The popular American crime drama television series Rizzoli & Isles, which aired on TNT from 2010 to 2016, featured a talented ensemble cast. The show was based on a series of novels by Tess Gerritsen and followed the story of Detective Jane Rizzoli, a tough and intelligent homicide detective, and Dr. Maura Isles, a brilliant and stylish medical examiner, as they solved crimes in Boston.
Primary Cast

The primary cast of Rizzoli & Isles included Angie Harmon as Detective Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as Dr. Maura Isles. The chemistry between the two lead actresses was a key factor in the show’s success, as they brought to life the complex and intriguing characters of Jane and Maura. Harmon’s portrayal of Jane Rizzoli was particularly notable, as she skillfully captured the detective’s tough exterior and vulnerable interior. Meanwhile, Alexander’s performance as Maura Isles was characterized by her impeccable style and wit, which added a touch of elegance to the show.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of Rizzoli & Isles was equally impressive, with talented actors playing a range of characters. Bruce McGill played the role of Vince Korsak, a seasoned detective and Jane’s former partner, while Jordan Bridges portrayed Frankie Rizzoli Jr., Jane’s younger brother and a detective-in-training. Lorraine Bracco appeared as Angela Rizzoli, Jane’s mother, and Idara Victor played the role of Nina Holiday, a crime scene analyst. The supporting cast added depth and nuance to the show, and their characters often found themselves entangled in the complex cases that Jane and Maura solved.
Character | Actor/Actress |
---|---|
Detective Jane Rizzoli | Angie Harmon |
Dr. Maura Isles | Sasha Alexander |
Vince Korsak | Bruce McGill |
Frankie Rizzoli Jr. | Jordan Bridges |
Angela Rizzoli | Lorraine Bracco |
Nina Holiday | Idara Victor |

Key Points
- The primary cast of Rizzoli & Isles included Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as the lead characters.
- The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Bruce McGill, Jordan Bridges, Lorraine Bracco, and Idara Victor.
- The characters on the show were well-developed and complex, with unique personalities and backstories.
- The chemistry between the lead actresses was a key factor in the show's success.
- Rizzoli & Isles aired on TNT from 2010 to 2016 and was based on a series of novels by Tess Gerritsen.
Notable Guest Stars

Throughout its run, Rizzoli & Isles featured a range of notable guest stars, including Chris Vance, Colin Egglesfield, and Sharon Gless. These guest stars often played important roles in the show’s cases, and their characters sometimes had surprising connections to the main cast. The show’s creators did an excellent job of incorporating these guest stars into the narrative, often using them to reveal new insights into the characters and their motivations.
Impact of the Show
Rizzoli & Isles had a significant impact on the television landscape, particularly in the realm of crime dramas. The show’s unique blend of mystery, suspense, and humor helped to set it apart from other shows in the genre, and its well-developed characters and complex cases kept viewers engaged. The show’s success also paved the way for other female-led crime dramas, such as Castle and Bones. The show’s influence can still be seen in many modern crime dramas, which often feature strong female leads and complex, character-driven storylines.
What was the premise of Rizzoli & Isles?
+Rizzoli & Isles was a crime drama television series that followed the story of Detective Jane Rizzoli and Dr. Maura Isles as they solved crimes in Boston.
Who played the lead roles in Rizzoli & Isles?
+The lead roles in Rizzoli & Isles were played by Angie Harmon as Detective Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as Dr. Maura Isles.
How many seasons did Rizzoli & Isles run for?
+Rizzoli & Isles ran for 7 seasons, from 2010 to 2016.
In conclusion, Rizzoli & Isles was a highly acclaimed television series that featured a talented ensemble cast, including Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as the lead characters. The show's unique blend of mystery, suspense, and humor, combined with its well-developed characters and complex cases, made it a standout in the crime drama genre. With its impact still being felt in modern television, Rizzoli & Isles remains a beloved and influential show that continues to captivate audiences.
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