13 Shows to Watch If You Love “Monk”
The series Monk (created by Andy Breckman) followed brilliant former detective Adrian Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub) who consulted with the San Francisco Police Department while battling his obsessive-compulsive disorder and a long list of phobias that include germs, heights, and milk.
If you’re a fan of the show, you probably love its unique blend of quirky detective work, clever mysteries, and character-driven storytelling.
The world of television is rich with shows that capture the same charm and intellectual engagement that make Monk so captivating. From modern adaptations of classic sleuths to fresh takes on detective drama, there are plenty of series that will satisfy your craving for intriguing cases and eccentric protagonists.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 must-watch mystery shows that offer a similar mix of humor, mystery, and endearing characters that will keep you hooked just like Monk did.
13. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
For Monk fans that just love a good laugh during a mystery, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is hilarious and heartwarming.
Detective Jake Peralta (played by Andy Samberg) is a talented investigator who solves crimes in Brooklyn with his diverse and quirky colleagues (including some played by Joe Lo Truglio, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, and Chelsea Peretti.) Though he sometimes clashes with his new extremely serious captain (played by Andre Braugher), they are both dedicated to catching the bad guys.
12. Astrid
For those who like Monk to see a neurodivergent person overcome obstacles in their personal life while solving complex crimes like a rock star, Astrid more than fits the bill.
Astrid Nielsen (played by Sara Mortensen) is a young woman with Asperger's syndrome and an incredible memory who works in the judicial police library as an archivist. When Commander Coste (played by Lola Dewaere) discovers Astrid’s insights can he helpful in the field, they begin to examine more complicated crime scenes.
If you don’t mind subtitles, this might be the perfect show for you!
French with English Subtitles
11. Father Brown
Based on the books by G. K. Chesterton, this charming Father Brown (2013 - present) TV series is set in the 1950s English village of Kembleford.
Both Father Brown and Monk feature a mix of humor and drama, with Father Brown’s gentle wit and compassionate approach providing a lighter tone amidst the serious crime-solving. Additionally, the character of Father Brown (played by Mark Williams) brings a warmth and relatability akin to Tony Shalhoub's portrayal of Monk, making the mysteries engaging on both an intellectual and emotional level. These elements combine to create a viewing experience that is both comforting and intriguing, much like Monk.
10. Will Trent
While this series has a darker tone than Monk, fans should appreciate
Based on Karin Slaughter’s books, Will Trent follows Georgia Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Trent (played by Ramón Rodríguez) who overcame a harsh childhood in the foster care system and now works to make sure no victim feels as abandoned as he did. Unhappily paired together, Faith Mitchell (played by Iantha Richardson) and Will Trent learn how to work together to catch the bad guys.
Though it can be dark at times because of his backstory, it is very satisfying to watch Will Trent overcome his issues and showcase his genius at solving crimes. Also, we can’t get enough of Betty the Chihuahua!
9. Poker Face
Poker Face follows Charlie (played by Natasha Lyonne) who has the extraordinary ability to tell when someone is lying. When this causes trouble in her life, she hits the road in her Plymouth Barracuda. At every stop encounters lies, a new cast of characters, and unusual crimes she can't help but investigate.
Created by Rian Johnson (the creator of Knives Out and The Glass Onion), this series focuses on the how and why of a crime as much as the who. It has a unique take on mysteries and a plethora of guest stars found at each pit stop.
Fans of Monk should appreciate the attempts at perfect crimes that need someone with special powers of observation to crack, as well as the dark humor.
8. Elementary
Both Monk and Elementary center around brilliant but unconventional detectives.
While Adrian Monk’s obsessive-compulsive disorder shapes his character, this modern-day adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous investigator Sherlock Holmes (played by Jonny Lee Miller), battles addiction and eccentricity. Both series are deeply character-driven, exploring personal struggles and growth—Monk's journey with his OCD and Holmes' evolving relationship with Joan Watson (played by Lucy Liu) who begins as his sober companion. Despite tackling serious themes and curious crimes, both series incorporate humor, using Monk's idiosyncrasies and Sherlock's wit to add levity.
