Bones: Meet the Dynamic Crime-Solving Team Behind the Series

Bones is an immensely popular American television comedy-drama series that centers around legal procedures, much like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation or NCIS. However, these shows offer more than just clever one-liners that provide humor in dark and grisly situations involving decomposing human remains. Television crime dramas are not only responsible for generating increased interest and demand for forensic evidence in court proceedings but also for a rising number of college students pursuing careers in forensic science.

With twelve seasons under its belt, Bones boasts an exceptional and diverse cast of main and recurring characters. Loosely based on the life and novels of renowned forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, the series revolves around its protagonist, Temperance Brennan. Reichs, who served as a producer for the show, collaborated with the incredibly talented and four-time Gemini Award-winning Hart Hanson, the creator of Bones. Moreover, in addition to incorporating elements inspired by real-life experiences, the show also delves into the longstanding crime-solving partnership between the FBI and the Smithsonian Institution.

If you want to rewatch your favorite episodes, you can stream the complete series for free (with ads) on Amazon Prime Video, the Roku Channel, and Hulu (with a subscription). Whether you haven't seen Bones in a while or have never watched it before, this useful guide will introduce you to the main characters and the actors who portrayed them in the series!

Emily Deschanel as Temperance “Bones” Brennan

Release Date: September 13, 2005

Main Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, John Boyd, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, T.J. Thyne

Main Genre: Comedy

Additional Genres: Crime, Drama

Total Seasons: 12

Website: http://www.facebook.com/BonesStudioFox

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Emily Deschanel portrays Temperance “Bones” Brennan, the protagonist in the pilot episode. She is a brilliant forensic anthropologist who collaborates with the FBI to solve a murder case. The victim's decomposed remains are the only evidence she has to work with, relying on her expertise to bring resolution. In a playful nod to the source material, Brennan is also a successful author, writing mystery novels featuring a fictionalized version of producer (and original author) Kathy Reichs. With a remarkable IQ and a preference for rationality and logic, Brennan passionately supports science and facts, rejecting intuition and faith due to her atheism.

Emily Deschanel is well-known for being the older sister of New Girl's Zooey Deschanel. However, her fame extends beyond her family ties. She began her acting career in 1994 with her role as a "paint-throwing fur activist" in the film It Could Happen to Anyone. She further showcased her talent in the Stephen King miniseries adaptation of Rose Red. Emily also made an appearance in an episode of Law & Order: SVU, which sparked her interest in acting in television crime dramas. Recently, she has captivated audiences with her performances in the comedy-drama Big Boys and the Netflix horror mystery miniseries Devil in Ohio.

David Boreanaz as Seeley Booth

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In the television series, played by David Boreanaz, Seeley Booth is the FBI agent who initially contacts Brennan for her assistance. Acting as a counterpart to Brennan's atheistic beliefs, Booth's strong religious faith and reliance on instinct as a federal agent creates an ongoing clash between the two characters. However, this conflict also contributes to a blossoming romantic connection over the course of the seasons, as they delve deeper into each episode's unique cases and discover more about each other.

David Boreanaz, born in New York and raised in Philadelphia, PA, showcased his tough persona in his portrayal of Booth throughout the series. With an extensive background in successful TV show franchises, Boreanaz also took on leading roles in shows such as Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and most recently SEAL Team. He even made a crossover appearance alongside Emily Deschanel, who played their respective characters from Bones, in an episode of Sleepy Hollow.

Michaela Conlin as Angela Montenegro

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As Brennan's closest friend and trusted confidante, Angela Montenegro plays a crucial role in her life. Additionally, she serves as a forensic artist, aiding Brennan in facial reconstruction to identify victims in their investigations. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, Angela is able to generate a 3D holographic representation of the victims' body shape, height, and most notably, their facial features. These reconstructions are based on the victims' skeletal structure, enabling Angela and Brennan to determine the cause of death.

Even though she is not the main character in Bones, Michaela Conlin's character is featured in all 245 episodes of the series, a feat that only four of the lead cast members can claim. Apart from her work in television, Conlin has also showcased her talent in notable films including Enchanted, The Lincoln Lawyer, The Disappointments Room, and Bad Trip. She has recently made appearances in several episodes of Yellowstone and is set to star in the romantic drama One True Loves, which will be available on Hulu starting November 10.

T.J. Thyne as Jack Hodgins

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Jack Hodgins, a self-proclaimed "bug and slime" expert, is an entomologist in the series. He specializes in collecting and examining samples of trace minerals and fungal materials found at crime scenes, which have undergone years of exposure and deterioration. As any successful forensic crime show requires a character with a knack for laboratory work, Hodgins fits the role perfectly. His relationship with Angela unfolds throughout the series, adding layers of drama and complexity to the workplace environment.

Hodgins’ character, portrayed by T.J. Thyne, hails from Boston originally, but he moved to Texas for high school before eventually settling in Los Angeles. He pursued a theater education at the University of Southern California. Thyne holds the distinction of being the fourth cast member to appear in all 245 episodes of Bones. In recent years, he also appeared in Season 3 of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story series and the upcoming 2022 biographical drama series, The Offer.

