profiling, who work tirelessly to apprehend some of the country’s most ruthless criminals.

Originally airing in 2005 until its conclusion in 2020, the original “Criminal Minds” series has consistently stood out among its spin-offs. Revived as a streaming show on Paramount+ under the title “Criminal Minds: Evolution” in 2022, this long-running series boasts an impressive 18 seasons filled with captivating narratives and a diverse ensemble of stars like Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Aisha Tyler, and many more.

Solving the most intricate mysteries that have left even the FBI baffled, this team employs their understanding of human behavior to delve into the thoughts of wrongdoers. With unmatched proficiency, the individuals on this BAU squad are some of the bureau’s sharpest minds, boasting unique talents that let them surpass expectations. If you’re a fan of “Criminal Minds” and seek more shows in a similar vein to keep you entertained late into the night, take a look at these other exceptional dramas.

Rizzoli and Isles

In 2010, “Rizzoli and Isles” returned to the traditional format of police procedural shows, focusing on a pair of protagonists instead of a large team like “Criminal Minds.” However, it added an interesting twist: the duo in this series aren’t typical cops but rather close friends who are expert investigators. Each character brings unique skills to their work together, setting them apart from other iconic TV partnerships. The show is based in Boston and unfolds there.

Detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon), displaying an exceptional dedication to resolving complex cases, partners with her closest confidante, medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander). Their collaboration yields results through a blend of shrewd instincts, diligent effort, and a sprinkle of wit and spunk. The narrative also delves into the intricate web of relationships that envelop them – encompassing various associates, kin, and peers portrayed by talents such as Lorraine Bracco, Bruce McGill, and Jordan Bridges. This show served as an early prototype for series like “Blue Bloods.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say that “Rizzoli and Isles” is like a blend of a serious detective show and a funny sitcom. It’s got the grit of a cop drama but with a touch of humor that sets it apart from others. If you’re looking for a series with the intensity of “Criminal Minds,” but with a lighter side, this could be just what you need!

CSI: NY

In the late ’90s, I found myself captivated by crime scene investigation series, which seemed to be taking over TV. Shows like “Law and Order” were being overshadowed by those focusing on larger teams of detectives meticulously examining every aspect of a crime. Among them, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” stood out as a favorite, probably inspiring shows like “Criminal Minds” a decade later. The original “CSI” even spawned its own franchise, with offshoots such as “CSI: NY.

A year prior to “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: NY” debuted, setting its action in the city that stays awake, offering a rich landscape for nine seasons’ worth of narratives. Joining Gary Sinise, star of “Apollo 13,” in the lead was an impressive ensemble cast featuring Melina Kanakaredes, Carmine Giovinazzo, Vanessa Ferlito, Hill Harper, and Eddie Cahill. Similar to its precursors, “CSI” and “CSI: Miami,” this series centered on the tireless professionals at the city’s crime lab, who meticulously scrutinize every clue from the Big Apple’s most gruesome crimes. The team comprises specialists in diverse fields such as forensics and computer science, all of whom are top-notch experts in their respective domains.

Without a doubt, “CSI: NY” stands out as one of the top spin-offs from the original “CSI” series. This gritty show followed its characters as they tackled some of New York City’s most challenging cases for almost a decade. From mass murders and white supremacist groups to terrorist cells and drug empires, they faced it all. If you’re into intense, no-nonsense investigations, then “CSI: NY” is certainly worth checking out.

The Blacklist

If Criminal Minds were to reimagine their team by bringing on board a criminal mastermind as their leader, it could resemble the popular crime drama “The Blacklist.” This series has been one of the top prime-time crime shows of the past decade. In this show, James Spader portrays Red Reddington, an accomplished career criminal who manages to evade capture by the FBI until they finally corner him. Instead of imprisoning him, he presents a tempting proposition: He’ll help agents track down and apprehend the world’s most dangerous criminals in exchange for complete immunity for his past misdeeds.

In order to pursue his villainous associates, Reddington makes a deal under an unusual stipulation: he demands that Elizabeth Keen (played by Megan Boone), a criminal profiler, be his partner. The enigmatic attraction between them turns out to be a significant plot element throughout the series, rivaling their joint endeavors to catch various ruthless killers and cunning criminals.

Ampping up the tension, “The Blacklist” veers more towards psychological thrillers than traditional crime dramas, yet it maintains a sharp, humorous flair. This series, highly praised by critics, offered some of the finest weekly adventures on TV, and the chemistry between its stars was electrifying, with Spader earning three Emmy Awards for his exceptional performance. Regrettably, similar to “Criminal Minds,” it also featured a puzzling character exit that left fans frustrated.

FBI: Most Wanted

Dylan McDermott has been involved with police dramas for some time, starring in shows like “Dark Blue” and “Stalker” that didn’t last very long. However, he found a series with lasting impact when he joined the cast of “FBI: Most Wanted” in 2022, replacing departing actor Julian McMahon. The show, a spin-off from the Dick Wolf-created drama “FBI,” primarily follows the agents who are tasked with hunting down America’s most wanted criminals from their New York office.

