Bones poster

Dr. Temperance Brennan and her colleagues at the Jeffersonian's Medico-Legal Lab assist Special Agent Seeley Booth with murder investigations when the remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed that the standard identification methods are useless.

12 Seasons
246 Episodes
Ended
Crime Drama
Aliens in a Spaceship
9.2/10 (2543 votes)

#1 Aliens in a Spaceship

S2:E9
Nov 15, 2006

The bodies of twin boys, kidnapped five years earlier, are discovered. The investigation lead Booth and Brennan to a notorious kidnapper known as the Grave Digger. During the investigation, Brennan and Hodgins become the Grave Digger's next victims.

The Hole in the Heart
9.1/10 (1995 votes)

#2 The Hole in the Heart

S6:E22
May 12, 2011

Rogue sniper Jacob Broadsky returns once again, claiming another victim and making Booth determined to put him away once and for all.

The Recluse in the Recliner
8.9/10 (1146 votes)

#3 The Recluse in the Recliner

S9:E24
May 19, 2014

The team investigates the death of a man who had offered Booth information on a possible government cover-up related to a previous case, but was killed before their meeting took place. As Booth and the Jeffersonian team dig deeper into the burgeoning conspiracy surrounding the man’s death, it’s evident Booth may be in over his head, and his future with the FBI is put in question.

The Nightmare Within the Nightmare
8.9/10 (913 votes)

#4 The Nightmare Within the Nightmare

S11:E22
Jul 21, 2016

The team dives back into investigating a serial killer from the past, attempting to find “The Puppeteer,” who lives with his victims’ bodies before disposing of them. Meanwhile, Brennan works through her guilt over her retirement last year, blaming herself for not stopping the serial killer earlier. However, little does she know she might be in some trouble of her own.

The Doctor in the Photo
8.8/10 (1770 votes)

#5 The Doctor in the Photo

S6:E9
Dec 9, 2010

Brennan gets a glimpse into her own life when the body of a brilliant and career-driven surgeon is found in a rough neighborhood with multiple fractures in her skull and no indication as to how or why she was there. While the team investigates the case objectively, Brennan struggles to separate her own life from the victim’s as she perceives many parallels between them the more she learns about the victim’s past. Meanwhile, evidence found at the crime scene brings the team closer to solving the case, but it’s Brennan’s unique perspective that propels her to retrace the final events of the victim’s life. With the reassurance of a new friend and Jeffersonian security guard, Micah Leggat, Brennan makes a discovery about herself and learns a lesson about taking chances.

The Patriot in Purgatory
8.8/10 (1941 votes)

#6 The Patriot in Purgatory

S8:E6
Nov 12, 2012

Brennan's new fascination with basketball and legendary coach Phil Jackson's thoughts on teamwork prompts her to gather five of her best "squinterns" to analyze remains that have never been identified.

The Woman in Limbo
8.7/10 (1611 votes)

#7 The Woman in Limbo

S1:E22
May 17, 2006

Brennan receives some bones to identify, but is stunned when she discovers that the remains are those of her mother who disappeared when she was 15 years old. The determined date of her mother's death leaves Bones confused and angry.

The Parts in the Sum of the Whole
8.7/10 (1683 votes)

#8 The Parts in the Sum of the Whole

S5:E16
Apr 8, 2010

When Dr. Sweets' book gets published, both Booth and Brennan read it and tell him about the first time they met: 6 years ago. The episode will give a new perspective on Booth and Brennan's relationship, and will also give viewers the chance to see Zack Addy again, and Dr Saroyan as a New York Coroner.

The Signs in the Silence
8.7/10 (1480 votes)

#9 The Signs in the Silence

S6:E21
May 5, 2011

When a 15-year-old Jane Doe is found on the streets, it is up to Brennan, Jeffersonian Intern Arastoo Vaziri and the entire Jeffersonian team to figure out her history and if she is responsible for a recent murder

The Past in the Present
8.7/10 (1271 votes)

#10 The Past in the Present

S7:E13
May 14, 2012

"Hacktivist" and suspected serial killer Christopher Pelant is back in court, but the team's efforts to pin another murder on him don't go as planned.

The Man in the Fallout Shelter
8.6/10 (1988 votes)

#11 The Man in the Fallout Shelter

S1:E9
Dec 13, 2005

Brennan and her team are brought in to identify the body of a man found in a fallout shelter. While cutting into the bones of the man, Zach accidentally releases a deadly fungus, causing the team to be quarantined over Christmas.

The Man in the Cell
8.6/10 (1432 votes)

#12 The Man in the Cell

S2:E12
Jan 31, 2007

The notorious serial killer, Howard Epps, sets his prison cell on fire as part of a daring prison escape. Brennan is his target and her entire team is placed in danger.

