{"id":83754,"date":"2024-08-26T19:20:35","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T19:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/26\/nine-procedurals-that-focused-as-much-on-characters-as-cracking-cases\/"},"modified":"2024-08-26T19:20:35","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T19:20:35","slug":"nine-procedurals-that-focused-as-much-on-characters-as-cracking-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/26\/nine-procedurals-that-focused-as-much-on-characters-as-cracking-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"Nine Procedurals That Focused as Much on Characters as Cracking Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"


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In the past, crime procedurals combined quirky investigations, important relationships between the cast, and witty banter to create a fun, light-hearted series.<\/p>\n

However, many current procedurals focus more on gritty violent crimes, and it\u2019s challenging to balance between showing realistic cases and adding some humor.<\/p>\n

The TV Fanatic Staff compiled some suggestions of older and current procedurals that feature heart<\/a> and vibrant characters that stand out from the pack.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The
(2014 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Castle<\/a> had an outstanding balance of humor and case logistics, keeping a light-hearted tone that meshed well with the grislier aspects\u00a0of its\u00a0murder plots.<\/p>\n

Nathan Fillion, as celebrity author\/permanent police ride along Rick Castle, was the undisputed high court jester.<\/p>\n

Still, he graciously left\u00a0room for cop sidekicks Ryan (Seamus Dever) and Esposito (Jon Huertas) to elicit chuckles of their own. Even Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) also got some deadpan digs in.<\/p>\n

It could be argued that Castle leaned too<\/em>\u00a0heavily into humor. <\/p>\n

However, the show created its own unique tonal ecosystem that worked perfectly and still delivered an hour of satisfying crime-solving.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on Sling TV, Hulu, or Disney +<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hawaii Five-0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Seeking\"Seeking
(CBS\/Screen Grab)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hawaii Five-0 included plentiful action and a police unit that became a family, with Steve and Danny, a bickering old couple.<\/p>\n

Steve and Danny became one of the most popular buddy-cop bromances, bantering often in the infamous car. Danny\u2019s charming nature balanced Steve\u2019s tall and brooding personality.<\/p>\n

It also featured hilarious supporting players such as conspiracy-wielder Jerry and food-truck philosopher Kamekona.<\/p>\n

Hawaii Five-0<\/a> built an impressive, talented, and diverse cast. Before Grace Park starred in A Million Little Things, she starred as Kona, a former pro surfer now a rookie cop. She shined on Hawaii Five-0, and it was refreshing to see such a multicultural cast and beautiful scenery combined with rich characters.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on Paramount +<\/strong><\/p>\n

Magnum P.I. <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"A\"A
(Zack Dougan\/NBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reboots don\u2019t always work, but Magnum P.I.<\/a> (2018-2024) meshed well with audiences. They kept many important things the same, such as still taking place on beautiful Oahu in Hawaii.<\/p>\n

At its heart were still unit-mates Thomas, T.C., and Rick. They were best friends, but their lives changed, and they tackled new adventures together.<\/p>\n

\u00a0But the twist was Magnum and a female Higgins becoming partners, then lovers. Partners becoming romantic lovers is such a fun trope<\/a>, and the tension between Magnum and Higgins was intense during Season 4.<\/p>\n

Even though Magnum P.I. ended earlier than we would have liked, Magnum and Higgins got the payoff that fans often beg for.<\/p>\n

CBS created a fantastic pair of ohanas from Hawaii with Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., but only Magnum P.I. got a reprieve from NBC with an extra season renewal.<\/p>\n

Available to Watch on Sling TV or The Roku Channel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psych<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"True\"True
(USA Network)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Psych<\/a> did an excellent job blending comedy and mystery while entertaining audiences with compelling characters.<\/p>\n

They did such a great job that Peacock created several movies after the series originally ended on USA Network.<\/p>\n

The series focused on Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez<\/a>), a fake psychic who assisted the Santa Barbara Police Department in solving crimes. <\/p>\n

The series almost plays as a comedy with the interactions between the characters, whether it was the witty banter between Shawn and his partner Gus or Shawn getting on Lassiter\u2019s last nerve.<\/p>\n

Having Shawn and Gus\u2019s friendship at the core of the series allowed it to shine. Gus was Shawn\u2019s right-hand man at their detective agency. While they poked fun at each other\u2019s weaknesses, they would die for each other and nearly did a few times saving each other in hostage situations.<\/p>\n

These strong friendships are often missing in current procedurals, which was one of the reasons we were so excited to continue their journeys in the Psych films.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on Peacock and Prime Video<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monk<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Mr.\"Mr.
(Peter Stranks\/PEACOCK)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Monk also featured quirky cases and comedic charm similar to Psych.<\/p>\n

