61 Bones Facts For Fans Of David Boreanaz And Emily Deschanel

Bones is the well-known crime procedural starring Buffy The Vampire Slayer alumnus David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel. It aired from 2005 to 2017 and follows Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth as they work together to solve complex murder cases by examining human remains. 

Bones offers a unique blend of crime investigation, forensic science, and character-driven storytelling, captivating audiences with its intriguing mysteries and compelling relationships.

Michaela Conlin portrays Angela Montenegro, a talented forensic artist who provides visual reconstructions of the victims. T.J. Thyne plays Dr. Jack Hodgins, an eccentric entomologist and conspiracy theorist who adds a touch of humour to the team. Tamara Taylor takes on the role of Dr. Camille Saroyan, the head of the forensic division, providing expertise and guidance to the team.

The complex and evolving relationship between Brennan and Booth, filled with unresolved romantic tension, has kept viewers invested throughout the series. 

Our Bones facts include why Emily Deschanel was chosen for Temperance Brennan, the interesting connection between all the children on the show and why MySpace was important to Bone’s success.

1. Bones’ Development Started In 2004

The development of Bones took place during the latter part of the 2004 pitching season when 20th Century Fox approached series creator Hart Hanson with a forensics show concept. Hanson initially had reservations about getting involved in another police procedural, but after a meeting with executive producer Barry Josephson, who had acquired the rights to produce a documentary on forensic anthropologist and author Kathy Reichs, he decided to sign on. Hanson wrote the pilot episode following an intensive discussion with Josephson about the show's direction.

2. Kathy Reichs Was Consulted In Story Development

Given that Bones is based on Kathy Reichs' works, the writers actively involve her in the process of developing the episode storylines. While the show's main character shares some loose similarities with Reichs, the producers opted to name her Temperance Brennan, after the character in Reichs' novels. Reichs herself considers the TV show as somewhat of a prequel to her novels, portraying a younger version of her literary counterpart.

3. Bones Is Different To Other Procedurals Because Of Dark Humour

To distinguish Bones from the multitude of procedural dramas already on network television, such as the Law & Order and CSI franchises, Hart Hanson sought to infuse the show with a significant amount of dark humour and character development. 

4. Bones Is Unique For Introducing The Angelatron

Another innovative element introduced in the series was the "Angelatron," a holographic projector that served as an alternative to traditional flashbacks commonly used in other procedural shows. These holographic images, created using visual effects, brought a distinct visual style to the series that the producers were aiming for.

5. It Is The Longest Running Hour Long Drama Produced By 20th Century Fox

Bones is a collaborative production by Josephson Entertainment and Far Field Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television. It was syndicated by 20th Television. Notably, the series holds the distinction of being the longest-running one-hour drama series produced by 20th Century Fox Television.

6. Bones Started On Tuesdays And Later Moved To Wednesdays

Bones made its debut on September 13, 2005, airing on the Fox network in the Tuesday 8:00 pm ET timeslot. It later moved to the Wednesday 8:00 pm ET timeslot in 2006. The first season concluded on May 17, 2006, with a total of 22 episodes.

7. One Bones Episode Was Cancelled Due To Terrorism

The second season premiered on August 30, 2006, and maintained its Wednesday 8:00 pm ET timeslot. The season finale aired on May 16, 2007, completing the second season with 21 episodes. However, one episode titled "Player Under Pressure" was left unaired due to the Virginia Tech Shooting. Originally intended to be the 19th episode of the second season, it was eventually broadcast on April 21, 2008, as part of the third season. The episode revolved around the discovery of the remains of a college athlete.

8. Bones Went On Hiatus In 2007 Due To The WGA Strikes

The third season initially premiered on September 25, 2007, in its original Tuesday 8:00 pm ET timeslot. However, due to the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike, the show went on hiatus on November 27, 2007. It returned on April 14, 2008, but was moved to the Monday 8:00 pm ET timeslot. The shortened third season concluded on May 19, 2008, consisting of 15 episodes.

9. Season 4 Of Bones Was Postponed Due To President Bush’s Farewell Address

Season four began on September 3, 2008, airing on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm ET. The season started with a two-hour episode filmed in London and Oxford, England. It was originally scheduled to resume from hiatus on January 15, 2009, but was delayed by a week due to President Bush's farewell address. The two new episodes, "Double Trouble in the Panhandle" and "Fire in the Ice," were then aired back-to-back on January 22, 2009, in a new timeslot on Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET. The fourth season concluded on May 14, 2009, totalling 26 episodes.

