Bones (2005–2017) User Reviews

A Decent Show That Ran Its Course.

[henryshear · 8/10 · 26 August 2018]

I started watching Bones when it had just finished its 9th season, so I had a lot of catching up to do. I had just finished watching Freaks and Geeks and I had really liked John Francis Daley, so he was the reason I decided to watch the show. He does not appear as Lance Sweets until Season 3, but he is amazing as always. I started to watch the show because of him, but I fell in love with other characters in the process. I loved how Booth, the FBI agent, made fun of all the anthropologists and how Brennan would always tell her colleagues not to presume or hypothesize anything and just go based off the evidence. Each of the characters have their own quirks that typical people would most certainly not have. That is something I absolutely loved about the show. I love how characters change over time too. Emily Deschanel who plays Brennan goes from being a cold, rational anthropologist to being warm, sometimes kind and sympathetic friend to others. Bones has about 8-9 amazing seasons, but after that it tails off. I watched halfway through season 10 before I decided to stop. The show was not bad by all means, but I was just bored with it by that point.

On a happier note, I loved the show!!! The writing is very witty and smart, it uses modern day real world events in the murder cases and talks about taboo topics in our society. I recommend this show for anyone that likes crime procedural tv shows, I loved it for a very long time and it was with a very sad heart that I decided to stop. This show is highly recommended!

Classic "comfort TV"

[DerrNovot · 9/10 · 10 July 2022]

"Bones" is exactly the kind of show that you binge when you're home sick or the weather is bad outside, or maybe when you're cleaning the house. It's familiar, not too challenging mentally or emotionally, and the leads are really great together. They're the kind of people you don't mind having in your house, lol.

Are the cases mindblowing? No, but that's not what I want from network TV or procedurals. I want things I can watch and enjoy without hurting my head and that I can at least figure out every now and then before the show tells me. On this front, "Bones" is really top notch.

Good blend of character relationship, plot, and occasional humor in horrific situations

[blondesis2u · 20 September 2005]

David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel start well with better than two-dimensional characters in a fresh look at a CSI type show. Based on the real-life work of forensic anthropologist and novelist Kathy Reichs, it's fun, kicky, and only occasionally too gruesome to look at. Not quite like one of Ms. Reichs' novels, it is still a pleasure for a fan (me!) to watch. Boreanaz' past work on Buffy and Angel stands in good stead here as he delivers lines that stand up to a strong female role without diminishing it. Also like Buffy, humor lends grace to embarrassing social situations that highlight common human vulnerabilities. Surrounding the 2 major players are other characters who add to the thrust of a character driven show. The writers do good work giving each character unique attributes that have nothing to do with hair color or body measurements. The entire cast does a good job presenting real, quirky individuals who don't have to rely on looks to sell the worth of their character to the viewers. That alone is something new for any CSI show. Still some rough edges in writing and delivery (Tempe's "I wish this was the worst I have seen" was painful for all the wrong reasons),"Bones" has great potential.

you fall in love with the characters

[jidosha · 10/10 · 29 October 2013]

If you're looking for a fun filled crime solving show, then this is the show to watch. This is not your average crime investigation show. Bones lets you inside to what happens during forensics and criminal investigation, but also introduces you to the lives of the crew behind it.

The characters all have different personalities. They all struggle to work in the same space to solve crimes and still be able to make it fun to watch. The chemistry between these characters open up you interest and you enjoy following them. Despite the seriousness that goes about their work, it still delivers you a laugh at every corner. Gives credit to good writing, acting and directing. Of course at times it also touches your sentiment by adding some intense drama between the crime story lines and also drama within the characters themselves.

Majority of the characters are intelligent scientists so it is common to hear science terms and jargon that may confuse the average viewer at times. They do however tend to give effort in to explaining them enjoyably through witty writing and character delivery.

I've been a fan of the show since its conception and I have to say it's been a fun journey. It's one of my favorite shows and I am happy where it has gone. I have to admit it has its weak moments. Some crimes grow nonchalant and predictable. The character developments also grow to a dead end at times. I am also bittersweet about how they write off characters and bring new ones in to keep the show interesting and set a different vibe. For a show running this long it's understandable they could tend to decline in writing.

