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11 Thought-Provoking Crime Thriller Shows Like Person of Interest

October 17, 2023
Shows like Person Of Interest

Person Of Interest is one of those timeless classic shows that are great to watch anytime. The show has hilarious moments, emotional moments, truly lovable characters, great character development and a storyline that puts much of modern TV to shame. While the show didn’t receive as much appreciation as it should have when it was ongoing, people who discovered this crime drama/ murder mystery show ended up loving it unanimously.

Even though shows like Person Of Interest can get a bit heavy on the technical and moral side, for fans of Sci-Fiction and Thrillers, that’s nothing new. The series follows the story of ex-CIA agent John Reese (Jim Caviezel) and Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), a reclusive billionaire wealthy, secretive tech genius. Together, they save people’s lives by using a powerful AI to put the right criminal behind bars and track people who are going to violent crimes and the growing crime rates. It’s an incredibly complex subject, but the show handles it brilliantly so that even someone who hasn’t heard of Artificial intelligence will understand what it all means.

The supporting characters are all great as well, and actress Amy Acker’s character, Root, is a standout star in the show. This 5-season show is a gem. For your consideration, we have curated a list of incredible similar shows that you might enjoy!

10 Shows Like Person Of Interest

  1. Blacklist
  2. Mr Robot
  3. Westworld
  4. Fringe
  5. Elementary
  6. White Collar
  7. Mentalist
  8. Homeland
  9. Castle
  10. Burn Notice
  11. Reacher

1. Blacklist (2013-2023)

There’s one and only one reason to watch Jon Bokenkamp’s crime thriller- The Blacklist, and that is James Spader’s character, Raymond Reddington. It’s possibly the best role he’s played in his acting career. It’s just a pleasure to see him at work, with his perfect demeanor hiding an unspeakable amount of rage. He is one of the smartest and most dangerous criminals in the world but can make you feel at ease with a small conversation. James Spader’s character is one of the best characters to have come on TV in a few years.

The 10 seasons of the show follow the story of Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), whose life is turned upside down when the highly dangerous criminal, Raymond Reddington, turns himself in on the condition that he will only speak with Keen. Similar to shows like Person of Interest, this is a world of mind game, killings, twists and turns, and murder investigation to say the least. The two form a working relationship where Reddington helps Keen catch some of the most dangerous criminals in the world, and in exchange, Reddington is allowed to go free and do what he wants. 

Watch it on Netflix

Also Read: Shows like The Blacklist

2. Mr Robot

Mr Robot is one of the best mystery crime thriller shows to come out in recent times and for Person of Interest fans, it’s a perfect match, or close enough. The show dives into a lot of serious topics in a very smart way and still manages to keep the viewer thoroughly entertained. This show is a bit darker than Person Of Interest but has its own humor to it. The acting of the main characters in this show is beyond perfect, and Rami Malek plays Elliot Anderson like he was born for it.

The show has a total of 4 short seasons that are very binge-able, but considering the heavy subject matter and the dark nature of the show, viewers would be wise to watch it over a period of time. It’s a show that everyone who likes mystery and thrillers with great character development should watch at least once in their lives. Every character, including Mr. Robot (Christian Slater), play their role perfectly. Show-runner Sam Esmail has shown his brilliance with this masterpiece of a show. I cannot praise it enough. There is one episode in Season 4, which is considered by fans of the show as the best episode on TV ever made, and I would have to agree.

Watch it on Amazon Prime

3. Westworld (2016-2022)

There is nothing on TV quite like season 1 of drama sci-fi series Westworld. I followed the show from the very beginning, being a fan of Jonathan Nolan’s work. Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, this series is a work of art. Each episode flows like poetry. Anthony Hopkins plays the Godlike scientist and founder of Westworld, a park filled with lifelike androids where the rich come to enjoy life with no limits, the show also features Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Thandie Newton and James Marsden.

Adapted from the 1973 film Westworld written and directed by Michael Crichton, the show explores a lot of themes like morality, humanity, artificial intelligence, what’s real in the world and what’s not. At the end of the first, you’ll come away feeling confused, wondering if you aren’t one of those automatons in Westworld. I won’t spoil much of the show here, but it’s a brilliant piece of sci-fi thriller work to watch as a Person of Interest fan. The second, third and fourth seasons went off the rail a lot, so I recommend watching just the first season like a limited series. I promise you’ve seen nothing like it.

Watch it on AppleTV+

4. Fringe (2008-2013)

Fringe is part Person Of Interest and part X-files combined, in a very good way. Anna Torv shines in the role of Olivia Dunham, but it’s actor John Noble who steals the show as eccentric scientist Walter Bishop. John Noble’s performance as the mysterious character is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and some of his scenes will bring tears to your eyes. Joshua Jackson does terrific job playing Peter Jackson as well. J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, this show is a dream for people who like mystery, sci-fi, parallel dimensions, and beings from other universes.

Even after dealing with the most outlandish topics in their show, 5 seasons of J.J. Abrams’ Fringe manage to keep the focus on their brilliant characters. The more you watch the show, the more you will get involved with each of these characters and begin to sympathize with them. The show manages to balance emotions, sci-fi, and thriller elements perfectly. 

Watch it on Amazon Prime

5. Elementary (2012-2019)

The show Elementary by Robert Doherty is a modern-day drama adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Unlike the BBC Sherlock TV show, which had a brilliant first 2 seasons but declined to keep the story engaging in 3rd and 4th seasons, Elementary’s 7 seasons stay consistently good from the beginning to the end. It’s difficult to find good detective crime thriller shows that start well and remain good till the end, as show-runners often run out of ideas after completing the main storylines.