The Hero in the Hold
8.6/10 (1607 votes)

#13 The Hero in the Hold

S4:E14
Feb 5, 2009

While trapped and trying to escape from a ship in the middle of the ocean, Booth is haunted by strange hallucinations.

The Conspiracy in the Corpse
8.6/10 (1238 votes)

#14 The Conspiracy in the Corpse

S10:E1
Sep 25, 2014

Brennan and the team attempt to absolve Booth and get him released from prison. The remains of a man who has been dead for over sixteen years prove to be significant.

Judas on a Pole
8.5/10 (1536 votes)

#15 Judas on a Pole

S2:E11
Dec 13, 2006

Booth and Brennan are called to the scene where a man's body was found hung like a scarecrow, gutted, and burned on the roof of a building used by the FBI to hide witnesses.

The Wannabe in the Weeds
8.5/10 (1459 votes)

#16 The Wannabe in the Weeds

S3:E14
May 12, 2008

A wannabe singer Tommy Sour was found on a grassy location. The investigation leads Brennan, Booth, and Cam to the Checker Box Restaurant where Tommy used to sing. There are several suspects who took part in the open mike contest there, with talent scouts in the audience. The group comes together with a startling revelation for Brennan.

The Double Death of the Dearly Departed
8.5/10 (1478 votes)

#17 The Double Death of the Dearly Departed

S4:E22
Apr 20, 2009

When a Jeffersonian coworker dies of heart failure, the entire team goes to the wake where, upon viewing the body, Brennan realizes the death was no accident.

The Proof in the Pudding
8.5/10 (1323 votes)

#18 The Proof in the Pudding

S5:E12
Jan 21, 2010

Mr. White and his team of government agents put the Jeffersonian Lab on lock down and demand that Brennan and her forensics team determine a cause of death for an unidentified, but highly classified set of remains. As the team gets to work, their findings lead them to suspect they are investigating one of the most famous presidential assassinations in history. Meanwhile, Booth's boss, Andrew Hacker, helps him break into the lab and determine the motive behind the mystery investigation, and a frustrated Cam worries that Michelle may be keeping a big secret from her.

The Boy with the Answer
8.5/10 (1208 votes)

#19 The Boy with the Answer

S5:E21
May 13, 2010

The trial of The Gravedigger hits close to home for members of the team, and everyone at the Jeffersonian must work overtime to uncover the forensic evidence to elicit a conviction.

The Bullet in the Brain
8.5/10 (1208 votes)

#20 The Bullet in the Brain

S6:E11
Jan 27, 2011

The city anxiously anticipates the arrival of Heather Taffet, more notoriously known as "The Gravedigger," for her final appeal after being sentenced to death for a kidnap-murder and a series of similar coldblooded crimes. But when a bullet targeted at The Gravedigger is fired from a distance and hits her, the Jeffersonian team is tasked to piece together the sniper's precise location as well as identify the suspect and his motives. With the help of probing investigator Caroline Julian, Booth and Brennan put together a list of likely suspects, but the evidence and the remarkable skill needed to pull off the crime leads the team to believe that the crime was an inside, professional job, leaving Brennan's father Max and even Booth as plausible suspects. Meanwhile, Sweets attempts to put on a brave face after being caught in the firestorm just moments following a chilly encounter with The Gravedigger.

The Change in the Game
8.5/10 (1570 votes)

#21 The Change in the Game

S6:E23
May 19, 2011

In the 6th season finale, the team investigates the disturbing, unidentifiable remains of a bowler that were found jammed in one of the bowling alley's automatic pinsetters. After hitting a dead end in the case, Booth and Brennan decide to go undercover and join a competitive bowling team in search of answers.

The Crack in the Code
8.5/10 (1287 votes)

#22 The Crack in the Code

S7:E6
Jan 12, 2012

A cryptic message penned in human blood is discovered at a national monument. As the Jeffersonian team embarks on a scavenger hunt to solve the case, they realize their tech-savvy suspect remains one step ahead of them. Meanwhile, Booth and Brennan search for the perfect home for their new family.

The Future in the Past
8.5/10 (1247 votes)

#23 The Future in the Past

S8:E1
Sep 17, 2012

Having been accused of murder, Brennan is on the run from the FBI, with help from her father Max. Booth and the Jeffersonian team are convinced evil tech genius Christopher Pelant has manipulated key evidence in the case to pinpoint Brennan as the prime suspect. Then, an anonymous tip leads the team to the remains of a high school guidance counselor that may hold the key to proving Brennan's innocence.