TV Entertainment of the Highest Kind

[bsmillios · 10/10 · 1 June 2006]

Here is a show that is refreshingly real, from characters to plots, while intellectually stimulating, and willing to tickle our funny bone.

Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is a smart, focused, professional woman whose sensitivities are not so far from the surface that she is hard, or hardened by avoiding them, nor so close to the surface that she is weak, or weakened by them. She is serious, candid and forthright. Her ability to "handle" herself stems from confidence and experience, not tragedy or pathology as is so often the case in TV-land female characters.

Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) could be a hardened, tough guy, stereotypical character. He is not. While we are reminded regularly of his past as a military sniper, the sensitivity he brings to his duties as an FBI agent redeem his past actions, as is his hope. Make no mistake, he is a fierce patriot and proud FBI man, yet his character's motives and motivation are clear and noble. They are never fanatically righteous or overbearingly macho.

These two characters are wonderfully balanced with each other: their approach to life, to their work, to the pursuit of this week's mystery. Their relationship rings true. Through agreements, disagreements and the sense of humor it takes to weather both, Deschanel and Boreanaz always deliver the wry portrayal these two staunchly serious, but genuinely human characters deserve. Each character's work is expertly accomplished and equally important to the solutions they unravel together. As audience, we enjoy their working together. Temperance Brennan and Seeley Booth are a great team - as are Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz.

With these two very real 21st Century individuals, and stories that skillfully incorporate forensic anthropology, both as it is used in the discipline of anthropology to understand the most ancient of artifacts, and as it is used in the most modern criminal labs, the foundation is strong for TV entertainment of the highest kind. But, it isn't only the charisma of the two main characters or their portrayers that keeps the show real, believable, compelling. Dr. Brennan's support team at the lab are a fine crew (Michaela Conlin as Angela Montenegro - forensic artist and friend to Dr. Brennan, Eric Millegan as Zack Addy - genius, geeky, naively lovable forensic anthropologist in-training, T.J. Thyne as Dr. Jack Hodgins - soil, bug and all-things-creepy expert, and Jonathan Adams as Dr. Daniel Goodman - administrator/anthropologist and the lab crew's boss). Each has an expertise that is technically viable and each is well portrayed by the actors cast. It all adds up to a TV show you can't wait to see again next week!

So good that you are going to feel it in the bones

[danielagerch · 10/10 · 16 August 2006]

I love this show. I have to say, the pilot is not that good but keep on watching the episodes and I can assure you, you are gonna love it.

The character are really amazing and you can see them dealing with real life and their own "world of bones" at the same time. Zach is one of those character I don't really have much to say. Angie is really nice and at the same time I can't stand how she always seems to connect with the cases they are working on. To emotional. Hodgins has his own view of life and really wants to stay away from his family, so he spends most of the time at work... just like all the characters. Booth and Bones have an amazing chemistry together and exact opposites, but at the same time they are the same. Both of them, you can say, uses their work as a way to "fix" their personals issues.

About the cases, it's amazing how they always seem to solve them in the most amazing and clever ways, LOVE IT.

You have to see it.

This show is brilliant

[angelscots1982 · 10/10 · 9 May 2006]

I am a massive fan of David Boreanaz so obviously i started watching this show for him alone, but to my delight this is turning out to be one of the most well-rounded show there has been on television in years. Despite what people might have thought of David Boreanaz's acting abilities, by starring in Bones he has proved that he is a well rounded actor whom can take any role and make it his own. The rest of the cast has been perfectly selected to bounce of David and make the show the best there can be. Also i am impressed with how Emily has turned out as an actor, in the first few episodes i thought she was a bit of a hollow actress, kind of carboardy, but i have since been proved very wrong and feel bad for terrible of how quick i judged her. I can only hope than this show continues to be made for a least another couple of years so we fans can find out as much as there is to know about our beloved characters. P.S To Fox Please please do not be as cruel as the bigwigs at the WB and cancel this show at the prime of it's run as it would be a dying shame and also doing this would grossly reduce your viewers. Thanks Danielle

Silly but entertaining...

[s3276169 · 6/10 · 2 December 2014]

I like Bones in spite of the silly and often inaccurate pretensions this criminal investigation drama is built upon.

