When it comes to solving crimes on TV, some of the most memorable consultants aren’t your typical detectives.
From eccentric geniuses to supernatural sleuths, these characters bring their unique quirks to the table, making each investigation as entertaining as it is suspenseful.
Whether it’s the devil solving murders in L.A. or a psychic using visions to crack cases, these quirky criminal consultants offer a refreshing twist on the crime procedural genre.
So, in this article, we’re diving into some of the most unconventional and fascinating TV crime solvers who keep us on the edge of our seats with their oddities and brilliance.
POLICE CONSULTANTS
Shawn Spencer (Psych)
Shawn Spencer might claim to be a psychic, but his real talent lies in his remarkable observation skills. He teams up with the Santa Barbara Police Department, solving crimes in his own eccentric way.
Whether it’s cracking jokes, pulling pranks, or going undercover with some outlandish disguise, Shawn makes crime-solving look like a blast.
What sets him apart is his unconventional approach—he’s not afraid to act on a hunch or go off-script, and somehow, it always works out. His partnership with best friend Gus adds even more quirkiness to the mix, making Psych a delightful combination of humor and mystery.
If you love a good laugh with your detective work, Shawn’s antics are perfect.
Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer)
What happens when the Devil gets bored of ruling Hell? Well, he opens a nightclub in L.A. and becomes a consultant for the LAPD, of course.
Lucifer Morningstar, the charming and devilishly handsome star of Lucifer, is as quirky as they come. He uses his supernatural ability to compel people to tell him their deepest desires, which he then leverages to solve crimes.
With a flair for the dramatic, a deep-seated daddy issue complex, and an obsession with finding his own redemption, Lucifer brings a unique, celestial twist to crime-solving. But it’s his devil-may-care attitude and wicked humor that truly make him stand out in a sea of quirky consultants.
Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson (Elementary)
Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous detective, gets a modern makeover in Elementary. Paired with Joan Watson, this quirky duo keeps New York City criminals on their toes.
Sherlock’s deductive reasoning and ability to notice details no one else sees make him a legend. However, it’s his socially awkward nature, addiction recovery storyline, and prickly attitude that add to his eccentric charm.
Joan, a former surgeon turned sober companion and then detective balances Sherlock’s quirks with her own sharp wit and empathy. Together, they redefine what it means to be consulting detectives, tackling everything from gruesome murders to international conspiracies.
Richard Castle (Castle)
Crime-solving has never been more fun than with Richard Castle, the bestselling mystery novelist who gets to live out his detective dreams with the NYPD.
After shadowing Detective Kate Beckett for “research,” Castle becomes a permanent fixture on her team, much to her initial dismay.
Castle’s quick wit, playful attitude, and boundless imagination often lead to wild theories and entertaining banter. Despite his outlandish ideas, he somehow manages to help crack tough cases, proving that sometimes thinking like a storyteller is the perfect crime-solving tool.
His relationship with Beckett adds a romantic dynamic, giving Castle its trademark mix of mystery, humor, and heart.
Adrian Monk (Monk)
Adrian Monk is not your typical detective—he’s a former cop with obsessive-compulsive disorder who struggles with an overwhelming fear of germs, heights, and just about everything else. But don’t let his phobias fool you; Monk’s quirks are also his superpower.
His OCD allows him to notice minute details that others miss, making him one of the most brilliant detectives ever. Monk’s unique perspective on crime, paired with his touching backstory of losing his wife in an unsolved murder, makes him a deeply relatable and oddly lovable character.
Monk is a masterclass in blending heart, humor, and a whole lot of oddities.
Morgan Gillary (High Potential)
Morgan Gillary is a fresh face in the world of quirky criminal consultants.
As the star of High Potential, she uses her extraordinary abilities to solve crimes in ways traditional detectives can’t.
Morgan is a single mom with an unconventional past and a razor-sharp intellect. Her offbeat humor and uncanny knack for reading people make her a standout in the genre, offering a new perspective on solving mysteries.
With her unique skills, she often finds herself one step ahead of the police, proving that sometimes the most unusual minds make the best detectives.