10. Most Bones Episodes Are Alliterative

The majority of episode titles in Bones use alliteration to reference either how the victim is discovered or the main plot device of the episode. Examples include "The Prisoner in the Pipe," "The Recluse in the Recliner," "The Blackout in the Blizzard," and "The Verdict in the Story."

11. A Facebook Study Shows That Bones Was Popular On The West Coast

In 2016, a study by The New York Times analysing the 50 TV shows with the most Facebook Likes found that Bones had the highest popularity in scattered areas along the West Coast, while being relatively less popular in regions with larger non white populations.

12. Bones Attracted 10.8Million Viewers For The Season Premiere

The series premiere of Bones attracted an average of 10.8 million viewers with a 6.7% household share and 11% household rating. It ranked first among the 18-to-49-year-old demographic and in total viewers for its Tuesday 8:00 pm ET timeslot. The show received positive reviews, with New York describing it as "the best drama of the new network season" and a "sexed-up variation of all the CSIs." 

Entertainment Weekly praised the chemistry between the lead characters, comparing it to iconic opposites-attract duos like Sam and Diane, Maddie and David, and Mulder and Scully.

13. A Full Season Of Bones Was Ordered After The Third Episode Aired

Following the broadcast of the third episode, Fox ordered a full season of Bones. The network renewed the show for a second season based on its strong ratings performance both with and without the American Idol lead-in audience. The first season of Bones ranked 60th in viewership among prime-time shows and 53rd among the 18-to-49-year-old demographic, with an average of 8.9 million viewers.

14. David Boreanaz Immediately Caught The Attention Of Hart Hanson

David Boreanaz was the initial actor to be chosen for the role of Seeley Booth in Bones. When casting for the role, series creator Hart Hanson described the auditioning actors as "pretty boy waifs." However, Boreanaz immediately caught his attention when the head of the studio, Dana Walden, suggested him for the part. Although Boreanaz initially hesitated about getting involved after a challenging meeting with executive producers Barry Josephson and Hart Hanson, he recognized the well-written script and eventually agreed to accept the role.

15. Deschanel Was Cast Due To Her Different Acting Choice

Emily Deschanel joined the cast as Temperance Brennan shortly before production commenced on the Bones pilot. After completing her work on the film Glory Road, producer Jerry Bruckheimer recommended that Deschanel audition for the series. Deschanel impressed Hart Hanson during her audition with her assertiveness. 

In a tense moment in the audition scene, David Boreanaz stepped closer to Deschanel, and she stood her ground rather than retreating as other actors had done. Hanson noted that in such a situation, "90% of actors would take a step back." Subsequently, Deschanel was cast in the role.

16. Despite Being Set In Washington, It Is Filmed In Los Angeles

Although the fictional setting of Bones is primarily in Washington, D.C., the majority of the show is filmed in Los Angeles, California. External shots feature the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles and the Wallis Annenberg Building at the University of Southern California. 

The interiors of the Jeffersonian Institute were specifically constructed on a large sound stage at the 20th Century Fox lot in Century City, Los Angeles. Additionally, the two-part season four premiere was filmed on location in London and Oxford, England.

17. There Is A 13 Song Soundtrack To Bones

In 2008, a soundtrack album titled Bones: Original Television Soundtrack was released. Produced by Maria Alonte McCoy and Billy Gottlieb, the album features 13 songs recorded by popular artists specifically for the show.

18. Bones Episodes Were Available For Free On Streaming

Fox made free episodes of Bones and other primetime series available for online viewing on platforms such as Netflix, MySpace, and Hulu. These online releases began on October 3, 2006, but were limited to residents of the United States.

Viewers in the United States could access Bones episodes through Fox On Demand on the official website, while in Canada, recent episodes were made available on the Global TV website. The series was also previously available on Netflix in both the U.S. and Canada until 2017. Additionally, all twelve seasons can be streamed on Amazon Prime.

19. Bones Had A Spin Off Named “The Finder”

In October 2010, it was announced that Fox was developing a potential spin-off series centred around a new recurring character introduced in the sixth season. This spin-off series, created by Bones creator and executive producer Hart Hanson, was based on Richard Greener's two books from The Locator series. 

The character of Walter was described as an eccentric and entertaining recluse known for his remarkable ability to find anything. Walter's experiences overseas resulted in brain damage, explaining his constant paranoia and his habit of asking offensive and seemingly unrelated questions to uncover the truth.

Production on the spin-off episode was initially set to begin in December 2010 but was delayed until early 2011 due to creative differences.

The Finder was officially picked up for the 2011–12 season with an order of 13 episodes on May 10, 2011. However, the series was cancelled on May 9, 2012, and its final episode aired just two days later.

