15 Best Shows Like Criminal Minds

April 1, 2020, 5:55 a.m.

Movies

15 Best Shows Like Criminal Minds

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Summary Shows like Criminal Minds have flooded television for decades, with psychological elements adding depth to crime-solving narratives.

Spin-offs such as Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and international settings provide fresh takes on the crime procedural genre.

Series like Numb3rs and Lie To Me offer unique angles on crime-solving, focusing on mathematical equations and behavioral science.

Shows like Criminal Minds flooded broadcast television for the last two decades. Even before it premiered, police procedurals had been one of the most popular genres since the advent of television. While there were several hit cop shows on TV, from Columbo and Kojak to Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues, it seems the shows that started in the 1990s and continue to this day took things a step further than any that came before. These shows often pull stories from the headlines and feature just as many sad endings as exciting save-the-day finales.

Criminal Minds premiered in 2005 and followed the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they profiled crimes and unknown subjects (called unsubs), triedimilar shows like, Criminal Misaved this didn't bother as much with police officers racing to catch criminals, and instead had the agents delve into the minds of the criminals and attempt to figure out who they were and why they were doing this to find a way to catch them before they could commit yet another crime. Now the series has ended, there are many other great shows like Criminal Minds.

15 Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016-2017)

Takes The Criminal Minds Series International

But even though Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders wasn't nearly as famous as the original, only running for two seasons, it's still worth a watch for those who love shows like Criminal Minds.

It's rare for sequels and spin-off shows to live up to the original. This is true in everything from books to movies and, of course, television shows. But even though Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders wasn't nearly as famous as the original, only running for two seasons, it's still worth a watch for those who love shows like Criminal Minds. This particular spin-off takes on a similar premise, but it takes it a step further by stripping the show of borders and sending the characters on exciting hunts away from home.

The show follows an elite team of FBI agents from the International Response Team, led by Jack Garrett (Gary Sinise), who solve cases involving American citizens abroad. With Alana De La Garza as Clara Seger, a cultural anthropologist, and Daniel Henney as Special Ops Agent Matthew Simmons, the series incorporates international settings and diverse cultural challenges, bringing a fresh and global twist to the Criminal Minds franchise.

14 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)

The Long-Running Series Won 6 Golden Globes

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Release Date October 6, 2000 Cast William Petersen , Marg Helgenberger , George Eads , Eric Szmanda , Elisabeth Shue , Laurence Fishburne , Paul Guilfoyle Seasons 15 Showrunner Anthony E. Zuiker

Certain shows manage to establish themselves as classics right off the bat. Criminal Minds did it to the extent of lasting for over a dozen seasons. But five years before the show reached screens, another one was garnering that classic and iconic status - CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The show lasted an impressive fifteen years and was nominated for six Golden Globes. If clever crime mysteries are what a person likes about shows like Criminal Minds, especially those with over 300 episodes to satisfy their thirst for suspense, then CSI fits that description.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas, led by Gil Grissom (William Petersen), as they unravel complex cases using cutting-edge forensic science. With a talented ensemble cast including Marg Helgenberger, George Eads, and Laurence Fishburne, the show redefined the crime procedural genre by focusing on the science behind solving crimes. Its success led to several spin-offs, such as CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and the recent revival, CSI: Vegas. The original series remains a must-watch for fans of gripping procedural dramas, offering a compelling mix of intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and inventive scientific detective work.

13 Numb3rs (2005-2010)

The Complex Maths Equations To Solve Cases Sets Numb3rs Apart

Numb3rs Cast Rob Morrow , David Krumholtz , Judd Hirsch , Alimi Ballard , Sabrina Lloyd , Dylan Bruno , Diane Farr , Navi Rawat , Peter MacNicol Release Date January 23, 2005 Seasons 6 Creator(s) Nicolas Falacci , Cheryl Heuton

Numb3rs is one of the shows like Criminal Minds that many people seemed to miss when it aired between 2005 and 2010. Even though the series enjoyed mild success and ran for six seasons, it still doesn't receive the same attention as similar shows in the genre. If a viewer enjoys premises that involve outsiders with outstanding talents joining FBI investigations, then Numb3rs is for you. It follows a mathematician who uses mathematical equations to help the Bureau solve several crimes. It's like nothing seen before in the realm of police procedurals.

The series stars Rob Morrow as FBI Agent Don Eppes and David Krumholtz as his genius brother, Dr. Charlie Eppes, a mathematician who uses his expertise in mathematics to solve crimes. The unique premise of applying complex equations to criminal investigations set Numb3rs apart from other procedurals. The show blends mathematical theories with gripping crime-solving plots, offering viewers a fresh and intellectual twist on the genre.

