For over a decade, Rizzoli And Isles captivated audiences with its unique blend of gritty crime-solving and deep personal friendship. Based on the bestselling novels by Tess Gerritsen, the TNT series became a cultural touchstone, proving that compelling crime drama could be both intelligent and character-driven. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this guide explores everything from its literary origins to the ultimate DVD collection for your library.
From Page to Screen: The Literary Foundation
The journey of Rizzoli And Isles began not on television, but in the pages of thrilling novels. It all started with The Surgeon: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel, which introduced the world to Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles. This medical thriller set the tone for a series of books that masterfully blended forensic detail with suspense. The success of the novels, including later installments like Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me: A Novel, created a dedicated fanbase eager to see these complex characters brought to life.
The Television Phenomenon
Premiering in 2010, the TNT Original Series quickly distinguished itself in the crowded landscape of detective shows. The chemistry between Angie Harmon as the tough, street-smart Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as the refined, intellectually brilliant Maura Isles was instantaneous and electric. The show ran for seven successful seasons, each exploring intricate murder cases while delving deeper into the protagonists' evolving lives and unbreakable bond. For a comprehensive look at the series' impact, check out this ultimate guide to the hit crime drama series.
Building Your Collection: DVDs and Box Sets
For fans who want to own every moment of the series, several excellent home media options are available. The most definitive is arguably the RIZZOLI & AND ISLES: THE COMPLETE SERIES 1-7 24 DISC DVD BOX SET Collection. This massive set is the ultimate trophy for any collector, housing all 105 episodes across seven seasons. If you're looking for a slightly more compact version, Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Series (DVD) offers the same complete run in a different packaging.
Many fans also enjoy collecting individual seasons to savor specific story arcs. The early years are captured in Rizzoli & Isles: Season 1, which establishes the foundational dynamic. The show hit its stride in later seasons, with Rizzoli & Isles: Season 4 often cited as a high point for character development and complex cases. Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD) and Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Sixth Season [DVD] continued to build momentum, leading to the poignant conclusion in Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Seventh and Final Season S7 (DVD). You can find a detailed guide to the final season here.
Why Rizzoli And Isles Endures
The legacy of Rizzoli And Isles is secure. It stands as a landmark in female-led shows, showcasing two capable, intelligent women at the top of their professions without resorting to stereotypes. Their friendship, built on mutual respect and contrasting personalities, remains the heart of the series. The show also excelled at balancing crime thriller plots with moments of genuine humor and warmth, a formula that kept viewers coming back for years.
From the gripping pages of Tess Gerritsen's mystery novels to the acclaimed television adaptation and its extensive complete TV series releases, the world of Rizzoli And Isles offers endless entertainment. Whether you choose to start with The Surgeon or dive into a DVD box set, you're in for a masterclass in character-driven crime drama series.