Procedurals

If you like crime and medical mysteries and make sure to get your three servings of "CSI" a week with a dollop of "The Mentalist" on the side, click through this slideshow to go beyond the usual suspects with shows that crack the case every time. Wednesday, August, 26, 2009, 11:26 PM

"Numb3rs" follows Don Epps, a talented FBI agent, who reluctantly calls upon his eccentric, computer-genius younger brother, Charlie, to help the Bureau solve some of its toughest crimes. Their father, Alan, a retired city planner (played by Judd Hirsch), doesn't understand the full extent of what his sons do, but he's happy to see them working together. Based on real events, the series proves that good police work and complicated mathematics can provide answers to the most dumbfounding criminal questions. Last season ended on a romantic note when Cal Sci professor Amita Ramanujan was rescued from kidnappers and Charlie asked her to marry him. Fridays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/Monty Brinton - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

By day, "Dexter" Morgan is a forensics analyst specializing in blood spatter patterns for the Miami Metro Police Department. But his rather active nightlife has him running around the city as a serial killer who hunts down heinous criminals who have escaped the justice system. In Season 4, John Lithgow ("Third Rock From the Sun") joins the show as a prolific serial killer who relocates to Miami to evade the FBI. Sundays at 9pm on Showtime Showtime/Jim Fiscus - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

"Three Rivers", starring Alex O'Loughlin ("Moonlight") looks at the complex world of organ donation from three points of view: the donors,’, the recipients,’ and the surgeons’ at the top transplant hospital in the country. Dr. Andy Yablonski, the highly skilled workaholic lead transplant surgeon, heads up the Pittsburgh-based team, which also includes Dr. Miranda Foster, a surgical fellow with a temper and a rebellious streak, Dr. David Lee, a womanizing surgical resident, Ryan Abbott, an inexperienced new transplant coordinator who’s in over his head, and Dr. Sophia Jordan, the dedicated head of surgery who believes everyone should sacrifice (as much as she has) for the job. Each episode delves into a new case and the race against the clock that can save lives. Sundays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/George Holz - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Lilly Rush — the only female detective in her Philadelphia homicide squad — is assigned to track down new evidence in the hopes of cracking sometimes-decades-old cold cases. Rush enlists the help of her colleagues: her mentor, Lt. John Stillman, her partner, Det. Scotty Valens, and police officer Kat Miller (Rush's go-to confession-getter). Last season "Cold Case" gave viewers a glimpse into Rush’s past with flashbacks into her childhood and her early career. Will we learn even more this season? Sundays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/Justin Stephens - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Not only is there a doctor in the house, the doctor is "House." Greg House, M.D. (Hugh Laurie) may have the worst bedside manner of all time (starting with his assumption that every patient is lying), but it's easy to look past that little flaw since he's a medical genius who solves every health mystery that enters his New Jersey hospital. Last season found House battling an addiction to painkillers, having hallucinations featuring the deceased Dr. Amber Volakis, and suffering from chronic insomnia. At the end of Season 5, House’s colleagues dealt with his unwillingness to work in the clinic. Will there be more trauma and drama in Season 6? We certainly hope so. Mondays at 8pm ET on FOXFOX/Timothy White - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