Malcolm Bright (Prodigal Son)
Malcolm Bright’s quirkiness doesn’t just come from his job as a criminal profiler—it’s deeply rooted in his personal life.
The son of a notorious serial killer, Malcolm has spent his life trying to understand the criminal mind, all while dealing with his own psychological baggage. He’s brilliant, troubled, and sometimes dangerously impulsive, but his ability to get inside the heads of killers makes him an invaluable asset to the NYPD.
Prodigal Son is a thrilling mix of psychological drama and crime procedural, and Malcolm’s tortured genius gives the show its edgy, unpredictable vibe.
Dylan Reinhart (Instinct)
Dylan Reinhart is a university professor, best-selling author, and former CIA operative. His life of academia and teaching might seem straightforward, but underneath lies a wealth of skills perfect for solving crimes.
In Instinct, Dylan is pulled into the world of criminal consulting when the NYPD needs his expertise on a series of unusual cases.
What makes Dylan quirky is his blend of intellectual prowess and street smarts, combined with a flair for the dramatic. His background in behavioral psychology helps him crack even the most complicated cases, often in unexpected and brilliant ways.
Dr. Beaumont Rosewood (Rosewood)
Dr. Beaumont Rosewood is not just any pathologist—he’s Miami’s best.
Known for his upbeat personality and positive outlook on life, Rosewood’s quirks come from his personal history. Suffering from a life-threatening medical condition, he lives every day as if it were his last, and this shows in his approach to crime-solving.
His state-of-the-art private autopsy lab gives him an edge in uncovering clues that others miss, and his charm, energy, and relentless optimism make him stand out.
Partnering with Detective Annalise Villa, Rosewood brings a unique blend of science, flair, and heart to each investigation, making Rosewood a vibrant and engaging crime procedural.
Toby Logan (The Listener)
Toby Logan’s ability to hear people’s thoughts is both a gift and a curse. As a paramedic turned psychic detective in The Listener, Toby uses his telepathic powers to help law enforcement crack difficult cases.
What makes him quirky isn’t just his supernatural talent but also his reluctance to embrace it fully. Toby often struggles with the moral implications of hearing people’s thoughts, especially when it comes to solving crimes.
His compassionate nature and desire to help others, even at great personal cost, give The Listener a unique emotional depth, blending the supernatural with the procedural in a captivating way.
Ichabod Crane (Sleepy Hollow)
Transported from the 18th century to modern-day America, Ichabod Crane brings a literal “out of time” quirkiness to crime-solving in Sleepy Hollow.
A former soldier in the Revolutionary War, Ichabod wakes up centuries later to find that he’s the key to preventing the apocalypse. His old-world sensibilities often clash hilariously with modern-day technology and customs, but his brilliance in both history and battle strategy make him an essential consultant for the local police.
With a deep knowledge of ancient texts and a sharp mind for puzzles, Ichabod is as eccentric as they come, making Sleepy Hollow a thrilling mix of mystery, horror, and humor.
Doctor Henry Morgan (Forever)
What’s more quirky than an immortal medical examiner?
In Forever, Doctor Henry Morgan has been alive for over 200 years, yet he looks 35. His eternal life gives him a unique perspective on crime, as he’s been around long enough to know just about every trick in the book.
Henry uses his centuries of knowledge to solve cases for the NYPD while secretly trying to discover the truth behind his own immortality.
His old-fashioned charm and deep sense of melancholy, combined with a razor-sharp intellect, make Henry one of the quirkiest and most fascinating consultants in the crime procedural genre.
Blair Sandburg (The Sentinel)
Blair Sandburg may be an anthropologist, but he’s also the ultimate sidekick to Jim Ellison, a detective with heightened senses in The Sentinel.
Blair’s quirky expertise in human behavior and ancient cultures complements Jim’s superhuman abilities, making them an unbeatable duo.
Blair’s enthusiasm for research and his willingness to explore the supernatural elements of Jim’s powers give The Sentinel a fresh twist on the traditional detective partnership. His offbeat academic background and curious nature make Blair a unique figure in the world of crime-solving consultants.