Bones is a low EQ high IQ forensic anthropologist who solves murder mysteries using the assumed power of science. The reality of forensics however is nowhere near as analytic as this show would have you believe. Its an imprecise art more than a science and as such its prone to error.

The other limitation, with Bones, is it is inclined to be a bit corny and clinched, at times. This is exacerbated by the shows tendency to make rather shallow, moral judgments, that, like the shows forensics, simply don't stand up too well to scrutiny.

Casting these shortcomings aside what makes Bones work for me is the interplay between the main characters. The cast of actors work well together and compliment one another.The relationships that develop between them also give this show a sense of family that is familiar and at times charming. Bones lack of emotional intelligence leads to some genuinely funny moments too.

The episodic stories are innovative with enough interesting plot twists and turns to keep the viewers attention. Definitely worth a hour or so of your time (just not over dinner as some of the forensic scenes can be a bit graphic).

AMAZING

[emilybowdidge · 9/10 · 17 January 2018]

Amazing Television. Some people have said Emily Dechanel's Acting is Wooden and bad. Temperance Brennan is supposed to be wooden and as sweets states,she over rationalises things,meaning she doesn't understand 'life' like Booth/everyone else does. So she is supposed to be wooden and as seasons progess,she gets better as Booth teaches her.And I think Emily Has done this very Well. David Boreanaz's Acting is changed drastically from Angel,its much better! I love this show and the psychological aspect of relationships,especially between booth and Brennan. 4:47

"Bones"

[dee.reid · 10/10 · 25 October 2009]

"Bones" is a great show, one with fine acting and interesting oddball characters. It's one of those detective-forensic shows that are all the rage nowadays, but you know what, it's all good fun. Based on the real-life experiences of a real forensic expert Kathy Reichs, Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is the star of the show, the preeminent medical expert at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. A bit socially unskilled but every bit dedicated to her work, she and her team of equally socially unskilled oddball co-workers work together to solve murders where many times all they have are "bones" to go on. On the justice side of it, is Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz, of "Angel") of the F.B.I., who often teams up with Brennan to go after the bad guys. This is a fun show, one of those shows that you can watch over and over again and not have to really think about it too much. It's just pure entertainment; what more could you want?

Started off decent, went down hill in a hurry

[ashleynallen-43013 · 6/10 · 7 September 2017]

Where to begin...

When I first started watching this, back in 2010 I believe, it was a decent show. Nothing amazing, nothing to get all hyped up and excited over, but a solidly decent show.

Which, hey... with TV shows being what they have been for the past fifteen years? That's respectable.

The biggest flaws the early seasons had was the technology; everything could be figured out, with amazing, Star Trek-esque technology. Every crime could be solved this way, no matter what.

But the characters were lovable; they were funny, and yeah, maybe a bit cliché, but they had some great points to them, with just enough seriousness and angst thrown in to keep you hooked.

And obviously, Brennan+Booth was a huge thing; everybody was waiting, waiting, waiting for them to get together. To reveal that they truly loved each other, and were meant to be together forever and ever.

Then the producers did it. Brennan and Booth became Brennan/Booth. And the show went downhill fast after that. Everything changed, from the characters themselves, to the settings, to the feel of the show in general. I stopped watching a few months after that, as it literally lost all interest to me. Not that I hated it... I just couldn't care enough to watch it anymore.

Overstayed

[mcgrew · 4/10 · 18 June 2019]

When this show started, it was a cut above other procedurals, in large part because it was different procedures. The characters were interesting, the puzzles fun. But they ran into the same problem all episodics have - they run short of puzzles. So they move on to soap opera. Everybody gets kidnapped at least once, for no reason a character becomes traitorous, stunt-casting, and of course romance. And if you like a soap opera with worms (literally), you'll keep watching.

But the thing that brought us in receded into the background, and fairly quickly. Are they in love? Will minor characters get married? Hey, isn't that a guy from that band? Who cares? I didn't.

This is a GREAT show!

