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TV shows to watch if you like FBI: Most Wanted

If you're a fan of the intense procedural drama and thrilling manhunts featured in "FBI: Most Wanted," you're in luck. There are many other compelling television series that offer similar high-stakes investigations and captivating character dynamics.

The Blacklist
The Following
NCIS

The world of crime procedural television is vast and ever-popular, offering viewers a consistent dose of intrigue, suspense, and the satisfying resolution of complex cases. Shows like "FBI: Most Wanted" tap into our fascination with law enforcement, particularly specialized units tasked with tracking down the nation's most dangerous fugitives.

These series often highlight the dedication and unique skills of elite teams, whether they're profiling serial killers, dismantling criminal enterprises, or solving cold cases. The appeal lies not just in the chase itself, but also in the personal stakes for the agents involved and the glimpses into the minds of criminals.

While "FBI: Most Wanted" focuses on fugitive recovery, the genre encompasses a wide range of approaches, from the psychological depth of behavioral analysis to the technical precision of forensic science or the strategic complexities of counter-intelligence. Many shows in this space, like those on this list, manage to balance compelling episodic plots with overarching character arcs and team dynamics that keep viewers invested over many seasons. They provide a window into the relentless pursuit of justice, often against seemingly insurmountable odds, showcasing the intellect, bravery, and sometimes, the personal cost of fighting crime on the highest level.

14. Quantico (2015)

Quantico follows a group of diverse recruits training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The narrative jumps between their time in training and a future timeline where one of the recruits is suspected of masterminding a devastating terrorist attack. While it involves the FBI and high-stakes threats, the core of the show is a conspiracy thriller centered on identifying the terrorist among the recruits. It's less about the week-to-week procedural hunt for fugitives and more about uncovering a mole and preventing future attacks, making it different in structure and focus from 'FBI: Most Wanted'.

Quantico

13. Castle (2009)

Castle is a crime procedural with a strong emphasis on character and humor. It follows mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), who shadows NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) for inspiration for his books and ends up helping her solve real-life crimes. While it involves tracking down criminals, the focus is often on the witty banter and developing relationship between Castle and Beckett. It's less about the intense, nationwide manhunts seen in 'FBI: Most Wanted' and more about solving the mystery of who committed the crime in New York City, blending procedural elements with romantic comedy.

Castle

12. Elementary (2012)

Elementary offers a modern-day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, featuring Jonny Lee Miller as the eccentric detective living in New York City with his sober companion and eventual partner, Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu). Holmes consults for the NYPD, using his unparalleled deductive skills to solve complex cases. Like 'The Mentalist', this show focuses on the brilliant mind of the protagonist solving crimes through observation and logic. While the NYPD handles the arrests, the series centers on the intellectual puzzle of the crime itself and the fascinating dynamic between Holmes and Watson, rather than a task force dedicated to hunting down high-priority targets.

Elementary

11. Bones (2005)

Bones brings a unique scientific perspective to crime solving, centered around forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). The series follows their partnership as they investigate murders by examining the remains of the victims. While the FBI is involved in the investigation and apprehension of criminals, the core of the show lies in the forensic analysis and the dynamic between the highly rational Brennan and the intuitive Booth. It's a procedural that focuses heavily on the 'how' of the crime through scientific evidence, offering a different kind of chase compared to 'FBI: Most Wanted'.

Bones

10. Blindspot (2015)

Blindspot kicks off with a woman found in Times Square with amnesia and mysterious tattoos covering her body, each containing a clue to a crime or conspiracy. An FBI team, led by Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton), works to decipher the tattoos and stop the unfolding threats they reveal. The series blends procedural crime-solving with a complex overarching mystery about the woman's identity (known as Jane Doe, played by Jaimie Alexander) and the organization behind the tattoos. It shares the FBI team element but focuses on uncovering secrets and preventing future events rather than solely tracking down existing fugitives.

Blindspot

9. White Collar (2009)

White Collar offers a stylish and witty take on crime-solving, focusing on the unlikely partnership between a straight-laced FBI agent, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), and a sophisticated con artist, Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), who becomes his informant. Neal helps the FBI catch other white-collar criminals using his unique insights into their world, often involving forgery, theft, and fraud. While the crimes are less violent than those in 'FBI: Most Wanted', the series features compelling investigations, clever schemes, and a captivating dynamic between the two leads. It's less about relentless manhunts and more about the intelligence and charm required to catch cunning criminals.

White Collar

8. Person of Interest (2011)

Person of Interest brings a fascinating technological element to the crime procedural genre. It centers on a mysterious billionaire programmer who builds a supercomputer capable of predicting crimes before they happen. He teams up with a former CIA agent to prevent these crimes, often involving a race against time to find individuals designated as either victims or perpetrators by the Machine. While it features elements of tracking people and preventing danger, its unique premise involving artificial intelligence sets it apart from standard fugitive hunts. It explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the ethics of using technology to fight crime.