Johnny Smith (The Dead Zone)
Johnny Smith’s life takes a strange turn after a car accident leaves him in a coma for six years. When he wakes up, he has psychic abilities, able to see people’s futures and pasts with a single touch.
In The Dead Zone, Johnny uses these newfound powers to assist law enforcement, though his visions often come with cryptic clues that aren’t easy to interpret. His quiet demeanor, haunted by the knowledge of future tragedies, makes him a more somber, yet deeply intriguing, criminal consultant.
His abilities may be otherworldly, but Johnny’s humanity and desire to do good keep him grounded.
Liv Moore (iZombie)
As if being a zombie wasn’t quirky enough, Liv Moore’s job at the medical examiner’soffice gives her access to plenty of brains—and not just for dinner.
In iZombie, Liv’s ability to absorb memories and traits from the brains she consumes turns her into a crime-solving powerhouse. With each new case, Liv takes on the personality quirks of the deceased, from a perfectionist to a gambler, which gives her an ever-changing and unpredictable approach to solving mysteries.
Her dark sense of humor and unique undead perspective make her one of the most entertaining criminal consultants on TV.
FBI CONSULTANTS
Cameron Black (Deception)
Cameron Black is a master illusionist who turns his skills at sleight of hand and misdirection into tools for solving crimes in Deception.
After his career in magic is derailed by scandal, Cameron finds new purpose as a consultant for the FBI. His background in performing gives him a flair for the dramatic, and his ability to trick even the most seasoned criminals with mind-bending illusions makes him a truly unique detective.
Whether he’s pulling off an elaborate con or using his magic to outsmart the bad guys, Cameron brings a fresh, show-stopping style to the world of criminal consulting.
Temperance Brennan (Bones)
Dr. Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist whose unmatched expertise in human remains helps solve the most complex murder cases.
Her social awkwardness and literal interpretation of the world around her make her one of the quirkiest consultants in crime TV.
While she lacks certain social skills, her brilliance in reconstructing victims’ lives and deaths through their bones is unmatched. Partnered with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, Brennan’s scientific approach contrasts with his gut instinct, creating one of TV’s most compelling crime-solving teams.
Brennan’s quirks may be endearing, but her skillset is seriously impressive.
Brian Finch (Limitless)
Brian Finch’s quirkiness comes from the little pill that unlocks 100% of his brain’s potential.
In Limitless, after taking NZT-48, Brian becomes a genius, able to solve crimes with dazzling ease. But while the drug enhances his mind, it also comes with side effects, making his journey a wild and unpredictable ride.
His newfound abilities allow him to notice patterns, recall endless information, and think several steps ahead of everyone else.
Despite his brilliance, Brian retains a slacker, laid-back attitude, which makes him a fun and relatable character as he navigates his extraordinary new life.
Neal Caffrey (White Collar)
Neal Caffrey is a suave, charming con artist who turns his life of crime into a life of solving them in White Collar.
After being caught by FBI agent Peter Burke, Neal strikes a deal to help the bureau solve white-collar crimes in exchange for his freedom.
Neal’s skills in forgery, art theft, and deception give him a unique edge in catching other high-class criminals. What makes him quirky is his love for the finer things in life—whether it’s a perfectly tailored suit or an elaborate art heist plan—and his ability to outthink even the smartest criminals.
Neal’s relationship with Peter adds a great dynamic of friendship, trust, and occasional tension, making White Collar a standout in the world of criminal consultants.
Daniel Pierce (Perception)
Dr. Daniel Pierce is a brilliant neuropsychiatrist with a quirk—he’s schizophrenic.
In Perception, Pierce uses his understanding of the human mind to help the FBI solve complex cases, but his own mental illness means that he sometimes struggles to distinguish between reality and hallucination.
This unique perspective on the world allows him to see connections others miss, but it also puts him in challenging situations. His quirks come from his unpredictable behavior and interactions with his hallucinations, which often act as a sounding board or provide cryptic advice.
Pierce’s intellect and mental struggles make him a deeply complex and fascinating character in the crime-solving world.