[perkapita · 19 February 2006]

The dialogue is sharp, the acting is spot on; the characters are fun and well defined and each episode is worth watching. I mean nobody cheats! Emily Deshawhatever doesn't make her character more "appealing" (more "cute")- thus, making her more appealing!; her being so out of touch with the modern world is so well acted it's believable; and her best friend is hot because she's a perfect foil being so IN the modern world. I'm conflating all of these ideas because i want to cram in every reason why this is one of the 5 best shows on T.V. It is funny and smart and charming and if it is cancelled for some dumb ass executive reason I swear to God I will boycott...uh...whatever network it's on. Fox? Crap. Cause it's got one of the other 5: The Shield. But I will. This is a great show.

Excellent cast - good stories - until series 7.....

[harveyvilla · 9/10 · 16 January 2019]

......which frankly started to put me in mind of a Mothercare advert. Too much goop about babies... Not at all what I was expecting having read most of Kathy Reichs' work, but enjoyable and well served by an excellent supporting cast, notably TJ Thyne and Michaela Conlin. Even the terminally irritating characters of Sweets and Daisy became less annoying with time. It's unusual to see a programme in which there are no main characters you can't connect with. In this case they are all easy to like sympathetic characters....even the interns. Good job fellas.

Top show

[Starbuck823 · 9/10 · 3 May 2009]

First of all, give this show a few episodes. You need to get to know its characters, because they make the show.

I reckon Bones does the whole forensics better than CSI. I think its mainly because the characters work well together, where as CSI, the characters are a bit sterile and don't steer away from their given stereo type. Plus, CSI always seemed to have these random minute forensic details that can only be found by the lead man, and lo and behold, he solves the crime. In Bones, the forensic and the investigation parts are put together really well, and you feel like that everyone had a hand in actually solving the case.

The whole Booth/Bones relationship is done very well. When you put a male/female partnership, the dynamics can be tricky. I think they have got it right, with slow building their relationship through out the seasons. I'm glad they have been given the seasons to expand the relationships not only between Bones/Booth, but all the characters. The show also does good job of providing subtle humour without slapping you in the face with the obvious. Hard to do, but it is well done.

All in all, this is a top show. Give it a go!

Loved it

[jhnsmm · 10/10 · 26 June 2018]

Amazing show! Still watch over on Netflix! Wish it was still on. The characters are amazing!! Hope they come back to do a TV movie a couple years down the road!

Chemistry and Science

[silversurf4 · 7/10 · 27 August 2006]

Sick of sitcoms I went looking for intelligent television and found it in Bones. Yeah, some of the science is unrealistic and happens at light speed comparative to real life forensic analysis, but it's science -- and it's sexy. The characters are quirky and not canned, they compliment each other well and there's plenty of friction. I'll keep watching cause it's interesting and not badly written. Booth and Brennan keep us watching to see what she'll let him get away with because we all know she like him more than she lets on.

I wish actual crime labs, forensics and morgues had these beautiful labs and stunning people that show up in television, then this dumb cop would be surrounded by hot people in amazing clothes, but until then there's television :)

Criminally Underrated Slice of Heaven

[ryanthedalek · 10/10 · 27 January 2019]

I love this show and found it on Hulu a couple years ago, Finishing off the last couple seasons of this wonderful show, I found I keep coming back to it for its engaging storylines and wonderful, honest storytelling. Extremely underrated

Just Hope It Stays On the Air

[Alison107 · 14 September 2005]

I didn't expect to like it as much as I liked it. In fact, it's a sure sign of cancellation how much I like this show. I never like crime shows. My mom loves them, but I find them dull, because they're about plots not characters. This is a crime show about characters (not as good as "The Closer" -- the crime show I adored this summer -- mind you), and I enjoyed it. At times, it seemed far-fetched, and the whole Senator plot-point in the pilot seemed awful easy, but the dialogue worked, the characters intrigue me, and the chemistry is great. I expect good things from it.

Alison

Good, but needs to get better.

[tommonster3k · 8/10 · 16 September 2005]

I am a fan of procedural crime shows, and I am a loyal follower of "House", so of course I watched "Bones" when it debuted. And, overall, I liked it.

I never watched "Angel" so I have no problem with seeing David Boreanaz in this new role. I thought he was a very good choice for the part. I also liked Emily Deschanel, once I warmed up to her style. They seemed to try too hard to introduce her as a real tough girl in the beginning. I think she pulls off being a tough girl and being a bit flaky, especially in social situations, at the same time. Her dialogue reminds of the way some girls I know talk, which might be why I got such a kick out of it.