McDermott portrays Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, collaborating with a tough group of detectives. This team doesn’t confine their investigations to just New York City; instead, they pursue the most dangerous criminals monitored by the FBI across the nation. Whether it’s a ruthless mass murderer, a terrifying serial killer, or a tyrannical gang leader with a bloody history, the team is hot on their trail.

Upon its premiere, the new series “FBI: Most Wanted” offered a unique twist compared to its predecessor, featuring more intensity and an elevated sense of urgency. As part of a connected universe, it’s had several cross-overs, including with its subsequent spin-off, “FBI: International.” In some ways, it can be likened to a more intense version of “Law and Order,” making it an ideal match for “Criminal Minds.” Sadly, the show was canceled in March 2025 after six seasons.

Alert: Missing Persons Unit

The latest addition to this list, featuring an atypical character interaction, is “Attention: Missing Persons Unit,” debuted in 2023. This series concentrates on a unique branch of the police force, rather than chasing after criminals, the agents of MPU are dedicated to finding – as you might have guessed – missing individuals. These could be children abducted from their parents’ care, kidnap victims with limited time, or perplexing cases where ordinary people appear to have simply disappeared without a trace.

In the series “Missing Persons,” previously known for his role in “Hawaii Five-O,” Scott Caan stars as Detective Jason Grant. Notably, his former spouse, Captain Nikki Batista (played by Dania Ramirez), is his partner on this case. Besides their joint efforts to find missing individuals, they are also investigating the disappearance of their shared son, which adds a layer of personal tragedy and tension to their work. This tragic event fuels their empathy and understanding towards the cases they handle, setting them apart from other officers and providing an ongoing source of tension within the series, alongside the weekly mysteries.

Currently in its third series, “Alert: Missing Persons Unit,” while appearing typical of the procedural genre on the surface, offers an innovative twist in its storylines. Simultaneously, the dynamic tension between characters Grant and Batista adds a dose of excitement to each episode.

The Mentalist

The genre of detective series featuring a selfless crime-solver with an almost uncanny ability is quite substantial. Shows like “Psych” and “The Dead Zone” can range from being grave to humorous, but “The Mentalist” resembles “Criminal Minds” more than others in this category. The main character, Patrick Jane, portrayed by Simon Baker, who has encountered legal challenges in his personal life, was previously a medium with psychic abilities. His past holds some degree of enigma.

Located on the Western seaboard, “The Mentalist” follows the character Jane who often aids law enforcement in a manner similar to Sherlock Holmes, acting as an outside advisor for the California Bureau of Investigations. His abilities, whether real or not, involve keen observation skills and a remarkable knack for intuition. This, along with his deep understanding of human behavior and psychology, makes him more effective compared to traditional investigators he collaborates with. Throughout his cases, Jane forms a reliable alliance with Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney), the chief agent in charge of the bureau’s Serious Crimes Unit.

Due to Simon Baker’s captivating charm, the character of Patrick Jane would blend seamlessly with the team on “Criminal Minds.” His cases often have a classic whodunit feel, making the show reminiscent of traditional murder mystery programs in a way that sets it apart from many others.

Lie to Me

If you enjoy shows about mysterious investigators, then “Lie to Me” could be another series you’d appreciate. Although it only had three seasons, starring Tim Roth, it’s often overlooked but deserves more recognition. A blend of “House” and “Criminal Minds”, this show follows Dr. Cal Lightman (played by Roth), who runs a private firm that uses unique profiling techniques to assist law enforcement on their most challenging cases.

Lightman is an expert in understanding human behavior and psychology, often acting like a lie detector with exceptional skills in reading body language and subtleties. As a previous MI6 agent, he works alongside colleagues Gillian Foster, Ria Torres, and FBI liaison Ben Reynolds.

In essence, both “Lie to Me” and “Criminal Minds” share similarities, as they involve teams of experts in human behavior – profilers and analysts. However, the unique quirks might vary; Dr. Lightman, our leading man, is a bit grumpy yet charismatic. The narratives also tend to center more around solving the mystery, keeping you guessing about how they’ll catch the criminal.

NCIS

The hit television show “NCIS,” which originated from the ’90s courtroom drama “JAG” and has been consistently airing since 2003, is one of TV’s longest-running franchises. For the initial 18 seasons (with some of the 19th), Mark Harmon, known for his ’80s comedy roles, played the lead character. He portrayed Jethro Gibbs, a former U.S. Marine sniper who transitioned to an FBI Special Agent and commanded the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Major Case Response Team.

In his time, Gibbs headed a reliable group of specialists who probed into the gravest crimes linked to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This team comprised Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo (portrayed by Michael Weatherly), Special Agent Caitlin Todd (played by Sascha Alexander), as well as Pauley Perrette, who played the eccentric forensics expert Abby Scuito.