Monk<\/a> followed the brilliant and troubled detective Adrian Monk, who struggled with OCD and other psychosis. These challenges helped him understand people but also made his job difficult.<\/p>\n

Monk balanced heartfelt stories, balancing his challenges of interacting with people with real-life humorous moments.<\/p>\n

Until then, there hadn\u2019t been a series with a detective having OCD. While many modern procedurals may have kept Monk an outcast, the series made a point of having other characters being amazed or even admiring him.<\/p>\n

Addressing mental health issues like depression and OCD and giving him the skills to be like a superhero was so imperative.<\/p>\n

Recently, Peacock featured a follow-up movie, Monk\u2019s Last Case: A Monk Movie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on Peacock and Netflix<\/strong><\/p>\n

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation<\/h2>\n
\"CSI\"CSI
(Sonja Flemming\/CBS)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was one of the procedurals that started it all, and the series lasted for 15 seasons.<\/p>\n

While \u201cThe Nerd Squad\u201d was about solving crimes and finding justice for the victims and their families, part of the appeal of the series was the cast\u2019s connection.<\/p>\n

While we didn\u2019t often see inside their homes, the series delved into the characters\u2019 personal lives through different cases, and that deepened bonds between the characters and the viewers\u2019 investment.<\/p>\n

Some of the best relationships were the friendships between Grissom and Warrick, and Sara, Nick, and Greg. Like many other procedurals, we loved the slow-burn romance of Grissom and Sara, which took years to develop.<\/p>\n

We hoped that CSI: Vegas<\/a> would help fill the void, but nothing is as good as the original.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on Paramount + and<\/strong> Hulu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Private Eyes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Matt\"Matt
(Prime Video\/ Screenshot)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Private Eyes was an entertaining investigative series starring Jason Priestley<\/a> as an ex-pro hockey player, Matt Shade, who teamed up with a feisty private investigator, Angie Everett (Cindy Sampson).<\/p>\n

They became partners at Everett Investigations, and while they were opposites, those personalities and skills often benefitted them in their quirky weekly cases.<\/p>\n

It was amusing watching them pretend to be a couple undercover at times, but they grew to know each other intimately as their relationship evolved. <\/p>\n

They exhibit an intense pull-pull chemistry as viewers root for them to get together.<\/p>\n

Like many Canadian procedurals, Private Eyes is light and breezy with comedic elements. The two leads have wonderful chemistry, and the supporting cast adds to the entertainment.<\/p>\n

Barry Flatman plays Don Shade, Matt\u2019s dad; Jordyn Negri plays Jules, Matt\u2019s teenage daughter; Samantha Wan plays Zoe, Matt and Angie\u2019s assistant.<\/p>\n

Available to Buy\/ Stream from Prime Video<\/strong><\/p>\n

Will Trent<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Working\"Working
(Disney\/Daniel Delgado Jr.)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Will Trent<\/a> is a different kind of procedural since the lead GBI agent has dyslexia, is neurodiverse and uses his ability to observe people and cases differently to his advantage. Those who liked Monk will appreciate this series.<\/p>\n

While some of the cases are gritty and violent, they also explore the characters\u2019 history, such as Amanda or Angie\u2019s sexual trauma or Will\u2019s abuse in foster care. <\/p>\n

Season 2 examined many character-centric episodes and further dove into each character\u2019s past.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t humor, though. Det Ormewood and Angie often explored funnier cases, and one of the best cases in Season 2 was when both teams investigated a murder at a drag queen club. Seeing a proper Will Trent inside was so hilarious.<\/p>\n

And Betty, the series mascot, makes everything better.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on the ABC app, Hulu, and Disney+<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wild Cards<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Vanessa\"Vanessa
(Ed Araquel\/The CW )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wild Cards is another fun procedural, mainly because of the premise.<\/p>\n

Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti) has been demoted at work, while Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan) was a professional con artist. <\/p>\n

As luck would have it, while being arrested, she uses her skills to help Ellis solve a local crime.<\/p>\n

The two are offered a chance to work together and redeem themselves, and it\u2019s hilarious because working with Max drives Ellis crazy, but they eventually learn to trust one another.<\/p>\n

While it wasn\u2019t initially planned, Jason Priestly stars in another one of these lighthearted procedurals as Max\u2019s conman father. While he\u2019s in prison, he still offers advice on cases when Max comes to visit him.<\/p>\n

Available to Stream on the CW app and Hulu<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are only a few of the lighter procedurals. Let us know in the comments below if we missed your favorites.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


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