Castle (2009)

Richard Castle, roguish best-selling author, is the consummate man's man, ladies' man, and man about town - nearly as well known for his tabloid-generating antics as for his immensely successful novels. With two ex-wives in his past and his fifteen-year-old daughter and live-in mother watching his every move, his life is never short on drama. But now, having just killed off his most famous character and with his publisher ex-wife breathing down his neck for his next book, he's in desperate need of inspiration. When Castle is pulled in by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to advise on an investigation, he discovers his next muse and a new calling. Turns out all those years of research for his crime novels paid off. Castle now has the opportunity to use his unique knowledge and skills to help solve murders, much to the chagrin of Detective Beckett.

Source: ABC

Kate Beckett is a tough, smart homicide detective with the NYPD -- a first-class investigator known for being a closer. She's also gained a reputation as a detective who's intrigued by the "freaky ones," the sort of cases that doesn't fit neatly into a box. It's a reflection of her ongoing quest for justice. Having joined the force after the murder of a loved one was never solved, she has a rare ability to empathize with the victims and it's this that fuels her unceasing drive to capture the people responsible. Forced to work with Castle, she's at first frustrated by his presence but over time begins to appreciate him. Even though he drives her crazy, she knows they make a great team.

Source: ABC

Castle's daughter, fifteen-year-old Alexis, is an old soul who often feels more at home with adults than kids her own age. Having grown up in a household full of dinner table conversations about whether the self-cleaning oven could incinerate a body, she's rebelled by being just a normal girl. More interested in her physics textbook than makeup, Alexis never ceases to amaze Castle with her wisdom and insight. It's sometimes difficult to tell which one's the parent and which one's the child, but Castle's her rock, always there for Alexis when she needs him.

Source: ABC

Detective Beckett's gruff but paternal boss, Captain Montgomery appreciates Beckett's determination and diligence but maintains a close watch to make sure the investigation goes smoothly. He's there to keep Beckett and Castle in line and remind them to wrap things up as quickly as possible. He's amused by how much Castle annoys Beckett, but also appreciates how effective the two are when they work together.

Source: ABC

Detective Esposito works in the homicide division with Ryan as part of Beckett's team. He's always ready with a sardonic comment to keep Beckett on her toes and enjoys the way Castle riles her up. Although Esposito is constantly arguing about obscure facts with Ryan, the two are incredibly tight and always have each other's backs.

Source: ABC

Detective Ryan works alongside Esposito as part of Beckett's team. He's charming, quick on his feet, and is a wealth of obscure knowledge. He's always contributing a random fact or some strange piece of insight. He and Esposito regularly tease Beckett, but they're incredibly protective of her and ultimately treat her like one of the guys.

Source: ABC

Lanie is a Medical Examiner, but maintains a warm, friendly outlook, despite her chosen profession. As a friend of Beckett's, she's one of the few people that Beckett can let her guard down with. She's also one of the only people who notices the personal connection between Beckett and Castle, and urges her to act on it.

Source: ABC

Castle's mother, Martha Rodgers, is a former Broadway actress who never made it quite as big as she thinks she did. However, that never stops her from constantly seeking the spotlight with her larger-than-life personality. After being swindled out of her savings by her latest ex-husband, she's forced to move in with Castle and her granddaughter Alexis. She feels it's her job to keep Castle grounded -- she's always there to point out when his books drop off the best-seller list or to search out a bad review, no matter how obscure. But it's all done out of love -- Martha's unique way of showing she cares.

Source: ABC