7 Shows Like ‘The Mentalist’ to Feed Your Mystery-Thriller Craving

Several television shows of different genres have captured the hearts and minds of avid viewers. However, those who enjoy mystery and thriller stories would enjoy shows like “The Mentalist.” Since its release, more networks have debuted TV shows like “The Mentalist.”

“The Mentalist” became a well-loved television show that ran for seven seasons, and for good reason. Despite having new stories in each episode, the series followed one central storyline that left audiences interested, excited, and wanting to know more.

In “The Mentalist,” Patrick Jane, a reformed psychic con man turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), proves how much paying attention to the minor details can be helpful, so much so that people believe he has supernatural powers.

Jane uses his observational skills and sharp intuition to see beyond what the average person can, becoming a valuable asset in solving complex criminal cases. However, his drive to catch crooks stems from his quest to find a serial killer, Red John.

The infamous killer took the lives of Jane’s wife and daughter, fueling a desire to seek revenge for his family. “The Mentalist” features a stellar cast, including Simon Baker as Jane, Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang, Josie Loren, and Owain Yeoman.

Since the show’s end in 2015, avid viewers have searched for shows like “The Mentalist.” Fortunately, several on-screen productions have delivered a captivating blend of mystery and thrill like these seven TV shows similar to “The Mentalist.”

A year after “The Mentalist” debuted on television, another crime drama premiered on the small screen, “Lie to Me.” The series, which also touches on mind games, follows Dr. Cal Lightman’s story as he is employed by public authorities to solve crimes.

Lightman is a deception expert and teaches a course on body language. His in-depth analysis of facial expressions and knowledge of body movements make him the perfect candidate for an investigator. The series stars Tim Roth as Lightman, Kelli Williams as Dr. Gillian Foster, Brendan Hines as Eli Loker, and Monica Raymund as Ria Torres.

Although with more infused comedy, “White Collar” is a series like “The Mentalist.” It follows the adventures of two crime solvers, FBI agent Peter Burke and con artist Neal Caffrey.

The unusual and exciting pair, who initially played cat and mouse trying to chase the other, form an excellent partnership. Caffrey uses his expertise to help Burke find other criminals in exchange for his freedom.

“Luther” follows the life of the titular character, John Luther, a skilled police detective with a talent for getting into a killer’s mind. Although good at his work, Luther’s personal life, sometimes violent and obsessive personality, and unorthodox methods led him to be questioned by some of his superiors.

The show ran for nine years and released 20 episodes, starring Idris Elba, Dermot Crowley, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown, Ruth Wilson, and Paul McGann, among other talents.

In its nine years, the series was nominated over 60 times and had 16 wins, including Elba winning the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries at the 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Unlike other crime series, “The Fall” stars a passionate policewoman, Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, who goes head-on with a father who, in reality, is a serial killer in Belfast. The psychological thriller follows the story of the two as they try to outsmart each other.

The 17-episode series, which ran between 2013 and 2016, stars Gillian Anderson as DSU Gibson, Jamie Dornan, John Lynch, Aisling Franciosi, Niamh McGrady, Colin Morgan, Archie Panjabi, and Bronagh Waugh.

“Criminal Minds” debuted in 2005, years before “The Mentalist” premiered, and continues to dominate international television. The series follows the tasks of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they try to understand the dark inner workings of violent criminals and perpetrators.

The BAU has several talents, each with their expertise and skills. Together, these agents work to analyze behaviors, depict patterns, and predict criminals’ next moves. While each episode of “Criminal Minds” tackles a different story, it has a central storyline revolving around each BAU member’s life.

Given their psychologically exhausting and demanding work, several BAU agents undergo personal challenges, including maintaining a stable family. However, they are loyal to their unit and team members.

“Criminal Minds” features a talented set of actors and actresses, including Kirsten Vangsness, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Paget Brewster, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Daniel Henney.

Like “The Mentalist,” “Castle’s” premise revolves around catching a serial killer who takes the lives of people in millionaire playboy Richard “Rick” Castle’s book. Following the death of his main character, Castle joins Detective Kate Beckett to solve the crime.

Castle eventually takes inspiration from Beckett and tags along with her and the New York Police Department’s homicide investigation team. “Castle” ran from 2009 to 2016 and featured several incredible talents, including Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Susan Sullivan, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Molly C. Quinn, and Tamala Jones.

Among the TV shows like “The Mentalist,” “Chuck” finds itself on the comedic side with hints of action and drama. The beloved television show follows the adventures of Chuck as he becomes the host of a computer database with government information.

As he becomes both a national security risk and a government asset, authorities must take strides in protecting him and keeping his identity a secret, especially from those close to him.

Chuck’s sister, partner, and colleagues must have no clue of Chuck’s role as a spy, and the CIA and NSA are ensuring this. The show stars Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Vik Sahay, and Scott Krinsky.

Television viewers more interested in solving crime and mysteries will also enjoy the “Sherlock Holmes” series, which has taken inspiration from its novels. “Sherlock Holmes” stars the titular character and his side-kick, Dr. John Watson, as they try to solve the most mind-boggling mysteries.