Eric Millegan as Dr. Zack Addy

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Introduced as a socially awkward graduate student and intern to Brennan in the first season, he quickly achieves his doctorate in forensic anthropology and becomes a valued member of the team at the Jeffersonian. Once he joins full-time, he develops a playful rivalry with Hodgins, constantly attempting to one-up each other in geeky pursuits and vie for the coveted title of "King of the Lab." However, as the character progresses, he becomes entangled in legal complications surrounding a particular case in the later seasons, leading to internal conflicts within the team.

John Francis Daley as Lance Sweets

Eric Millegan played the role of Addy in the series. He has not taken on any new roles since the conclusion of Bones. Prior to that, Millegan made a guest appearance on the crime show Law & Order: Criminal Intent and had brief roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and A.J. Mattioli’s Lady Peacock in 2014.

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Introduced in Season 3, Lance Sweets joined the series as an FBI psychologist, adding a more human element to the team's investigations. He delves into the psychological states of both the crime's victim and perpetrator, providing valuable insights. Initially met with disdain from Booth and Brennan, Sweets eventually wins them over, with Brennan reluctantly acknowledging psychology as a legitimate field. As Brennan and Booth's professional and romantic relationships evolve, Sweets takes on the role of a mediator, and becomes a trusted friend to both.

Lance Sweets, played by John Francis Daley, made his television acting debut in 1999 with the beloved series Freaks and Geeks, where he portrayed the character Sam Weir. In 2011, Daley appeared briefly in the film Horrible Bosses as a background character named "Carter" and later made a cameo as the same character in his second directorial venture, the 2018 comedy Game Night. Additionally, he made a brief cameo in his most recent film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Tamara Taylor as Camille Saroyan

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In Season 2 of Bones, the character Camille Saroyan (Tamara Taylor) is introduced as the new head of the forensic department at the Jeffersonian, taking over from Daniel Goodman. As is often the case when a close-knit team is forced to accept a new member, there is initial hesitation and mistrust from the main characters. Camille has a history with Agent Booth, including a brief romantic relationship, which causes Brennan to question her true intentions. However, over time, Camille proves herself to be a valuable addition to the team as the only pathologist, alleviating the concerns of both Brennan and Booth.

Tamara Taylor boasts a remarkable body of work comprising numerous acclaimed TV shows and films. Notably, she graced the screen as a guest on the renowned Law & Order: SVU and held a recurring role in Law & Order: Organized Crime. Additionally, she captivated audiences in the captivating science fiction drama series Altered Carbon. Recently, Taylor showcased her talent in the film Diary of a Spy, portraying the character of Anna. Furthermore, she delights audiences by making guest appearances on the Agent Stoker podcast series, alongside her former Bones co-star, Emily Deschanel.

Jonathan Adams as Daniel Goodman

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In the first season, Daniel Goodman served as the original director of the Jeffersonian Institute. While some of his leadership methods sparked doubts among team members, he eventually establishes a bond with Hodgins, leading to a friendly rivalry that unfolds throughout the entire season. However, at the end of the first season, he goes on sabbatical, and ultimately, Camille Saroyan takes over his position.

Jonathan Adams has appeared in various TV shows following his short time on Bones. He has played both lead and recurring characters in shows such as Last Man Standing, The Orville, and Dark Winds. In 2023, he showcased his talent in the Disney Pixar film Elemental, portraying the character "Flarry."

John Boyd as James Aubrey

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James Aubrey becomes a pivotal figure in the last two seasons of Bones, taking on an integral role in the crime-solving team. Acting as a replacement for Lance Sweets, who had departed, Aubrey starts off as a junior FBI agent under Booth's supervision. Initially met with skepticism due to his limited field experience, he eventually earns the team's confidence and evolves into an invaluable ally and trusted colleague.

Aubrey, portrayed by John Boyd, has demonstrated his talent for playing FBI agents and has been featured in several television series following the conclusion of Bones. His roles include Special Agent Stuart Sercola in FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International. Additionally, he had roles in the 2017 adventure-mystery film Wonderstruck, starring Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place), and the 2018 thriller Peppermint.

Similarly to other crime drama shows like Law & Order, many actors have used their appearances as guest stars on Bones as a launching pad for their subsequent projects. For instance, Billy Gibbons, the guitarist and lead singer of the band ZZ Top, portrayed himself in a fictionalized version as the father of the main character Angela Montenegro in seven episodes spanning twelve seasons of Bones. Despite the show's conclusion, Bones remains a beloved example of the genre, inspiring fans to develop an interest in the intricacies of law enforcement and forensic science.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the show Bones. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's focus on science and logic, as well as its strong female protagonist. On the other hand, I find the show's portrayal of law enforcement to be unrealistic and its humor to be hit-or-miss.

Overall, I think Bones is a well-made and entertaining show that is worth watching. However, I would caution viewers to be aware of its flaws before they decide to invest their time in it.