Rizzoli & Isles is a crime procedural drama television series based on the Rizzoli/Isles series of novels by author Tess Gerritsen. Written and developed by Janet Tamaro, and produced by Paramount Pictures, the show premiered on July 12, 2010 on TNT.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the show revolves around police detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) and the cases they work for the Boston Police Department. The show also follows detectives Korsak and Frost, and the lives and issues of Rizzoli & Isles' families.
Production
Plot
Season 1
The first season premiered on July 12, 2010, airing on Monday nights at 10 PM ET/PT.
The series' backstory is inspired by Gerritsen's first and second Rizzoli & Isles books, The Surgeon and The Apprentice. Most of the first season revolved around how the infamous serial killer, Charles Hoyt, affected the lives of Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and her friends and colleagues at work, Vince Korsak (Bruce McGill), Barry Frost (Lee Thompson Young), and Maura Isles. Near the end of the season, a new twist arises when Dr. Maura Isles discovers the identity of her biological father.
Season 2
The series was quickly renewed for a second season on July 30, 2010, after airing only three episodes of the first season. It began airing on July 11, 2011.
In this season, Jane and company must deal with relationship problems, family issues, conflicts with friends, and even more murders in the city. Things are made more complicated when Maura's father, Paddy Doyle, becomes more involved in Maura's life, just when she and her adoptive mother, Constance, are becoming close; and when Frank Rizzoli decides to leave the family, and the youngest Rizzoli, Tommy return from jail.
Season 3
On August 5, 2011, TNT ordered a 15-episode third season of the series. For this season, the show was moved to a different time slot, now leading into TNT's Franklin & Bash on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT beginning on June 5, 2012.
Season 4
On June 29, 2012, just 4 weeks after the premiere of the 3rd season, it was announced that the show was renewed for a fourth season that will consist of 15 episodes.
Season 5
Season 6
Cast and Characters
Main Characters
- Angie Harmon as Jane Clementine Rizzoli
- Sasha Alexander as Dr. Maura Dorthea Isles
- Bruce McGill as Vincent Walter Korsak
- Lee Thompson Young as Barold "Barry" Frost
- Brian Goodman as Sean Cavanaugh (promoted to regular in Season 3)
- Jordan Bridges as Francesco "Frankie" Rizzoli, Jr.
- Lorraine Bracco as Angela Rizzoli