12 Lie To Me (2009-2011)

Inspired By The Real-Life Work Of Paul Ekman

Lie to Me Release Date January 21, 2009 Cast Tim Roth , Kelli Williams , Brendan Hines , Monica Raymund , Hayley McFarland , Mekhi Phifer , Kristen Ariza , Monique Gabriela Curnen Seasons 3 Showrunner Samuel Baum

Similar to shows like Criminal Minds, Lie To Me is all about behavior. Tim Roth stars as Dr. Cal Lightman, the leading expert on body language and facial expressions, a knowledge he uses to help solve cases. He works outside the police department for a company called The Lightman Group, where he takes on assignments from everyone, including the police, to assist in investigations. The show aired for three seasons and was inspired by the work of Paul Ekman, who did the same work in real life for police departments and anti-terrorist groups.

Lie To Me delves deep into the science of deception detection, exploring the fascinating ways in which subtle facial expressions and micro-expressions can reveal hidden emotions and lies. Dr. Lightman's team, including his protégé Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams), brings a range of expertise to the investigations, making the series a compelling watch for those interested in psychological profiling. The show expertly combines thrilling cases with insightful psychological analysis, offering a unique blend of crime-solving and behavioral science that will captivate fans of Criminal Minds.

11 Castle (2009-2016)

Castle Has Eight Bingeworthy Seasons

Castle Release Date March 9, 2009 Cast Jon Huertas , Tamala Jones , Molly C. Quinn , Stana Katic , Susan Sullivan , Seamus Dever , Nathan Fillion Seasons 8 Showrunner Andrew W. Marlowe

Castle brought together a famous mystery novel writer with an NYPD detective. This is much more light-hearted than most shows like Criminal Minds, but it does share much in common regarding the cast chemistry and the relationship building as they solve cases each week. The series follows writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), who teams up with Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) to solve murders that often resemble the plotlines of his novels. The contrasting personalities of the charming, irreverent Castle and the serious, by-the-book Beckett create a dynamic partnership that evolves over time into a compelling romance.

Supported by a talented ensemble cast including Susan Sullivan, Jon Huertas, and Seamus Dever, Castle masterfully blends witty humor with thrilling mysteries. There are also eight seasons ready to binge-watch, with plenty of gruesome and fascinating crimes, often paired up with conspiracies and corruption. The banter between Fillion and Katic, the actors behind the main characters, makes the show more than worth the watch.

Related Castle: Where Are They Now? Castle had an impressive run, but after its cancellation, the cast moved on to bigger and better things. So where are they now?

10 The Blacklist (2013-2023)

A Gripping Series Following A Unique FBI Team

The Blacklist Release Date September 23, 2013 Cast Harry Lennix , Megan Boone , James Spader , Diego Klattenhoff , Ryan Eggold , Parminder Nagra Seasons 10 Showrunner Jon Bokenkamp

The Blacklist does so by teaming a career criminal with the FBI.

The Blacklist takes the ideas from shows like Criminal Minds and adds an exciting twist. While both shows are about stopping the worst criminals that society has to offer and solving crimes before innocent lives are lost, The Blacklist does so by teaming a career criminal with the FBI. James Spader stars as Red Reddington, a former high-profile criminal who agrees to help the FBI capture and arrest dangerous criminals from his "Blacklist" in exchange for his freedom and the chance to work with a rookie agent named Elizabeth Keen.

The series stands out due to James Spader's mesmerizing performance as the enigmatic Red Reddington, whose morally ambiguous partnership with the FBI brings constant tension and intrigue. Megan Boone plays Elizabeth Keen, the rookie agent whose connection to Reddington gradually unravels a complex web of secrets and conspiracies. With a strong supporting cast including Harry Lennix, Diego Klattenhoff, and Ryan Eggold, The Blacklist expertly balances serialized storytelling with procedural elements, making each episode a thrilling blend of mystery, action, and drama.

9 Dexter (2006-2013)

Michael C. Hall's Performance As Dexter Is Truly Chilling

Dexter Release Date October 31, 2010 Cast David Zayas , Michael C. Hall , Lauren Velez , C. S. Lee , James Remar , Jennifer Carpenter , Desmond Harrington , Julie Benz Seasons 8 Showrunner Clyde Phillips

One of the most alluring things about shows like Criminal Minds is seeing the inner workings of a serial killer's brain in action. It's terrifying and disturbing, but that's half of what makes it so interesting. If that's the case, a perfect companion series is Dexter, featuring one of the most prominent serial killers on TV. However, what makes this show unique is that the serial killer works for the police, and his victims are criminals who seem even worse than he is.

Michael C. Hall delivers a chilling yet captivating performance as Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. Dexter's strict moral code, known as the "Code of Harry," ensures he only targets other killers who have evaded justice. This duality adds a compelling complexity to the character and keeps viewers rooting for him despite his dark deeds. The story led to his eventual downfall, but getting there was what made the show fun.

