WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Rizzoli & Isles
Beyond the Badge: Four Must‑Watch Shows for Rizzoli & Isles Fans
If you love the razor‑sharp chemistry of a detective and a forensic genius solving crimes together, you’ll want to explore four standout series that each capture a different facet of that formula. From the fresh sibling intrigue of **The Better Sister**, to the upbeat camaraderie of **The Runarounds**, the dark family empire of **The Waterfront**, and the tense marital showdown in **HIS & HERS**, these picks span the spectrum of crime‑drama, comedy, and thriller, offering something for every mood while staying true to the core appeal of Rizzoli & Isles.
The Better Sister brings a contemporary, high‑stakes murder case that forces two very different sisters to confront their past, echoing the partnership dynamics that made Rizzoli & Isles a hit. The Runarounds lightens the mood with a music‑filled coming‑of‑age story, showing how strong bonds can thrive amid chaos. The Waterfront dives into a gritty, noir‑styled family saga, delivering the same relentless investigative drive but with a darker, more brutal edge. Finally, HIS & HERS pits a detective against a reporter in a marriage‑on‑the‑line thriller, guaranteeing the twist‑filled, character‑driven storytelling fans of the original series crave.
Why these shows are similar to Rizzoli & Isles
Perhaps their strikingly different personalities make the relationship between detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles so effective. Jane, the only female cop in Boston's homicide division, is tough, relentless and rarely lets her guard down, while the impeccably dressed Maura displays a sometimes icy temperament — she is, after all, more comfortable among the dead than the living. Together, the best friends have forged a quirky and supportive relationship; they drop the protective shield in each other's company, and combine their expertise to solve Boston's most complex cases.
These recommendations branch out from Rizzoli & Isles with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
The Better Sister
TV • 2025
drama • crime • mystery
Why Watch Next
The Better Sister offers a modern, high‑stakes murder mystery centered on two estranged sisters forced to work together, echoing the dynamic partnership of Rizzoli and Isles while delivering a fresh, contemporary vibe.
Overview
Chloe moves in New York's most elite circles with her lawyer husband Adam and teenage son Ethan by her side while her estranged sister Nicky tries to make ends meet and stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the investigation sends shockwaves through the family and exposes long-buried secrets.
The Runarounds
TV • 2025
drama • comedy • family
Why Watch Next
The Runarounds blends humor, camaraderie and youthful ambition, providing a lighter, audience‑pleasing counterpoint that still celebrates strong friendships akin to the Rizzoli‑Isles bond.
Overview
Follow a tight-knit group of young adults from all walks of life who come together to form a rock band the summer after graduating from high school. Set against the backdrop of Wilmington, North Carolina, The Runarounds must choose between succumbing to the pressures of real life or risking everything to become the greatest band of all time.
The Waterfront
TV • 2025
drama • crime
Why Watch Next
The Waterfront delivers a gritty, noir‑ish family saga of crime and loyalty, matching Rizzoli & Isles’ crime‑drama core while plunging viewers into a darker, high‑tension world.
Overview
A prominent North Carolina fishing family wades into treacherous waters to keep their crumbling business empire afloat.
HIS & HERS
TV • 2026
drama • crime • mystery
Why Watch Next
HIS & HERS pairs a detective with a reporter in a tense, twist‑laden investigation, mirroring the procedural intrigue of Rizzoli & Isles and guaranteeing a compelling, must‑watch experience.
Overview
Two estranged spouses — one a detective, the other a news reporter — vie to solve a murder in which each believes the other is a prime suspect.
