In the past, crime procedurals have combined bizarre investigations, key relationships among the cast, and witty banter to create a fun, light-hearted series.
However, many current programs focus more on brutally violent crimes, making it difficult to strike a balance between showing real-life cases and adding some humor.
The TV Fanatic staff has rounded up some suggestions for old and current programs that feature prominent hearts and vibrant characters.
castle
“Castle” strikes an excellent balance between humor and case logic, maintaining a light-hearted tone that meshes perfectly with the more gruesome aspects of the murder conspiracy.
Riding down Rick’s Castle as celebrity writer/resident cop, Nathan Fillion is the undisputed High Court Jester.
Still, he generously leaves room for laughs for police aides Ryan (Seamus Dever) and Esposito (Jon Huertas). Even Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) delivers a deadpan dig.
Arguably, Castle tends to also Very focused on humor.
Yet the show creates its own unique tonal ecosystem that works perfectly and still delivers a satisfying hour of solving a crime.
Available to stream on Sling TV, Hulu or Disney +
hawaii five-0
Hawaii Five-0 includes action-packed action and a police force that becomes a family, with Steve and Danny a bickering old couple.
Steve and Danny became one of the most popular police brothers, often joking around in the infamous car. Danny’s charming nature is balanced by Steve’s tall, brooding personality.
It also features hilarious supporting characters like conspiracy manipulator Jerry and food truck philosopher Kamekona.
Hawaii Five-0 has an impressive, talented and diverse cast. Before Grace Park starred in A Million Little Things, she played Kona, a former pro surfer turned rookie cop. She shines in Hawaii Five-0 and it’s refreshing to see such a multicultural cast and beautiful scenery combined with rich characters.
Available to stream on Paramount+
Universal PI
Reboots don’t always work, but Magnum PI (2018-2024) meshed well with the audience. They have preserved many important things, such as still being held on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii.
The core is still teammates Thomas, TC and Rick. They are best friends, but their lives change and they tackle new adventures together.
But the twist of events is that Magnum and the female Higgins become partners, then lovers. Partners becoming romantic lovers is a very interesting trope, and the tension between Magnum and Higgins was very tense in season four.
Although Magnum PI ended sooner than we had hoped, Magnum and Higgins got the reward that fans had often prayed for.
CBS created a dream pairing from Hawaii with Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI, but only Magnum PI got a reprieve from NBC and was renewed for an extra season.
Available to watch on Sling TV or Roku Channel
psychology
Knocked Up does a great job of blending comedy and suspense while entertaining viewers with compelling characters.
They did such a good job that Peacock created several movies after the series originally ended on USA Network.
The show focuses on Sean Spencer (played by James Rodriguez), a fake psychic who helps the Santa Barbara Police Department solve crimes.
The interactions between the show’s characters almost feel like a comedy, whether it’s the witty banter between Sean and his partner Gus, or Sean getting Lassiter on his last nerve.
Sean and Gus’ friendship is at the heart of the series and makes it shine. Gus is Sean’s right-hand man in the detective agency. Although they tease each other about their weaknesses, they will die for each other and almost save each other during hostage crises on several occasions.
These strong friendships are often missing from current programming, which is one of the reasons we’re so excited to continue their journey in the Ouija movie.
Available to stream on Peacock and Prime Video
monk
“Monk” also has the bizarre cases and comedic charm of “Psycho.”
Monk follows brilliant but troubled detective Adrian Monk, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses. These challenges help him understand others, but they also make his job difficult.
Monk balances a touching story that balances the challenges of interacting with people with real-life moments of humor.
Until then, there hadn’t been a series about a detective with OCD. While many modern procedurals might make Munch an outcast, the series has other characters marveling at and even admiring him.
It was imperative to address mental health issues such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder and give him the skills to become a superhero.
Most recently, Peacock released a follow-up film, The Last Case of Munch: A Monk Movie .
Available to stream on Peacock and Netflix
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
One of the things that started it all was “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” which lasted for 15 seasons.
While Nerd Squad is all about solving crimes and bringing justice to the victims and their families, part of the show’s appeal is the connection between the cast.
Although we don’t see their homes often, the show delves into the characters’ personal lives through different cases, deepening the connection between the characters and the audience’s investment.
The best relationships are those between Gleeson and Warwick, and those between Sarah, Nick, and Greg. Like so many other shows, we loved Gleason and Sarah’s slow-burn romance, which took years to develop.
We hoped CSI: Vegas would help fill that void, but nothing beats the original.
Available on Paramount+ and gourd.
private detective
P.I. is an entertaining investigative series starring Jason Priestley as former professional hockey player Matt Shade, who teams up with dynamic private eye Angie Ever Ritter (Cindy Sampson).
They become partners at Everett Investigations, and while their personalities are polar opposites, these personalities and skills often serve them well in the wacky cases they work on each week.
It’s fun to watch them pretend to be an undercover couple at times, but as their relationship develops, they get to know each other better and better.
They show strong chemistry as the audience root for them to come together.
Like many Canadian dramas, “Private Eyes” is lighthearted and full of comedy. The two leads have great chemistry, and the supporting cast adds to the entertainment.
Barry Flatman as Don Shade, Matt’s father; Jordyn Negri as Matt’s teenage daughter Jules . Samantha Wan plays Zoe, Matt and Angie’s assistant.
Available to purchase/stream from Prime Video
Will Trent
Will Trent is a different kind of procedural character, as the lead GBI agent is dyslexic, neurodiverse, and uses his ability to see people and cases in different ways to his advantage. Advantages. Those who like Munch will love this series.
While some of the cases are brutal and violent, they also explore characters’ histories, such as Amanda or Angie’s sexual trauma or Will’s abuse in a foster home.
Season 2 examines a number of character-focused episodes and further delves into each character’s past.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no sense of humor. Det Ormewood and Angie often explore more interesting cases, and one of the best in season two saw the two teams investigating a murder at a drag queen club. It was so hilarious to see the real Will Trent in it.
Series mascot Betty makes everything better.
Available to stream on the ABC app, Hulu and Disney+
wild card
Wildcard is another interesting program, mainly because of its premise.
Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti) was demoted from his job, while Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan) is a professional con man.
Fortunately, during her arrest, she used her skills to help Ellis solve a local crime.
The two are given a chance to work together and redeem themselves, which is hilarious because working with Max drives Ellis crazy, but they eventually learn to trust each other.
Although not originally planned, Jason Priestley stars as Max’s con man father in another light-hearted procedural. While he was in jail, he still gave advice on cases when Max came to visit him.
Available to stream on the CW app and Hulu
These are just some of the lighter procedures. If we missed your favorite, let us know in the comments below.