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8 NCIS (2003-Present)

The Mark Harmon Series Perfectly Blends Humor & Drama

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service takes the police procedural and narrows it down to one specific target - cases involving the Navy. It also doesn't go into great detail into the minds of the killers but instead sets itself up as a mystery that the team has to solve, which is where the similarities lie. Led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the NCIS team combines wit, camaraderie, and dedication to solve complex cases involving military personnel.

The ensemble cast, including Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, David McCallum, and Sean Murray, brings a perfect blend of humor and drama, making each episode an enjoyable mix of crime-solving and character dynamics. It was always more popular than Criminal Minds, garnering several NCIS spinoffs and lasting for 20 seasons and counting, but part of that was the less intense adventures. For people who like shows like Criminal Minds but want something more akin to comfort food, NCIS is the way to go.

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7 Without A Trace (2002-2009)

Focuses On An FBI Unit Specializing In Missing-Person Investigations

Without a Trace Cast Anthony LaPaglia , Poppy Montgomery , Marianne Jean-Baptiste , Enrique Murciano , Eric Close , Roselyn Sanchez Release Date September 26, 2022 Seasons 7 Creator(s) Hank Steinberg

The FBI isn't comprised solely of the BAU, and Without A Trace has another group that is just as important. Just as suspenseful and uncomfortable as shows like Criminal Minds, this series focuses on a unit of the FBI that specializes in missing-person investigations. Led by Special Agent Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia), the team uses psychological profiling, forensic evidence, and detailed timelines to locate the missing individuals.

The series provides a unique blend of mystery and human drama as each case delves into the personal lives and motivations of the victims, making every investigation feel urgent and deeply emotional. While Criminal Minds is about hunting down the bad guys, this team is more about finding the missing people and bringing them back home alive. With seven seasons originally airing from 2002 to 2009, it shows an entirely different side of the spectrum regarding investigative work.

6 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-Present)

An Accurate Series About Tragic Stories Starring Mariska Hargitay

Law and Order: SVU Release Date September 20, 1999 Cast Christopher Meloni , Mariska Hargitay , Richard Belzer , Dann Florek , Michelle Hurd , Stephanie March , Ice-T , BD Wong , Diane Neal , Tamara Tunie Seasons 25 Showrunner Robert Palm , David J. Burke , Neal Baer , Warren Leight , Rick Eid , Michael S. Chernuchin , David Graziano

Law & Order was a top-rated show that resulted in several equally successful spin-offs. However, its first significant spinoff, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ended up not only being more popular but remains the most successful police procedural show in history, with over 24 seasons. The series is centered around the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, an elite squad of detectives who investigate crimes of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.

Led by Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), the show explores not only the crimes but also the emotional repercussions for the victims and the detectives who solve these disturbing cases. The show has been acclaimed for years for depicting the justice system. It's not a happy show, and it's not meant to be. It's an accurate series of tales that tell the tragic stories of victims of the worst crimes. Shows like Criminal Minds deliver a hard-hitting, relentlessly gritty side of the criminal justice system.

Related Law & Order: SVU - 25 Episodes Based On Real-Life Cases NBC's Law and Order SVU features some shocking episodes that are, in fact, based on real-life situations and crimes. Here are 25 such episodes.

5 Cold Case (2003-2010)

A Unique Series In Philadelphia Exploring 50-Year-Old Crimes

Cold Case Cast Kathryn Morris , Justin Chambers , Thom Barry , John Finn , Jeremy Ratchford , Danny Pino , Tracie Thoms Release Date September 28, 2003 Seasons 7 Creator(s) Meredith Stiehm

Cold Case is a show that always leaves the viewer with a bad taste in the best possible sense. On the one hand, witnessing the unit solving murders that happened 10, 20, and sometimes even 50 years ago is extremely exciting. On the other hand, it's extremely uncomfortable learning about the ins and outs of these awful crimes - and knowing there is no one to save. The series follows Detective Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris) of the Philadelphia Police Department's Cold Case Unit as she reopens unsolved cases that have gone cold for years.

It has the same team spirit as shows like Criminal Minds and the same eerie feel throughout the entire show.

Alongside her team, including Detectives Scotty Valens (Danny Pino) and Nick Vera (Jeremy Ratchford), Rush meticulously pieces together evidence and uncovers long-buried secrets to bring closure to the victims' families. Cold Case excels at blending past and present through its distinctive storytelling, with flashbacks that reveal the victims' lives and the circumstances leading to their deaths. It has the same team spirit as shows like Criminal Minds and the same eerie feel throughout the entire show. Even though the formulas are far from similar, it's still a great series to watch for anyone truly into being enveloped by mystery.