The Corpse on the Canopy
8.5/10 (1136 votes)

#24 The Corpse on the Canopy

S8:E12
Jan 21, 2013

After Hodgins and Angela are drugged and wake up to a bloody corpse hanging in the canopy of their bed and flower petals around their son Michael's crib, they are forced to believe that Pelant is back for revenge against Hodgins. Although Hodgins wants to go after Pelant directly, Booth knows it's best to work within the system and not go against protocol. Meanwhile, as the Jeffersonian team investigates the corpse, they discover the victim was a Special Forces agent working for the world's biggest supplier of mercenaries, and Angela and Hodgins decide to start an investigation without the rest of the Jeffersonian team for the sake of their family.

The Woman in White
8.5/10 (1185 votes)

#25 The Woman in White

S9:E6
Oct 21, 2013

The Jeffersonian team investigates the murder of Nancy Handelman, whose body was discovered at the time of Brennan and Booth's wedding rehearsal. When the case becomes more serious than the team anticipated, Cam and Angela do everything in their power to keep the details of the investigation from Brennan in order to ensure that she will stay focused on her big day. Tensions run high when unfortunate events occur to stall the wedding temporarily, and Max comes to town with a suspicious duffle bag full of money.

The Doom in the Boom
8.5/10 (778 votes)

#26 The Doom in the Boom

S11:E10
Dec 10, 2015

The team investigates a police officer's murder and decides what is important to their futures.

The Day in the Life
8.5/10 (763 votes)

#27 The Day in the Life

S12:E11
Mar 21, 2017

Brennan testifies for Zach in trial, Angela reveals some big news, while Aubrey and Jessica come to terms about their future together. All the while, the team discovers Kovac has escaped, leaving Booth in a race against the clock to protect himself and those closest to him from what may be Kovac's most dangerous plan yet.

Two Bodies in the Lab
8.4/10 (1683 votes)

#28 Two Bodies in the Lab

S1:E15
Mar 15, 2006

When Brennan decides to give online dating a try, she ends up the target of a shooting at the local restaurant where she's meeting her date. The resulting investigation reveals that the shooter could be connected to either of the two cases she's currently working on.

The Santa in the Slush
8.4/10 (1454 votes)

#29 The Santa in the Slush

S3:E9
Nov 27, 2007

Booth and Brennan investigate a mall Santa named Kris Kringle who was found dead by two elves. A series of clues makes the murdered mall Santa seem like he's the real deal.

The Verdict in the Story
8.4/10 (1372 votes)

#30 The Verdict in the Story

S3:E13
May 5, 2008

Brennan's father Max Keenan is on trial for the alleged murder of FBI Deputy Director Kirby. Everyone on the team, except for Brennan, is called as a witness for the prosecution during the trial. Brennan on the other hand is the forensics advisor for the defense, and she must rely on both her dedication to her family and her skill as an anthropologist to help free her father.

The Blackout in the Blizzard
8.3/10 (1178 votes)

#31 The Blackout in the Blizzard

S6:E16
Mar 17, 2011

During a blizzard that causes a citywide blackout, the team must solve a murder case that could be connected to a possible viral outbreak; Sweets starts a touchy conversation about Brennan and Booth's relationship.

The Pathos in the Pathogens
8.3/10 (1002 votes)

#32 The Pathos in the Pathogens

S8:E23
Apr 22, 2013

The Jeffersonian team rushes to prevent a viral outbreak while investigating the murder of journalist Mia Garrett after her infected body is found at a biohazard facility. When the mutated virus that killed Mia infects Jeffersonian intern Arastoo Vaziri, their only chance of saving him is by solving the murder. Tension and passion build as the team races against the clock to find the killer - and the cure.

The Hope in the Horror
8.3/10 (791 votes)

#33 The Hope in the Horror

S12:E1
Jan 3, 2017

Booth and the rest of the lab desperately search for Brennan who was kidnapped by her former assistant, Zack Addy. Brennan's rescue is, however, just the beginning of their problems.

The Graft in the Girl
8.2/10 (1449 votes)

#34 The Graft in the Girl

S1:E20
Apr 26, 2006

The team helps Deputy Director Sam Cullen's daughter, Amy, when she contracts a rare form of lung cancer after receiving a bone graft. Booth and Brennan learn she is not the only victim with this rare form of cancer.

Mummy in the Maze
8.2/10 (1360 votes)

#35 Mummy in the Maze

S3:E5
Oct 30, 2007

On Halloween, two mummified bodies are discovered and found to be people reported missing the past two Halloweens. When Booth and Bones learn about a missing girl, linked to the suspect of the previous murders, the race is on to save her life.