Person of Interest

7. The Mentalist (2008)

The Mentalist follows the charming yet enigmatic Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), a former psychic medium who now uses his exceptional observational skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) solve murders. While not a traditional task force like 'FBI: Most Wanted', the series centers on Jane's unique ability to read people and situations to track down killers, particularly the elusive serial killer Red John, who murdered his family. It's a procedural with a strong focus on psychological manipulation and deduction, offering a different angle on the hunt for criminals, driven by the protagonist's quest for justice and revenge.

The Mentalist

6. Hawaii Five-0 (2010)

Hawaii Five-0 offers a sunnier, more action-packed take on the task force procedural. This reboot follows an elite state police task force in Hawaii, assembled to fight serious crime on the islands. Like 'FBI: Most Wanted', it centers on a dedicated team tackling dangerous cases, often involving high-stakes pursuits and confrontations. While its focus isn't exclusively on fugitives, the team frequently hunts down dangerous criminals. The beautiful Hawaiian setting provides a unique backdrop for intense action sequences and compelling mysteries, making it a thrilling watch for fans of team-based law enforcement dramas.

Hawaii Five-0

5. NCIS (2003)

NCIS is a cornerstone of procedural dramas, focusing on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service team solving crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. While not solely focused on fugitives, it shares the core element of a dedicated team working together to investigate and apprehend criminals. Led for many years by the stoic Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the series is known for its blend of serious case-solving, character-driven moments, and touches of humor. It's a classic example of the team-based law enforcement procedural, with a strong emphasis on investigation and forensics rather than just the chase.

NCIS

4. The Following (2013)

The Following plunges into the dark world of a charismatic serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), who builds a network of devoted followers to carry out his horrific bidding from prison. The series centers on retired FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), who originally captured Carroll, as he's called back to hunt down the killer's disciples. This show shares the intense manhunt aspect of 'FBI: Most Wanted' but focuses on a single, overarching threat and the psychological manipulation involved in a cult. It's known for its high tension and examination of how evil can spread. Kevin Bacon's portrayal of the haunted, determined agent is a highlight, and the cat-and-mouse game between Hardy and Carroll is truly gripping.

The Following

3. The Blacklist (2013)

The Blacklist offers a unique twist on the 'tracking criminals' formula, bringing a charismatic former fugitive into the mix. Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader), one of the FBI's most wanted, surrenders and offers to help catch dangerous criminals from his personal "blacklist," but only if he gets to work with rookie profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). This premise creates a captivating dynamic, blending procedural crime-solving with a deep, unfolding conspiracy plot. Spader's portrayal of Red is absolutely captivating, earning him multiple Golden Globe nominations. The show keeps you guessing with its intricate mysteries and the constant question of Red's true motives and connection to Liz. It's less about a task force hunting down known fugitives and more about using a former fugitive to track down hidden threats, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

The Blacklist

2. Criminal Minds (2005)

Criminal Minds dives deep into the psyche of the perpetrator, offering a fascinating look at behavioral analysis that complements the manhunt aspect you enjoy in 'FBI: Most Wanted'. The series follows the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they profile unknown subjects (UNSUBs) to solve crimes. While 'FBI: Most Wanted' is about the chase, 'Criminal Minds' is about understanding why the chase is necessary, dissecting motives and patterns to predict the unsub's next move. The ensemble cast, featuring beloved characters like Dr. Spencer Reid, Agent Hotchner, and Penelope Garcia, brings incredible depth and chemistry. Did you know Mandy Patinkin, who played Jason Gideon, was the first actor cast? The show masterfully balances intense case-of-the-week narratives with the personal lives of the agents, creating a truly immersive experience.

Criminal Minds

1. FBI: Most Wanted (2020)

If you're already hooked on the high-stakes world of tracking down elusive criminals, then you're right at home with FBI: Most Wanted. This gripping spin-off from Dick Wolf's 'FBI' universe puts the spotlight squarely on the Fugitive Task Force, a crack team dedicated to hunting down the most notorious offenders on the Bureau's Most Wanted list. Led initially by the stoic and brilliant Jess LaCroix (Julian McMahon) and later by Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott), the series excels at delivering intense, self-contained episodes where the clock is always ticking. Each week presents a new, challenging case, showcasing the team's diverse skills and relentless pursuit across various landscapes. It's a show built on urgency, profiling, and the sheer determination to bring dangerous individuals to justice, making it a perfect fit for fans of procedural dramas focusing on the hunt.

FBI: Most Wanted

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