20. Bones Received Two Emmy Nominations

Bones received two Emmy nominations. These were Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series for the episode "The Hero in the Hold" at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards and Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role for "The Twist in the Twister" at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.

21. Emily Deschanel Was Nominated For Best Actress At The Satellite Awards

Emily Deschanel received a nomination for Best Actress - Television Series Drama at the 2006 Satellite Awards.

22. There Is Another Spin Off Named  Bones: Skeleton Crew

Fox produced a spin-off series called Bones: Skeleton Crew, consisting of 26 two-minute episodes. The show was launched in partnership with Sprint Nextel and sponsored by MasterCard. It premiered on Sprint TV in November 2006 and was released on the official Bones website on December 4, 2006. Unlike the main series, Skeleton Crew does not feature the show's main cast. Instead, it centres around three lab technicians from the Jeffersonian Institute who use their skills to solve a mystery.

23. There Is A Bones Novel And An Official Guide

In addition to the television broadcast, Bones has expanded its presence in other mediums. The franchise has ventured into print, the internet, and short videos. Currently, there are two print books associated with the series: a novel and an official guide.

24. The Bones Novel Is Called “Bones Buried Deep” 

Buried Deep, written by Max Allan Collins (also released as "Bones Buried Deep"), was published by Pocket Star on February 28, 2006. This book is based on the characters from the television series rather than Kathy Reichs' original characters that inspired the concept of Bones. 

The story follows Dr. Temperance Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth as they investigate skeletal remains left on the steps of a federal building, which leads them to a Chicago mob family. Angela, Hodgins, and Zack only appear in the book through telephone conversations with Brennan.

25. The Bones Production Created Myspace Pages For The Main Characters

Fox initially utilised the internet extensively for Bones promotion. Prior to airing the second-season episode "The Glowing Bones in the Old Stone House," the show created Myspace profiles for the characters involved in the episode. These profiles provided additional information and insight into the potential suspects. In the episode, Brennan and her team utilise clues from these web pages, which were also accessible to viewers.

26. Bones Producers Also Made Bonus Content For The Website

During the third season, Fox posted bonus content on the official Bones website. This included short videos featuring Booth and Brennan waiting to see Dr. Sweets for couple's therapy.

27. There Is A Bones And Sleepy Hollow Crossover

In the eleventh season, Bones had a crossover with the Fox TV series Sleepy Hollow. The crossover storyline began in Bones' episode "The Resurrection in the Remains" and concluded in Sleepy Hollow's third season episode "Dead Men Tell No Tales".

28. There Is A Lucifer Connection

In the final season of Lucifer, the character Rory Morningstar, who is Lucifer's future daughter, mentions a show called More Bones as a spin-off from her time, referring to the popularity and impact of the original series.

29. The Characters And Real Life Are Topsy Turvy

In the world of Bones, Temperance Brennan is a fictional anthropologist who writes about the character Kathy Reichs in her free time. In reality, Kathy Reichs is an actual anthropologist who writes about the character Temperance Brennan.

30. Patricia Belcher Starred In Every Season Of Bones

Patricia Belcher, portraying Caroline Julian, holds the distinction of being the only guest star to appear in every season of the show.

31. Billy Gibbons From ZZ Top Stars In Bones

Billy Gibbons, a member of ZZ Top, portrays Angela's father in the series. There are hints throughout the show that imply the audience should understand that Angela's father is, in fact, Billy Gibbons (albeit a fictionalised version), as several references are made to ZZ Top's music. Although Angela's father is never named, Angela had mentioned to her friends before his first appearance that her father is famous enough that they might recognize him immediately.

32. There Is A Connection To Montreal

In the pilot episode, Temperance mentions that the next closest forensic anthropologist to her is located in Montreal, which is one of the settings in the original novels.

33. Eric Millegan Is Older Than The Other Cast Members

Eric Millegan, who plays Dr. Zack Addy, is a graduate student and is actually one year older than T.J. Thyne (Dr. Jack Hodgins), two years older than Emily Deschanel (Dr. Temperance Brennan, his teacher), and four years older than Michaela Conlin (Angela Montenegro).

34. Season 7 Was Shortened Due To Emily Deschanel’s Pregnancy

Season seven was shortened to thirteen episodes to accommodate Emily Deschanel's pregnancy. However, FOX ordered an additional four episodes that were produced during the seventh season but aired as part of the eighth season.