As "Lie to Me" -- a compelling drama from the producers of "24" -- heads into its second season, Tim Roth's Dr. Cal Lightman, the world's leading expert on deception, continues to crack cases by studying facial expressions and involuntary body language to discover not only if someone is lying, but why. With Lightman and his team of experts assisting law enforcement and government agencies, lies will be revealed, truths will be exposed, and fans of the show will satisfied on a weekly basis. Mondays at 9pm ET on FOXFOX/Sam Jones - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Miami may be famous for its beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people, but Miami-Dade's crack team of investigators steals the spotlight as it solves the city's most complex murder cases. A spin-off of the popular series "CSI," "CSI: Miami" is a procedural drama with a style all its own. Vivid colors and gorgeous scenery abound, as well as zingy one-liners courtesy of Horatio Cane, the team leader who's never without his signature sunglasses. Season 7 ended in chaos as the team found out Delko’s father was responsible for a horrific accident, and later found Shanova in a blood-covered car. Mondays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/Andrew MacPherson - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Famous mystery novelist Richard Castle was bored and uninspired when he suddenly found himself teamed up with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to hunt down a copycat killer recreating Castle’s fictional murder scenes. After Castle and Beckett solve the case, he decides that the main character of his next series of novels will be based on Beckett and her cases. As luck would have it, Castle is pals with the mayor and he pulls all the strings he can to shadow Beckett on her cases. Mondays at 10pm ET on ABCABC/Craig Sjodin - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, an intelligent, skilled, and intimidating investigator, leads a team of special agents at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He's charged with investigating any crime with a shred of evidence pointing to a Navy or Marine Corps personnel member — regardless of rank or position. Working under Gibbs is Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, a former homicide detective with sharp street instincts, and forensics specialist Abby Sciuto, a gifted scientist whose dark wit matches her goth look. Also assisting the "NCIS" team is Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, a man who’s seen it all and tends to share a bit too much. Together, these special agents travel the globe to investigate crimes — from murders to terrorist threats to stolen submarines. Tuesdays at 8pm ET on CBSCBS/Art Streiber - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J star in this spin-off of the hit CBS procedural drama "NCIS." The new series, "NCIS: Los Angeles", follows the members of the Office of Special Projects (OSP), a division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, charged with apprehending hard-to-catch criminals who pose a threat to the nation's security. To do their jobs, Special Agent "G" Callen and his partner, Special Agent Sam Hanna (a former U.S. Navy SEAL) must assume false identities and go deeply undercover. Among other agents they make up a tight-knit unit armed with high-tech gear, and they are regularly sent into life-threatening situations to protect national interests. Tuesdays at 9pm ET on CBSCBS/Joseph Cultise - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Gone but not forgotten. That's what they say. But what if a killer took your life -- and your name? Every city has its share of unidentified murder victims. When standard police procedure fails to give them a name, that's when the Identity Network steps in. In "The Forgotten," a group of dedicated, amateur detectives (the Identity Network) attempt to reconstruct the pieces of these John and Jane Doe's lives from what little evidence is left behind. Each episode is narrated by a "body" who watches the team as they pursue the tantalizingly difficult challenge of figuring out who this victim once was. Each of the members of the team has their own reasons for volunteering; follow these committed amateur investigators as they race against time to piece together the life stories and ultimately, hopefully, their murders. Tuesdays at 10pm ET on ABCABC/Frank Ockenfels - Tuesday, September, 8, 2009, 6:8 PM

"Law & Order: SVU" is a spinoff of "Law & Order" that focuses on detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson of New York City's elite Special Victims Unit. Each episode features new violent crimes to solve and new emotional personal struggles for the detectives handling this draining job. Last season it was revealed that CSU tech Dale Stuckey is a killer, when he tried to go after Stabler and Benson. Who will we be able to trust in Season 11? Wednesdays at 9pm ET on NBCNBC/Justin Stephens - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

The riveting procedural "Criminal Minds" follows the members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia, where the focus is on the criminal, not the crime. This elite team of FBI profilers must analyze the country's most twisted minds and anticipate their next moves before they strike again. Veteran actor Joe Mantegna didn't miss a beat when he took over as the show's lead two seasons ago, playing FBI BAU Senior Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi. Agent Rossi replaced Agent Gideon (who was written off the show after actor Mandy Patinkin left). Last season, after solving a case involving two murderous brothers, BAU team member Hotchner got a visit from the Reaper (guest star C. Thomas Howell). Will the visit spell the end of Hotch? Wednesdays at 9pm ET on CBSCBS/Monty Brinton - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Detective "Mac" Taylor is a driven crime-scene investigator who believes that everything is connected, and that every crime has a serious story behind it. He and his workaholic, jack-of-all-trades partner, Detective Stella Bonasera, head up a team of detectives and forensic experts in the city that never sleeps. Their team includes Danny Messer, a Brooklyn-born investigator with a colorful family history, Dr. Sheldon Hawkes, a reclusive coroner and former surgeon, and homicide detective Don Flack, an edgy investigator with a quick wit. The "CSI: NY" gang combs the streets of New York, piecing clues together in the Big Apple’s toughest cases. The fifth-season finale brought tragedy when Detective Angel was shot and killed. The cliffhanger came later, though, when the team met for drinks to share stories about Angel and a gunman showed up, leaving viewers wondering who lives and dies. Wednesdays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/Art Streiber - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