As procedural dramas, they focus on solving crimes with engaging case-of-the-week formats and overarching storylines. The protagonists, both high-functioning yet flawed, are relatable and compelling. Additionally, the mentorship and friendship dynamics—Monk with his assistants and Sherlock with Joan—add emotional depth. The urban settings of San Francisco and New York City provide vibrant backdrops that enhance the stories. These shared traits make Elementary a compelling choice for Monk fans.
7. Elsbeth
Elsbeth offers a blend of quirky character traits, intellectual challenges, and engaging storytelling that should resonate with fans of Monk.
The series follows astute but unconventional attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Carrie Preston) whose unique observations allow her to outsmart cunning criminals in NYC.
Audiences follow a killer as they commit what they believe to be the perfect crime. It’s up to Elsbeth to unravel inconsistencies and prove their guilt.
6. Murdoch Mysteries
Though Murdoch Mysteries is set in Victorian-era Toronto and Monk is is present-day San Francisco, both shows feature eccentric yet honorable investigators whose unique outlook helps them solve crimes. Both shows also know how to make you laugh!
The long-running series Murdoch Mysteries follows Detective William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson) who uses his keen scientific intellect and the latest forensic technology of the 1890s to solve puzzling crimes. With help from the brilliant coroner that he harbors feelings for, Dr. Julia Ogden (played by Helene Joy), and Constable Crabtree (played by Jonny Harris) who offers fascinating theories on the future, Murdoch collects clues and catches criminals.
5. Columbo
Another classic crime fighter who is often underestimated is Columbo. His disarming demeanor and seemingly bumbling nature hide a deep intelligence that catches perpetrators off guard.
In each episode, the audience follows a criminal through what they think is a perfect crime, and it is up to Lieutenant Columbo (played by Peter Falk) to figure out the inconsistencies and prove their guilt.
Created by Levison and Link, Columbo combines humor with complexing cases that are sure to entertain fans of Monk.
4. Death in Paradise
Combining comedy and crime-solving, this long-running British mystery series begins with a “fish out of water” detective that Monk fans will enjoy. While many people would enjoy the tropical paradise on the Caribbean island of Saint-Marie, introverted and sweaty Londoner DI Richard Poole (played by Ben Miller) hates his post. Refusing to change his attire or habits, he often doesn’t fit in with the laid-back island attitude.
With engaging mysteries that require clever solutions and a lovely locale, this series survives cast changes through its fourteen (and counting!) seasons, plus a spinoff.
3. Agatha Christie’s Poirot
If you’re a fan of Adrian Monk’s quirks, check out the original persnickety detective! Agatha Christie’s classic character jumps from the page to the screen when brought to life by David Suchet in this stunning series.
In Agatha Christie’s Poirot, a fastidious Belgium detective with a mustache solves mysteries in England and on his travels with the use of his cunning “little grey cells”.
2. The Good Cop
It’s no surprise that another of Andy Breckman’s shows would rank high on this list!
Creating both Monk and The Good Cop, Breckman's signature blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling is evident in The Good Cop, making it appealing to Monk enthusiasts.
This comedy-drama follows disgraced former NYPD officer Tony Caruso Sr. (played by Tony Danza) and his straight-laced and by-the-book detective son Tony Caruso Jr. (played by Josh Groban.) The series explores the dynamic between the father-son duo as they navigate their personal and professional lives as the solve mysteries.
Psych
It’s no surprise Psych tops our list since it was Monk’s partner-in-solving crime on USA Network during their run. Both shows fit the network’s “characters welcome” motto at time and focus on the comedic side of crime-solving. Monk and Shawn Spencer use their intelligence and super-human attention to details to solve puzzling cases while often annoying others with their quirks.
Psych follows Shawn Spencer (played by James Roday Rodriguez) who convinces the Santa Barbara Police Department that he is a psychic so he can use his hyper-observant powers to help them solve difficult cases. With his somewhat reluctant best friend Burton “Gus” Guster (played by Dulé Hill), he creates a fake psychic detective agency, much to the chagrin of his retired police officer father Henry Spencer (played by Corbin Bernsen) and straight-laced and big-headed current Detective Lassiter (played by Timothy Omundson) and his partner Detective O’Hara (played by Maggie Lawson.)