The Knight on the Grid
8.2/10 (1205 votes)

#36 The Knight on the Grid

S3:E8
Nov 20, 2007

After the body of an archbishop is found, missing the kneecaps, the team concludes the murder is related to the Widow's Son case.

The Pain in the Heart
8.2/10 (1635 votes)

#37 The Pain in the Heart

S3:E15
May 19, 2008

The Gormogon serial killer is back again, and the silver skeleton from the basement vault has gone missing. All the Jeffersonian employees become suspects, with the scary possibility that one of their own is working with Gormogon.

The Passenger in the Oven
8.2/10 (1274 votes)

#38 The Passenger in the Oven

S4:E10
Nov 19, 2008

While en route to China to identify prehistoric anthropological remains, Booth and Brennan are called upon to solve a murder in midair when the flight attendant discovers a fully cooked human body in the plane's microwave.

The Death of the Queen Bee
8.2/10 (1224 votes)

#39 The Death of the Queen Bee

S5:E17
Apr 15, 2010

The team’s latest case takes Brennan back to her alma mater, Burtonsville High School, where she and Booth investigate the discovery of an unidentified skull and upper torso. With Angela’s help, they identify the victim as one of Brennan’s classmates, and notice a possible connection to a second murder committed 15 years prior. Brennan and Booth go undercover as a married couple at her class reunion to interrogate a set of suspects, where even as an adult, Brennan is still predictably misunderstood and her only friend lies in a strangely dark and offbeat janitor. Meanwhile, Hodgins spills a lab secret

The Beginning in the End
8.2/10 (1145 votes)

#40 The Beginning in the End

S5:E22
May 20, 2010

The team works to uncover clues buried under a life’s worth of possessions saved by a hoarder in order to solve the mystery of his death. Meanwhile, Angela’s father has a specific purpose for his most recent visit, and Brennan and Booth are confronted with unique opportunities.

Cast & Chracters

Temperance 'Bones' Brennan

Temperance 'Bones' Brennan

Actor: Emily Deschanel

Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan is a forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and a best-selling novelist. Known for her exceptional intelligence and expertise in her field, she often exhibits social awkwardness and a literal interpretation of language, leading to humorous interactions. Brennan's empirical approach to life contrasts with her partner, FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth's, more intuitive methods. Over time, she develops a deep bond with Booth, culminating in a romantic relationship and family life together. Her character is inspired by author Kathy Reichs, herself a forensic anthropologist and novelist.

Seeley Booth

Seeley Booth

Actor: David Boreanaz

FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth is a former Army sniper who now works closely with Dr. Temperance Brennan to solve complex murder cases. Booth is characterized by his charm, intuition, and strong moral compass, often serving as the emotional counterpart to Brennan's rationality. He is a devoted father and a practicing Catholic, which sometimes leads to philosophical debates with Brennan. Booth's protective nature and dedication to justice make him a central figure in the series, both professionally and personally, as he and Brennan eventually build a life together.

James Aubrey

James Aubrey

Actor: John Boyd

James Aubrey is a junior FBI agent who works under the mentorship of Seeley Booth. Portrayed as charismatic and eager, Aubrey brings a fresh perspective to the team. Despite his inexperience, he quickly earns the respect of his colleagues through his dedication and competence. Aubrey's backstory includes a troubled relationship with his father, who was involved in financial crimes and abandoned the family, leaving a lasting impact on Aubrey's life and career choices.

Angela Montenegro

Angela Montenegro

Actor: Michaela Conlin

Angela Montenegro is a forensic artist at the Jeffersonian Institute and Dr. Brennan's best friend. She specializes in facial reconstruction and uses advanced technology to create 3D holographic images of victims, aiding in their identification and the determination of cause of death. Angela is known for her warm, empathetic nature and serves as a bridge between the scientific team and the emotional aspects of their work. Her free-spirited personality and artistic background provide a contrast to the more analytical minds of her colleagues. Angela's father is portrayed by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, adding a unique dynamic to her character's background.

Camille Saroyan

Camille Saroyan

Actor: Tamara Taylor

Dr. Camille 'Cam' Saroyan is the head of the Forensic Division at the Jeffersonian Institute. A skilled pathologist, she oversees the team's work with a firm yet compassionate leadership style. Cam's background includes experience as a coroner in New York, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to her role. Her character balances authority with approachability, making her an integral part of the team. Cam's personal and professional relationships with her colleagues, including a past romantic involvement with Seeley Booth, add depth to her character.