Created by Robert Doherty, Elementary follows the story of detective Sherlock Holmes, played by Johnny Lee Miller, who meets Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), his ‘sobriety companion as appointed by his father to keep his addictions in check. In the beginning, their relationship is cold and based on mutual exchange, but as time progresses, their platonic relationship grows warmer. The crime-solving duo help the NYPD solve difficult crimes that normal detectives are unable to.

There are some great storylines in this detective show, and a few good villains you won’t be able to forget and of course, the legendary Irene Adler and Moriarty make an appearance. I won’t give away any more of the story, but if you appreciate blend of mystery, character depth, and moral quandaries found in shows like Person of Interest, you might find Elementary to be a worthwhile watch.

Watch it on Hulu

6. White Collar (2009-2014)

White Collar was one of my favorite shows growing up. The character of Neal Caffery (Matt Bomer) as the super smart and cunning conman with a heart of gold, was just perfect for this show. Neal’s relationship with his parole officer and consultant, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), was just beautiful to watch. Created by Jeff Eastin, White Collar was one of the first shows that got me into watching thrillers and mystery shows.

Every character in this is great, and every episode is enthralling in its own right. While each episode of the 6 seasons delves into a different crime, there main story arc of Neal and Peter Burke is developed really well. Willie Garson’s character, Mozzie, is the best sidekick any show could possibly have. White Collar is a lot of fun but also has some genuinely intense episodes. 

Watch it on Hulu

Seen It Already? Also Read: Shows like White Collar

7. The Mentalist (2008-2015)

The Mentalist is a captivating crime thriller TV series by Bruno Heller that ran for 7 seasons. The show revolves around Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium with razor sharp skills of observation, turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Jane uses his remarkable observational skills and keen intuition to help solve complex criminal cases, particularly those involving serial killers and elusive criminals. The series blends elements of crime procedural, drama, and mystery, making it immensely appealing to a wide audience.

Viewers are drawn to The Mentalist for its clever storytelling, intriguing cases, and the charismatic performance of Simon Baker as Patrick Jane. The show also features great characters like Teresa Lisbon (Played by Robin Tunney) Kimball cho, a former senior agent for the California Bureau of Investigation and is currently an FBI special agent (Played by Tim Kang). The show’s unique blend of crime-solving and character development also draws parallels with Person of Interest, with its intriguing mysteries, sharp skills and charismatic lead characters.

Watch it on MAX

Also Read: Shows like The Mentalist

8. Homeland (2011-2020)

Homeland is one of the most popular American crime thriller shows. Created by Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa , and Gideon Raff, the show portrays war and the lives of spies very realistically. In the movies and films, war and being a secret agent are very romantic concepts, whereas in reality, it’s the opposite. Claire Danes as United States CIA officer, Carrie Mathison gives the performance of her lifetime in this show. This show is dark, but that’s because it’s based on reality. The series also features Damian Lewis and Mandy Patinkin. 

The series is based on the Israeli series Prisoners of War. The acting from the cast is superb throughout the duration of the show. The show makes you really care about the main characters and the stuff they are going through. Finally, the 8 seasons of the show manage to show the bad guys, the Russians and the Arabs, in a relatable and positive light and not as ‘terrorists’ or ‘commies’ to be blown up. It’s very much like Person of Interest in that sense. You should definitely check out Homeland if you like gritty reality-based TV with a focus on the characters and realistic crime scenes. 

Watch it on Hulu

9. Castle (2009-2016)

Castle is very much like The Mentalist as a show and has a lot of elements that made Person Of Interest so popular. The show has a great pair of lead characters, Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle and Stana Katic as Kate Beckett, that you really end up rooting for. The supporting cast is also great and does a good job. While there is an overall story arc to the show, the crime of the week type of episodes are engrossing and fun to watch.

The show ran for 8 seasons and combined a lot of humour and genuine emotion with a lot of darkness and violence very well. Nathan Fillion’s character and Katic’s characters have a lot of chemistry. Created by Andrew W. Marlowe, the show follows the adventures of Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), a novelist. When a serial killer starts imitating the murders in his novels, the police come knocking on Castle’s door. That gives rise to a long collaboration between Fillion’s and Katic’s characters. 

Watch it on Hulu

10. Burn Notice (2007-2023)

Matt Mix’s Burn Notice is one of the best shows on the list for fans of Person Of Interest. The 7 season-long Action, Crime thriller series Burn Notice should definitely be on your list. It’s a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers. While the show is a bit old, it ages very well.

Burn Notice follows the story of Michal Westen, played by the talented Jeffery Donovan, a spy who has been disavowed by the US government, and Gabrielle Anwar plays Fiona Glenanne. Westen uses his abilities as a spy to help people in need. This is almost exactly like the character of John Reese in Person of Interest. You should definitely check out this show. 

Watch it on Hulu

11. Reacher (2022-)

Reacher is a gripping series that has quickly become a recent small-screen sensation. With a blend of crime, mystery, and thriller elements reminiscent of the popular show Person of Interest, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Starring Alan Ritchson as the enigmatic protagonist Jack Reacher, alongside Eliza Dushku in a pivotal role, the series is based on Lee Child’s beloved novel series. Following Reacher’s adventures as he unravels mysteries and confronts adversaries with his distinctive sense of justice, the show has garnered attention for its intense storyline. As of now, it boasts one season, promising viewers an exciting journey into the world of suspense and intrigue.

Watch it on Amazon Prime

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few shows that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless:

1. Criminal Minds

2. Rabbit Hole 

3. The Old Man

4. True Detective

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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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