Similar to “Criminal Minds,” one of the main attractions of “NCIS” lies in its engaging ensemble of characters, from the seasoned agent Gibbs all the way down. The plots are generally straightforward, infused with a military flavor, yet they’re sprinkled with humor and a quick pace. Over 22 seasons and still going strong, “NCIS” has captured the hearts of millions, even spawning spin-offs such as the latest, “NCIS: Origins,” which delves into Gibbs’ complex past as a young agent.

Mindhunter

Instead of being as dark as “Criminal Minds,” the Netflix original show “Mindhunter,” produced by director David Fincher, deviates from the norm. Fincher is known for timeless films like “Fight Club,” “Seven,” and “Zodiac.” In this series, he delves into the topic of serial killers, but in a unique manner.

The series “Mindhunter,” derived from a book written by ex-FBI agent John E. Douglas, focuses on two fictional FBI agents established in the late 1970s. They create a unique team within the bureau that delves into the psychological aspects of notorious American serial killers. Agent Holden Ford (portrayed by Jonathan Groff) exhibits youthful enthusiasm, while Agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) displays a more experienced and cautious demeanor. Alongside them is agent Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), who asserts that her expertise in human psychology could be instrumental in apprehending these killers.

In the TV show “Mindhunter,” the characters are inspired by real individuals, with Ann Burgess serving as a significant influence for its plot. Notably, this series features interviews with real-life serial killers such as Edmund Kemper (portrayed by Cameron Britton) and Charles Manson (played by Damion Harriman). From its inception to its conclusion, “Mindhunter” is an incredibly engaging watch, complete with captivating performances that might even leave you nervously gnawing on your nails. This show stands out as one of the finest television productions from the past ten years, offering insights into the beginnings of the investigative work portrayed in “Criminal Minds.

Bones

Following his stint as Angel, the vampire detective, in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spin-off, David Boreanaz transitioned to the non-supernatural crime drama “Bones.” In this series, he portrays FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth. This character is required to collaborate with an external expert, Dr. Temperance Brennan (played by Emily Deschanel), who holds a position as a forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute research facility.

Known as “Bones” due to her proficiency in analyzing human skeletons, Brennan is a brilliant mind with an unparalleled dedication. Assigned to work alongside him is Booth, a veteran Army sniper, whose partnership forms the core of the show’s allure. The duo often clash over their approaches to investigations, as Brennan tends towards a methodical, analytical style, while Booth often relies on his instincts and gut feelings.

Drawing strong parallels to the dynamic between Mulder and Scully on “The X-Files,” the relationship between Brennan and Booth in “Bones” also carries an undeniable romantic tension. Similar to “Criminal Minds,” but with a more personal touch, this series delves into the realm of criminal profiling, showcasing how two starkly contrasting perspectives can unexpectedly complement each other. Despite one storyline that left fans scratching their heads in disbelief, it remains an engaging and well-rounded series overall.

Wire in the Blood

It’s not just American shows like “Criminal Minds” that are great; over in England, they have a well-known cop drama known as “Wire in the Blood.” Similar to “Criminal Minds,” this British series is based on crime novels by Val McDermid and follows an expert criminal profiler and his team. They use their understanding of human psychology to help catch some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, much like the U.S. show.

Dr. Tony Hill (Robson Green) is a seasoned professional who specializes in analyzing habitual violent offenders. He collaborates with the Major Incident Team within the Bradfield Criminal Investigation Department. Unlike the typical action-oriented investigator, Dr. Hill is an awkward and socially challenged individual, whose intelligence sometimes makes him an outsider. However, his intuition is never inaccurate, and this unconventional detective employs his unique talents to solve some of the most gruesome murder mysteries.

Compared to “Criminal Minds,” “Wire in the Blood” carries a more somber atmosphere, yet it’s equally captivating. This BBC series managed to hold viewers for six seasons, albeit with only 24 episodes. Consequently, if you’re looking for a gripping, week-long viewing experience, “Wire in the Blood” is an ideal choice.

Prodigal Son

Shows like “Criminal Minds” often delve into both the cases and the personal lives of their main detectives, but few focus as heavily on family dynamics as “Prodigal Son.” Premiering on Fox in 2019, this series features Michael Sheen as Martin Whitly, a serial killer who has spent decades locked up for his crimes. After serving 25 years, he’s released and returns to his family, where he meets his son Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), an FBI agent who was raised by NYPD officer Gil Arroyo (Lou Diamond Phillips) – the same man who captured Martin years ago.

Following his dismissal from the FBI, Arroyo recruits Bright as a consultant for the NYPD. Despite his unease about being linked to a notorious murderer, reminding him of his own father’s dark past, Bright possesses an extraordinary talent – the ability to peer into the minds of killers, providing him with unique insights that help him apprehend the city’s most vicious criminals. In a chilling parallel to “The Silence of the Lambs,” Bright receives assistance from his father in his pursuit of grisly murders and other heinous crimes.

The remarkable ensemble of the series boasts names like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aurora Perrineau, and Dermot Mulroney. Despite having run for just two short seasons, it offers a gripping weekly format, blending elements of “Criminal Minds” and “Hannibal,” creating something truly distinctive.

2025-04-11 21:32