Jack Hodgins

Jack Hodgins

Actor: T.J. Thyne

Dr. Jack Hodgins is the team's entomologist, botanist, and mineralogist at the Jeffersonian Institute. Known for his expertise in analyzing particulates and his enthusiasm for 'bugs and slime,' Hodgins often provides critical insights into cases. His quirky personality and penchant for conspiracy theories add a unique flavor to the team dynamic. Despite his eccentricities, Hodgins is deeply passionate about his work and is a loyal friend and colleague. His relationship with Angela Montenegro evolves over the series, adding a personal dimension to his character.

The highest rated episode of Bones is "Aliens in a Spaceship" (S2E9) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 2,543 votes.

It aired on November 15, 2006.


The lowest rated episode is "The Ghost in the Machine" (S8E9) with a rating of 6.70.

This episode received 1,573 votes.

It aired on December 3, 2012.

The highest rated episode is "The Woman in Limbo" (S1E22) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 1,611 votes.

It aired on May 17, 2006.


The lowest rated episode is "The Man in the S.U.V." (S1E2) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 1,722 votes.

It aired on September 20, 2005.

The highest rated episode is "Aliens in a Spaceship" (S2E9) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 2,543 votes.

It aired on November 15, 2006.


The lowest rated episode is "The Boneless Bride in the River" (S2E16) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 1,174 votes.

It aired on March 21, 2007.

The highest rated episode is "The Wannabe in the Weeds" (S3E14) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 1,459 votes.

It aired on May 12, 2008.


The lowest rated episode is "Death in the Saddle" (S3E3) with a rating of 7.20.

This episode received 1,171 votes.

It aired on October 9, 2007.

The highest rated episode is "The Hero in the Hold" (S4E14) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 1,607 votes.

It aired on February 5, 2009.


The lowest rated episode is "The Man in the Outhouse" (S4E3) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 1,110 votes.

It aired on September 10, 2008.

The highest rated episode is "The Parts in the Sum of the Whole" (S5E16) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 1,683 votes.

It aired on April 8, 2010.


The lowest rated episode is "The Tough Man in the Tender Chicken" (S5E6) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 1,029 votes.

It aired on November 5, 2009.

The highest rated episode is "The Hole in the Heart" (S6E22) with a rating of 9.10.

This episode received 1,995 votes.

It aired on May 12, 2011.


The lowest rated episode is "The Sin in the Sisterhood" (S6E12) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 940 votes.

It aired on February 3, 2011.

The highest rated episode is "The Past in the Present" (S7E13) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 1,271 votes.

It aired on May 14, 2012.


The lowest rated episode is "The Don't in the Do" (S7E9) with a rating of 7.50.

This episode received 910 votes.

It aired on April 16, 2012.

The highest rated episode is "The Patriot in Purgatory" (S8E6) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 1,941 votes.

It aired on November 12, 2012.


The lowest rated episode is "The Ghost in the Machine" (S8E9) with a rating of 6.70.

This episode received 1,573 votes.

It aired on December 3, 2012.

The highest rated episode is "The Recluse in the Recliner" (S9E24) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 1,146 votes.

It aired on May 19, 2014.


The lowest rated episode is "The Carrot in the Kudzu" (S9E18) with a rating of 6.90.

This episode received 755 votes.

It aired on March 24, 2014.

The highest rated episode is "The Conspiracy in the Corpse" (S10E1) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 1,238 votes.

It aired on September 25, 2014.


The lowest rated episode is "The Purging of the Pundit" (S10E3) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 829 votes.

It aired on October 9, 2014.

The highest rated episode is "The Nightmare Within the Nightmare" (S11E22) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 913 votes.

It aired on July 21, 2016.


The lowest rated episode is "The Murder of the Meninist" (S11E12) with a rating of 6.80.

This episode received 721 votes.

It aired on April 21, 2016.

The highest rated episode is "The Day in the Life" (S12E11) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 763 votes.

It aired on March 21, 2017.


The lowest rated episode is "The Radioactive Panthers in the Party" (S12E10) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 604 votes.

It aired on March 14, 2017.

Name Department Job
Ian Scheibel Art Property Master
Robin Lewis West Costume & Make-Up Costume Design
Billie L. Mayer Directing Script Supervisor
Barry Josephson Production Executive Producer
David Boreanaz Production Producer
David H. Jeffery Production Producer
Emily Deschanel Production Producer
Hart Hanson Production Executive Producer
Jan DeWitt Production Co-Executive Producer
Karine Rosenthal Production Co-Executive Producer
Rick Millikan Production Casting
Stephen Nathan Production Executive Producer
Ken Jordan Sound Theme Song Performance
Scott Kirkland Sound Theme Song Performance
Sean Callery Sound Original Music Composer
Kathy Reichs Writing Other

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