Alec Mercer (The Irrational)
Alec Mercer is a behavioral scientist whose ability to understand and predict human behavior gives him an uncanny ability to solve crimes in The Irrational.
His expertise in psychology and body language lets him read suspects like open books, catching details that even seasoned detectives might overlook. But what makes Alec truly quirky is his blend of academic brilliance and his hands-on approach to fieldwork. He’s as comfortable in a lab as he is on the streets, using his insights to solve the most irrational cases.
His cool-headed, analytical approach adds an intriguing twist to the typical crime consultant role.
Dr. Cal Lightman (Lie to Me)
Dr. Cal Lightman’s quirkiness lies in his almost superhuman ability to detect lies.
In Lie to Me, Lightman is a human polygraph machine, able to read micro-expressions and body language to uncover the truth behind every word. What makes him fascinating is his often brusque, no-nonsense demeanor, paired with a sharp sense of humor. L
ightman’s ability to see through people’s façades makes him both invaluable and infuriating to those around him. His constant pursuit of the truth, even at the expense of personal relationships, adds complexity to his character, making him one of the most interesting consultants on TV.
Charlie Eppes (Numbers)
Charlie Eppes in Numbers is a math genius who uses his skills to help the FBI solve crimes.
What makes Charlie quirky is his unique approach to crime-solving—applying complex mathematical equations and theories to real-world criminal cases. From probability models to statistical analysis, Charlie’s mind works in ways that most people can’t even begin to comprehend. But his passion for math is often so intense that it makes him socially awkward, especially when he tries to explain his findings in mathematical jargon.
Despite his genius, Charlie’s human side shines through in his relationships with his brother and colleagues, giving Numbers both intellectual and emotional depth.
Dr. Jacob Hood (Eleventh Hour)
In Eleventh Hour, Dr. Jacob Hood is a biophysicist with the FBI, called in to investigate scientific crises and crimes.
His quirky brilliance lies in his deep understanding of complex scientific phenomena and his ability to apply this knowledge to solve high-stakes cases. Hood is a man of science through and through, often getting lost in his own thoughts or speaking in technical jargon that leaves others scratching their heads. His unassuming personality, paired with his obsession with finding scientific truth, makes him an unusual yet compelling crime consultant.
Hood’s approach to solving crimes by thinking like a scientist sets him apart from other TV detectives.
OTHER CRIMINAL CONSULTANTS
Patrick Jane (The Mentalist)
Patrick Jane is a former con man and self-proclaimed psychic turned criminal consultant in The Mentalist.
What makes Jane quirky is his sharp, almost manipulative mind and his charismatic, playful personality. Using his skills in observation, hypnosis, and manipulation, Jane can solve cases that leave others stumped.
His backstory adds depth to his character—he’s on a personal quest for revenge after the murder of his wife and daughter by the serial killer Red John. Jane’s unorthodox methods, combined with his witty banter and refusal to play by the rules, make him one of the quirkiest and most beloved consultants in TV crime drama.
Dr. Samantha Waters (Profiler)
Dr. Samantha Waters in Profiler is a forensic psychologist who can step into the minds of criminals, using her intuition and profiling skills to catch them.
What makes her quirky is her deeply empathetic approach to solving crimes—she doesn’t just look at evidence; she tries to understand the emotions and motivations of the criminal. Her gift for profiling comes with a cost, as she is haunted by her own trauma, including the loss of her husband to a serial killer.
Samantha’s ability to connect on an emotional level with both the victims and the perpetrators makes her a unique figure in the world of criminal consultants.
Allison DuBois (Medium)
Allison DuBois is no ordinary criminal consultant—she’s a psychic medium who communicates with the dead. In Medium, Allison uses her visions and dreams to help solve crimes, often waking up with cryptic clues that point her in the right direction.
What makes her quirky is her balance between everyday life as a mother and wife, and her supernatural ability to see beyond the veil of death. Her visions aren’t always clear, and interpreting them can be a challenge, but her tenacity and belief in her gift keep her going.
Allison’s blend of the supernatural with the practical makes her one of the most unusual crime-solvers on TV.