Mindhunter
If the psychological deep dives are what you loved most about 'Criminal Intent,' 'Mindhunter' is your next essential watch. Set in the late 1970s, the series follows two FBI agents who pioneer the field of criminal profiling by interviewing imprisoned
serial killers to understand how they think. It’s a slow-burn, chilling exploration of the very origins of the techniques Goren would come to master, focusing almost entirely on the psychology of murder. The show is available for streaming on Netflix.
The Sinner
Each season of 'The Sinner' begins with a shocking crime committed by a seemingly ordinary person. The central question is never 'who did it?' but 'why did they do it?' This makes it a perfect spiritual successor to 'Criminal Intent's' 'whydunnit' format. A detective, played by Bill Pullman, patiently peels back the layers of the perpetrator's past and psyche to uncover the buried trauma or hidden motive that led to the crime. All four seasons are currently available on Netflix.
Sherlock
For those who watched 'Criminal Intent' primarily for Detective Robert Goren’s staggering intellect and social eccentricities, 'Sherlock' is a must-see. Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern portrayal of the classic character is a high-functioning, brilliant detective whose mind works miles ahead of everyone else's. Like Goren, his genius can be both a blessing and a curse, making for a compelling character study wrapped inside intricate mysteries.
Poker Face
This series brings back the 'howcatchem' format, popularized by shows like 'Columbo,' which was a major influence on 'Criminal Intent.' Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie Cale, a woman with an uncanny ability to know when someone is lying. On the run and traveling across America, she stumbles into a new mystery each week. We see the crime first, then watch as Charlie uses her unique gift to unravel the truth, much like Goren used psychology to corner his suspects. The show is available on Peacock.
Luther
If you appreciate the darker, more obsessive side of Goren's personality, meet DCI John Luther. Played by Idris Elba, Luther is a brilliant but troubled detective who often becomes consumed by the depravity of the killers he hunts. The series shares 'Criminal Intent's' intense psychological focus, often featuring a cat-and-mouse game between Luther and a specific, highly intelligent criminal. The show is available to stream on platforms like Hulu.
Monk
On the lighter side of the 'brilliant but troubled detective' trope is Adrian Monk. A former homicide detective, Monk has his incredible observational skills offset by severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. Each episode showcases his genius in solving seemingly impossible crimes, much like Goren's, but with a consistently comedic and heartfelt touch. It’s a great choice if you love the puzzle-solving aspect but could use a break from the grit.
Bosch
While it's a more traditional police procedural, 'Bosch' will satisfy fans who appreciate a dogged, intelligent, and deeply committed detective at the center of the story. Harry Bosch isn't as eccentric as Goren, but he shares the same relentless drive to understand every facet of a case. The series is known for its gritty realism and intricate, season-long investigations that allow for a deep exploration of both the crime and the detective's methods.
House
This might seem like an outlier, but the parallels are undeniable. Dr. Gregory House is essentially Robert Goren with a medical degree. He’s a misanthropic, anti-social genius who solves baffling medical mysteries by understanding the deepest, often hidden, aspects of his patients' lives and behaviors. The 'case' is a disease, not a crime, but the intellectual process of deduction, psychological insight, and dramatic reveals will feel incredibly familiar to any Goren fan.
