Missing Bones? These Gripping Crime Shows Will Fill the Void — Your Ultimate Streaming Guide

Were you bewitched by the crime-solving chemistry in Bones? If so, Castle is a must-watch. The series follows Richard Castle, a bestselling mystery writer who teams up with sharp NYPD detective Kate Beckett after a killer begins mimicking his novels. Their dynamic mirrors the classic opposites-attract formula, with Castle's playful, imaginative nature clashing—and eventually blending—with Beckett's methodical professionalism. Like Bones, it blends gripping murder cases with witty banter, slow-burn romance, and character-driven stories. While Bones leans into forensic science and darker investigations, Castle often has a lighter tone and embraces fun, genre-inspired episodes. Still, both shows offer a satisfying mix of mystery, heart, and irresistible duo chemistry.

Enjoy strong character dynamics and solving complex crimes? Lucifer is a must-watch. The show follows Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil himself, who abandons Hell to live in Los Angeles, where he opens a nightclub and becomes an unlikely consultant for the LAPD. Teaming up with Detective Chloe Decker, he uses his supernatural abilities to solve murder cases while navigating a deep, evolving relationship with Chloe. Like Bones, Lucifer combines crime-solving with humor and emotional growth, and the chemistry between Lucifer and Chloe mirrors the partnership between Brennan and Booth. However, Lucifer stands apart from Bones with its supernatural twist. While Bones relies on forensic science and logical problem-solving, Lucifer introduces celestial powers, with Lucifer using his ability to compel people to reveal their deepest desires to crack cases. The tone of Lucifer is more fantastical and often playful, blending crime drama with mythology and exploring deeper themes of redemption and identity. If you're into crime-solving with a supernatural-esque twist, Lucifer will keep you hooked.

For those who love a good crime-solving duo, Sherlock is definitely one to check out. This modern take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories follows Sherlock, a genius detective with an almost supernatural ability to crack cases, and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, who helps keep him grounded. Like Bones, the show features a partnership where one character is a bit of an oddball (Sherlock’s quirky, high-strung personality) while the other is more down-to-earth and emotionally invested (Watson). The chemistry between Sherlock and Watson definitely echoes the dynamic between Brennan and Booth, with moments of humor and tension mixed in with the intense crime-solving. That said, Sherlock is a bit different from Bones in tone. While Bones blends forensic science with emotional storytelling and humor, Sherlock is more about intellectual problem-solving. The show’s plot twists are sharper, and Sherlock’s mind is the real star—he solves cases using his incredible powers of deduction, which can feel almost superhuman at times. There’s also a lot more emphasis on the mystery itself, with less of a focus on the characters’ emotional journeys compared to Bones. Regardless, if you love complex puzzles and a unique partnership, Sherlock is an absolute must-watch.

For fans of the the quirky, unconventional vibe of Bones, The Finder is a show you’ll want to add to your list. This spin-off from Bones follows Walter Sherman, a former military police officer with a unique ability to find anything—no matter how obscure. He teams up with Ivy, a tough but kind-hearted ex-con, and Leo, a ex-cop with a sarcastic streak, to solve mysteries and find missing persons or objects. Like Bones, the show features a central character who’s a bit of a maverick, using unconventional methods to solve cases, with a mix of humor and emotional depth woven into the story. What sets The Finder apart from Bones is Walter’s unusual “finding” talent, which is a more eccentric and less science-based approach to crime-solving. While Bones focuses on forensic anthropology and solving cases through science, The Finder is more about Walter’s almost supernatural ability to track down anything and everything. The show is lighter in tone, with a fun, more offbeat atmosphere, and offers a more light-hearted approach to mystery-solving. It’s a perfect blend of quirky characters, witty banter, and intriguing cases, much like Bones, but with its own distinct flavor.

Like Lucifer, Grimm masterfully mixes solving mysteries with the supernatural -- Grimm is definitely worth checking out. The show follows Nick Burkhardt, a homicide detective who discovers that he's a "Grimm," a descendant of an ancient line of guardians tasked with keeping the balance between humanity and mythological creatures known as "Wesen." As he navigates his new role, Nick continues his regular police work while also hunting down dangerous Wesen creatures, often with the help of his friend Hank and a Wesen expert named Monroe. Like Bones, Grimm features an investigator who unravels complex cases, but with the added layer of fantastical elements. What sets Grimm apart from Bones is the supernatural world it builds. While Bones stays grounded in forensic science and human drama, Grimm introduces creatures from folklore and mythology that are often tied to real-world crimes, adding a darker, fantasy-driven edge to its cases. The tone of Grimm is more suspenseful and occasionally darker, with a focus on Nick’s personal journey as he uncovers the secrets of his heritage. However, like Bones, Grimm blends action, mystery, and character development, making it a thrilling choice for anyone who loves a good detective story with a twist.

Who doesn't love a great team including an adorable loyal canine companion? Hudson & Rex is definitely a fun, lighthearted show to check out. This Canadian Christian crime drama follows Charlie Hudson, a detective with the St. John's police force, and his K9 partner, Rex, a highly intelligent German Shepherd. Together, they solve complex murder cases, relying on Rex’s keen senses and Charlie’s sharp detective skills. Like Bones, the show pairs an experienced investigator with a unique, often unconventional partner, creating a dynamic full of both action and heart. What sets Hudson & Rex apart from Bones is the focus on the relationship between Hudson and Rex. While Bones often revolves around human-driven science and forensic analysis, Hudson & Rex leans into the incredible abilities of Rex, the dog, to solve crimes, adding a heartwarming and action-packed twist to the typical crime drama formula. The tone of the show is a bit lighter and more family-friendly, with plenty of emotional moments between Hudson and Rex, but it still delivers gripping cases and intriguing mysteries, much like Bones.