The supporting cast is a likable group of "squints". The chick, well--they're gonna have to be real careful that she doesn't become annoying, or else I'm gonna start rooting for her to be killed off much the way I root for the demises of characters on "CSI: Miami"--yet they keep taking out the good ones.

The dialogue is crisp and funny, with some nice insightful moments. The tone is dark like other shows of its kind, but I like how they didn't rely on the gore-factor. I think they dealt with the crime committed in a respectful way. As for the hologram computer program, I think it's a cool ingredient--such a thing isn't so sci-fi anymore, but is still amply cool to see.

Now, for the negatives (other than the sidekick chick): I hate the seemingly random pop-song soundtrack. I think "CSI" started this trend of having a song here and there, but these songs should at least fit what we're watching, or, as Tarantino is so skilled at doing, lend an artistic contrast to the scene.

I think they also need to take a little more time refining the dramatic parts of the show lest they continue to come off in a corny way.

Based on just the Pilot, however, I give the show 3 out of 4 stars.

Mystery; yeah it's got that too.

[fourleaf_clover78 · 10/10 · 21 May 2007]

I'm not going to tell you that Bones is the best show ever; I won't even tell you that you're definitely going to love it; but I will tell you why you should.

Bones mixes fast paced crime drama, with romantic comedy, and still leaves enough explosions, bugs, and dead bodies for your boyfriend to like it too.

It's not just another crime drama, that leaves you guessing who killed the guy. Well yeah it has that; but there is also a more human element to it. It's not forced, it just is.

If any part of you likes a good mystery; if you enjoy being on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next. If you find yourself trying to find the answers before the main characters do; you'll like this. Not only is there mystery among with the crimes, but even among the characters.

I suggest you watch an episode, and decide for yourself. I also suggest picking up a book by Kathy Reichs; they're very different from the show, but still VERY good.

This show is awesome and funny.

[hotness_level · 10/10 · 21 May 2014]

They say opposites attract, and the relationship between Bones and Seeley Booth proves just that. There is obviously chemistry between these two. I like how they have a love-hate relationship that keeps them together in every episode. Emily Deschanel is a pretty decent actress, just like her sister. David Boreanaz is just a total beefcake. He's a pretty decent actor too. Anyone would be foolish enough to hate this show. One thing I like about this show is its ability to produce dark humor. Despite its intention to be a mysterious, crime-filled, dark background, it actually adds a little bit of humor to the whole thing. I like that there is a little bit of humor in the dialogue. Keep up the good work, Emily and David! Your fans are really counting on you guys to be successful and entertaining.

Greatness In The Exellence

[rainbowranger84 · 8/10 · 30 March 2017]

This show took us through comedy, tragedy, suspense, hope, and so much more. It is sad to know that it is now over. However the twelve years that all of the viewers have enjoyed (and cried) will always remember this series forever. From the humorous start to the deaths, twists and turns, everyone of will always have our favourite scenes. Bone's' methodology, determination and intellect will inspire many and Booth's humour and definition of character will do just the same to many others. I will miss this show as much as "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" but it displays the strength and character we should all strive to achieve to be as great as these characters (to all the interns and Saroyan) in our every day lives. Much appreciation and love to all the great years you have entertained us all!!! Recommend this series to all! Cheers:) #Missyoubones

Boobs flash in the first 5 mins

[fallowdeer · 6/10 · 23 November 2023]

Completely unnecessary boob flashing scene to start the show off. Hollywood creepers were running the show obviously. To be fair, that's the only sexual exploitative scene I've watched so far. Started off by pissing me off and creeping me out, not good. But I gave it a chance. It's lighthearted, not at all realistic. There's humour, but it mostly didn't really land, and I'm struggling to understand the accents. Characters are interesting if not exactly likeable. Cheesy music is very annoying. Found it a bit slow at times. It's OK, but wasn't enough to hold my interest through the whole first series.

Funny, witty. And at times gruesome

[good_bi_cpl · 10/10 · 26 June 2022]

This show is so good we watch every year when other shows are on hiatus.

It has it all funny, chilling and excitement. I think our favourite episodes are goremigon and Polant episodes. The safest episodes was when sweets dies. He was a great addition too the show.

Fab showq.