4 The Following (2013-2015)

A Chilling Exploration Of Cult Leaders' Manipulation & Control

The Following Release Date January 21, 2013 Cast Kevin Bacon Seasons 3 Story By Kevin Williamson

On shows like Criminal Minds, there are often overarching cases where a killer is tormenting or taunting one or more of the FBI agents. In The Following, that is the entire premise of the story. Kevin Bacon is Ryan Hardy, a former FBI agent who captured a professor turned cult leader serial killer named Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) years before. When the killer escapes prison, the FBI asks Ryan to return to help capture him again, and the cat-and-mouse game begins anew.

Ryan Hardy’s pursuit of Carroll becomes an obsession, blurring the lines between justice and vengeance. The show intensifies the psychological drama by delving into the motivations and inner workings of the cult members, offering a chilling exploration of manipulation and control. With a gripping narrative, strong performances from Bacon and Purefoy, and relentless suspense, The Following keeps viewers on edge as it examines the disturbing cult mentality and the challenges of stopping a charismatic but ruthless leader.

3 Luther (2010-2019)

John Luther Is A Fascinating & Morally Complex Detective

Luther Release Date May 4, 2010 Cast Idris Elba , Ruth Wilson , Steven Mackintosh , Indira Varma , Paul McGann , Saskia Reeves , Warren Brown , Dermot Crowley , Nikki Amuka-Bird , Aimee-Ffion Edwards Seasons 5 Showrunner Neil Cross

Idris Elba plays the part of a brilliant detective who has an unlikely and unnerving friendship with a killer. The show has undertones of Mindhunter running through it. It plays similar to shows like Criminal Minds, but it takes the story to the United Kingdom and the Serious Crime Unit rather than the FBI in the United States. John Luther (Elba) is a relentless and morally complex detective whose dedication to catching killers often leads him to the edge of legality.

Luther's relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), a brilliant but psychopathic murderer, adds a fascinating layer to the series, creating a dynamic where Luther's principles are continuously tested. The show’s gritty depiction of London's crime underworld and the psychological toll of pursuing justice make Luther an intense and compelling watch. Fans will revel in the main character's obsession with his work and even more in the relationship he establishes with a serial killer and Luther's life constantly being consumed by the darkness around him.

2 Dark (2017-2020)

A Grim Mystery Series Involving Time Travel

Dark Cast Tamar Pelzig , Louis Hofmann , Moritz Jahn , Stephan Kampwirth , Christian Hutcherson , Karoline Eichhorn , Andreas Pietschmann , Maja Schöne , Deborah Kaufmann , Oliver Masucci , Jordis Triebel , Peter Benedict Release Date December 1, 2017 Seasons 3 Writers Jantje Friese Directors Jantje Friese

Instead of a police procedural about FBI agents hunting down dangerous criminals, it is a sci-fi adventure about time travel.

Dark might be a strange choice compared to shows like Criminal Minds regarding the formula. Instead of a police procedural about FBI agents hunting down dangerous criminals, it is a sci-fi adventure about time travel. However, some similarities will attract both audiences, including horrifying murders, missing children, and an everlasting sense of doom. Set in the small German town of Winden, Dark begins with the disappearance of two children and quickly unravels into a complex web of family secrets, supernatural phenomena, and an intricate time travel conspiracy spanning multiple generations.

As the characters dig deeper into the mysteries, they uncover shocking connections between past and present, blurring the lines between good and evil. The German television show was one of the best international offerings on Netflix for three seasons. While it is not about serial killers, it's still grimy, scary, and filled with suspense, all with an overarching mystery the characters need to solve.

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1 Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Based On The Creation Of The BAU

Mindhunter Release Date October 13, 2017 Cast Jonathan Groff , Holt McCallany , Hannah Gross , Cotter Smith , Anna Torv , Stacey Roca , Cameron Britton , Michael Cerveris , Joe Tuttle , Lauren Glazier Seasons 2 Showrunner Joe Penhall

There is nothing better to watch for fans of shows like Criminal Minds than the Netflix original series Mindhunter; it's a show based on the creation of the BAU from its inception. This show reveals the original cases and why this behavioral science group became such a critical FBI unit decades into the future. Mindhunter dives deep into the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI, following agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they interview imprisoned serial killers to understand the psychology behind their crimes.

The show meticulously explores the development of criminal psychology while revealing the personal toll the work takes on the agents. Most of the events and serial killers on Mindhunter are from real-life events. With cases even more bone-chilling (and a setting even more depressing and gray) than on Criminal Minds, this is the perfect series to binge-watch for anyone looking to fulfill their desperate need for more serial killers and FBI action.