World News

Every Bones Fan Should Watch This 8-Season Procedural That Is Basically The Same Show

June 11, 2025

It’s unlikely that fans of crime TV shows haven’t heard of the classic series Bones. A benchmark for the genre and one of the best TV procedurals in recent memory, Bones had a unique twist that distinguished it from the typical additions to this niche of television. It focused on the forensic side of investigations, infusing the episodic stories with plenty of humor and romantic tension. This made Bones a compelling but easy watch. Though not quite as violent or intense as other, more serious procedurals, Bones had its fair share of gore and melodrama over the years.

Bones‘ rotating cast throughout the TV show allowed the series to run for so many seasons. On the air from 2005 to 2017, Bones made its mark on the procedural genre and sustained itself with the iconic will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Bones (Emily Deschanel) and Booth (David Boreanaz). With Booth’s experience as a seasoned FBI agent and Bones’ expertise as a decorated forensic anthropologist, the pair is an unlikely but unstoppable duo. It’s their relationship that keeps us watching Bones, and the same is true for the thrust of the similar series, Castle.

Castle And Bones Are Basically The Same Show (And Kept Being Compared To Each Other)

It’s Not Surprising That Castle And Bones Have A Lot In Common

Premiering a few years after Bones, Castle took its cues from the success of Bones, relying on similar tropes and dynamics to find its audience. While they were on the air, the series drew frequent comparisons, sparking a bit of a rivalry between the shows and dedicated fans of both shows. This is largely because Castle also centered on the romantic tension between its lead characters, Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic). Additionally, their relationship was also one of a more serious personality who is pushed by someone unafraid to break the rules.

Castle is less science-oriented than Bonesand uses its setting of New York City to great effect, but the story beats of the two series are too similar to ignore. By putting Castle and Beckett in sticky situations that often made the building tension between them boil over, Castle kept audiences invested in the overarching plot points while following an intriguing investigation in the episodic installments. Though there are some harsh realities of watching Castle today, it holds up under scrutiny, making it easy to revisit as a classic comfort watch.

How Castle’s Will-They-Won’t-They Dynamic Was Different From Bones’ Brennan And Booth

Castle And Beckett Had A Different Type Of Chemistry

While Castle still utilized the classic will-they-won’t-they dynamic that many TV shows are known for, it isn’t a copy-and-paste version of the relationship between Bones and Booth. In some ways, Castle and Bones are more similar, with Beckett and Booth fulfilling the same role. This is an interesting twist, as though Castle isn’t as logical and fact-based as Bones, he’s a newcomer to investigations and is often stepping over the line because he’s convinced he’s in the right. Additionally, Castle has a reputation for being a womanizer, which doesn’t come into play in Bones.

Booth typically navigates the social and investigative aspects of cases with Bones.

Booth typically navigates the social and investigative aspects of cases with Bones. However, in Castle, it’s Beckett who has the authority and knowledge in most of their situations. The special skills that Castle brings to the table are ones of social and hierarchical connection, and his position as an author often places Beckett in the position of muse. Though Bones does write a few books over the years in Bones, these don’t play as pivotal a role in the day-to-day working relationship between her and Booth.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Castle (2009–2016)	82%	87%

There Is No Better Crime Show For Bones Fans Than Castle

Castle Scratches The Same Itch As Bones, Making Them The Perfect Pair

There’s a lot of overlap in the fanbases of Bones and Castle for obvious reasons, but if Bones viewers haven’t yet discovered the magic of Castle, it’s time to dive in. The balance of humor and heart alongside the murder and mayhem makes for a fun juxtaposition that’s kept audiences invested in these stories for years. Additionally, Castle also had a long and sprawling run, airing for eight seasons. This is more than enough seasons to keep the momentum and excitement going after finishing Bones.

Shawn and Gus from Psych and Adrian Monk from Monk

10 Best TV Procedurals From The 2000s, Ranked

Television procedurals have been a favorite genre for a while, and those that debuted in the 2000s are among the genre’s most outstanding examples.

The number of crime procedurals out there for audiences to watch is seemingly endless. These choices might seem intimidating at first, but there’s a clear successor to Bones. Castle is the best fit for viewers looking for a series that strikes the same tone and explores the same types of relationships. Castle and Beckett are just as charming and easy to root for as Bones and Booth. There will only ever be one Bones, but its legacy and influence can be felt throughout the seasons of Castle.