For those of you who are late to the party, "Bones" is an investigative drama inspired by real-life forensic anthropologist and best-selling novelist Kathy Reichs. When identifying a dead body becomes nearly impossible due to badly decomposed, burned, or destroyed remains, law enforcement calls in forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan (the enchanting Emily Deschanel), who has a unique talent: She can read clues left behind in victims' bones and use them to help solve murders. Many of her law enforcement colleagues have trouble dealing with her intimidating intelligence and hard-core ambition, but FBI Agent Seeley Booth (the delicious David Boreanaz), who has a knack for dealing with people, finds he's the perfect match for the scientifically driven Brennan. As we head into the fifth season of this underappreciated series, the question on everyone’s mind: Will they or won’t they become more than just colleagues? Thursdays at 8pm ET on FOXFOX/Brian Bowen Smith - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

"CSI" is the series that started it all. Nine years ago it revitalized the popularity of the procedural — launching a franchise of spinoffs ("CSI: NY" and "CSI: Miami") that became a ratings bonanza. The show tells the story of a team of Las Vegas forensic scientists — a fascinating cast of characters which includes former exotic dancer Catherine Willows, gambling addict Warrick Brown, and the quirky tech-analyst-turned-field investigator Greg Sanders. Last season, viewers said goodbye to Gil Grissom (William Peterson) — a natural-born crime-scene investigator with a reserved, methodical manner — who had led the team from the show’s beginnings. But they also welcomed acting vet Laurence Fisburne to the cast as Ray Langston, a medical doctor-turned-criminalist with a mysterious past. Season 10 will bring back the familiar face of Jorja Fox, reprising her role as "CSI" team member Sara Sidle. Since Sara was supposed to be off living happily ever after with Gil, is their relationship over? Thursdays at 9pm ET on CBSCBS - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

J.J. Abrams, who's become legendary in the past five years thanks to his hit drama "Lost," is at it again with the second season of "Fringe," a series that blurs the line between science fiction and reality to the point of perfection. With Anna Torv as FBI special agent Olivia Dunham, Joshua Jackson as resident hunk Peter Bishop, and John Noble as former government researcher/"fringe" scientist Dr. Walter Bishop back in action, this engrossing series -- which is Part "X-Files," part "Alias" -- is guaranteed to deliver more chills and thrills as the trio of main characters delve into a parallel universe (and end-of-the-first-season cliffhanger). Thursdays at 9pm ET on FOXFOX/Justin Stephens - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Aussie actor Simon Baker lasted four years with CBS as "Guardian" and one year as "Smith." Last year he gave it a another go with the new show "The Mentalist." Whether it's hindsight or foresight, Baker's decision to play a celebrity psychic-turned-detective has gotten him positive reviews and helped add an additional ratings bonanza to CBS's procedural lineup. Premieres Thursdays at 10pm ET on CBSCBS/Lance Staedler - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Filmed entirely on location in New York, "Law & Order" looks at crime and justice from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detective Edward Green and his partner, Detective Cyrus Lupo, investigate crimes and apprehend suspects under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren. In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts, as Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Cutter and Executive Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the accused under the guidance of District Attorney Jack McCoy. All the familiar faces of the previous season are set to return in the new one. Fridays at 8pm ET on NBCNBC/Virgina Sherwood - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

The chilling drama "Ghost Whisperer," partially inspired by two real-life mediums, stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as Melinda Gordon, an antique-store owner who tries to live as normal a life as possible while also seeing and talking with the dead. She puts her unconventional gift to good use, serving as a go-between for the ghosts and the people they haunt. Melinda's life changed dramatically during the fourth season when her beloved husband, Jim, died, but his soul took over the body of another man, Sam, whom Melinda married in the season finale. Fridays at 8pm ET on CBSCBS/Cliff Lipson - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

Fans won't want to miss the eighth and final season of "Monk," the series that stars Tony Shalhoub as an obsessive-compulsive detective who cracks cases in his own unusual way. Nurse Sharona Fleming (Bitty Schram), who left during the third season, will return one final time. And last year's cast addition, veteran actor Hector Elizondo, also returns as Monk's psychiatrist, Dr. Neven Bell, who really has his work cut out for him. Fridays at 9pm on USAUSA/Andrew Eccles - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

"White Collar" is about the unlikely partnership of a con artist (Matthew Bomer) and an FBI agent (Tim DeKay) who have been playing cat and mouse for years. When criminal mastermind Neal Caffrey is finally caught by his nemesis, escapes from prison, and is then caught again, he strikes a deal: He'll provide his cunning criminal expertise to assist the Feds in catching other notorious and elusive crooks. Fridays at 10pm on USAUSA Network/David Giesbrecht - Thursday, August, 20, 2009, 6:20 PM