There was nothing quite like CSI: Miami. It was more than a crime show; it was a vibe. The saturated colors, the high-tech labs, the beautiful locations, and of course, Horatio Caine's iconic one-liners. Here are eight shows that will satisfy that itch.
1. Hawaii Five-0 (2010)
If the sun-drenched, action-packed location is what you miss most, Hawaii Five-0 is your top destination. Trading Miami's neon for Hawaii's breathtaking natural beauty, this reboot follows an elite state police task force answering only to the governor. Much like Horatio's team, Steve McGarrett's squad operates with a certain swagger, bending the rules to get the bad guy. The show is a perfect blend of case-of-the-week procedural action, stunning scenery that acts as its own character, and a strong focus on the core team's camaraderie. It's the same high-octane energy, just with more surfing and fewer sunglasses puns.
2. Burn Notice
This one is a no-brainer for Miami lovers because it's actually filmed and set in the Magic City. The show follows Michael Westen, a spy who gets 'burned' (disavowed) and dumped in his hometown of Miami. To survive, he uses his espionage skills to help ordinary citizens as a sort of vigilante private investigator. What makes it a perfect fit is its blend of style, a charismatic and witty lead, and the constant, tangible presence of Miami's culture. It has the action and the beautiful setting, but with a clever, first-person narration that explains spy tradecraft, giving it a unique hook.
3. The Glades
Another show that makes the most of its Florida setting, The Glades follows a brilliant-but-difficult Chicago homicide detective who relocates to the supposedly sleepy town of Palm Glade. Of course, he quickly finds that paradise has its own share of murders. Like Horatio Caine, Detective Jim Longworth has a cocky, confident style and an uncanny ability to solve baffling cases. The show leans into the quirky side of Florida, with crimes involving everything from bikini contests to historical reenactments. It's a great match for viewers who appreciate a sharp-witted lead solving crimes against a sunny, slightly weird backdrop.
4. White Collar
If the slick, stylish visuals and highstaked cases were your favorite parts of CSI: Miami, White Collar delivers in spades. The series follows a partnership between a charming, brilliant con artist named Neal Caffrey and the FBI agent who finally caught him. Neal consults on 'white collar' cases—think art heists, forgeries, and high finance cons—giving the show a sophisticated, glamorous feel. While it's set in New York, it trades the grit for gloss, focusing on the finer things in life. The witty banter and the 'unlikely partnership' dynamic provide a fresh take on the procedural format.
5. Bones
For those who were hooked on the 'science' part of Crime Scene Investigation, Bones is the ultimate deep dive. The series centers on Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan, a worldndrenowned forensic anthropologist who can uncover clues from skeletal remains. She partners with an FBI agent, and together they solve cases the police can't. The show is famous for its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) forensic sequences, much like the dazzling lab work in CSI: Miami. It perfectly captures that feeling of awe as brilliant scientists use cuttingedge tech to give a voice to the victim.
6. Castle
Love a charismatic lead who isn isn t your typical cop? Meet Richard Castle, a famous mystery novelist who uses his connections to shadow an NYPD detective for 'research'. What starts as a gimmick evolves into a formidable crime solving partnership. Nathan Fillion s Castle brings a witty, playful energy that complements Detective Kate Beckett s serious demeanor. The show excels at balancing compelling weekly murder mysteries with humor and a longrunning romantic subplot. It has the 'case of the week' structure but with a lighter, more characterdriven charm that makes it incredibly watchable.
7. Lucifer
If you appreciated the largerthanlife, almost mythical quality of Horatio Caine, then Lucifer will be right up your alley. The show s premise is delightfully absurd : the Devil himself abandons Hell , opens a nightclub in Los Angeles , and starts consulting for the LAPD . Tom Ellis plays the titular character with immense charm and wit , using his supernatural ability to draw out people s desires to help solve crimes . It s a police procedural wrapped in an urban fantasy , offering a unique twist on the genre with a stylish flair and a compelling 'willtheywon tthey' dynamic at its core.
8. Dexter
For a much darker take on the Miami crime scene , there s Dexter . This iconic series is also set in Miami and shares a deep focus on forensics , but with a chilling twist . The main character , Dexter Morgan , is a bloodspatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer , targeting murderers who have escaped the justice system . The show uses the same sunny , vibrant Miami backdrop but contrasts it with a grim , psychological narrative . It s a compelling choice if you enjoyed CSI : Miami s setting and scientific process but are craving a more complex and morally ambiguous story .