35. Jeffersonian Is A Play On Smithsonian

Bones is set at the fictional Jeffersonian Institute, which does not exist in Washington, D.C. The name is likely a play on the real-life Smithsonian Institution. The exterior shots of the Jeffersonian are actually those of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

36. Emily Deschanel’s Sister Also Stars In Bones

Zooey Deschanel, the real-life sister of Emily Deschanel, made an appearance in season five, episode ten, titled "The Goop on the Girl." She portrayed Brennan's cousin Margaret from Wisconsin.

37. Seeley Booth Has His Regular Props

Booth, whenever he appears on camera, is usually seen with several items, including a watch, his F.B.I. ID, a holstered sidearm, a Zippo lighter, Craps dice, a one hundred dollar poker chip, a floaty pen, 3"x5" index cards, light brown sunglasses, and a St. Christopher medal. These items can be spotted being handled by Booth throughout the series.

38. Only Two Shots In The Opening Titles Have Remained Unchanged

In the entirety of the series, only two shots in the opening title sequence have remained unchanged as of season twelve: the initial shot of the skeleton and the final shot of Booth and Brennan in Limbo closing a drawer filled with remains.

39. There Is An Avatar Connection

In season five, episode nine, titled "Gamer in the Grease," Sweets, Hodgins, and Fisher take turns camping out to secure tickets to see the movie Avatar (2009). Interestingly, Joel David Moore, who portrays Fisher, also played the character Norm in Avatar (2009).

40. The Royal Diner Is Really In New Jersey

The Royal Diner, the establishment where Brennan, Booth, and occasionally other characters relax after work, actually exists in Washington, but it is located in New Jersey along Route 31 North, not in the District of Columbia.

41. Angela Montenegro Has Personalised Her Lab Coat

Angela Montenegro has personalised her lab coat lapels and pockets, adding her own unique touch to the garment.

42. T.J. Thyne Starred In Angel Alongside David Boreanaz

T.J. Thyne, who plays Dr. Jack Hodgins, previously appeared on the television series Angel (1999), which starred David Boreanaz. He was an employee at Wolfram and Hart.

Dr. Jack Hodgins, portrayed by T.J. Thyne, wears his wedding ring on his left pinky finger

43. Who Delivers The First And Final Line?

The character Angela Montenegro delivers the first line of the series, while Temperance Brennan delivers the final line.

44. There Is An X-Ray Of Homer Simpson’s Head

In season 5, episode 7 of Bones, there is a scene where Mr. Nigel-Murray walks past a screen displaying an X-ray of Homer Simpson's head, referencing The Simpsons.

45. Seeley Booth Is Not Descended From John Wilkes Booth

Throughout the series Bones there have been several references to Agent Seeley Booth being a "direct descendant" of John Wilkes Booth. However, in reality, it is highly unlikely that John Wilkes Booth had any direct descendants. Historical scholars extensively studied John Wilkes Booth's life, and there is no evidence to suggest that he ever married or had children, legitimate or illegitimate. 

While some of John Wilkes Booth's siblings did have children, for Seeley Booth to be a direct descendant, he would need to be descended from one of John Wilkes Booth's own children, rather than just a niece or nephew.

46. There Is An Iconic Boston Bruins Photo Behind Seeley Booth’s Desk

The Boston Bruins hockey photo displayed behind Booth's desk is of Bobby Orr scoring his 100th goal on March 15, 1970. It is a significant photo for any passionate hockey fan.

47. Emily Deschanel’s Father Is An Academy Award Nominee

Ryan O'Neal, who portrays Bones' father, is an Academy Award nominee. Interestingly, Emily's real-life father, Caleb Deschanel, is also an Academy Award nominee.

48. There Is An NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service Connection

T.J. Thyne, Carla Gallo, Tamara Taylor, Michael Grant Terry, and Pej Vahdat have all made appearances on NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (2003). Michaela Conlin also appeared on the series from which NCIS (2003) was spun off, JAG (1995).

49. Freddie Prinze, Jr. Guest Stars In Bones

Freddie Prinze, Jr., who guest starred in two episodes of season nine, is married to Sarah Michelle Gellar. David Boreanaz, who plays Booth, co-starred with Gellar in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997), where he portrayed the character Angel.

50. There Is A House, M.D. Connection

Carla Gallo (Daisy Wick) and Joel David Moore (Colin Fisher) both appeared in an episode of House (2004) in season three, titled "Act Your Age." Pej Vahdat (Arastoo Vaziri) also appeared in season three, episode eighteen titled "Airborne."

51. Bones Has Several Nods To The X-Files

In season five, episode eleven, titled "The X in the Files," Blaine Miller, the diner owner, is played by Canadian actor Dean Haglund. He also portrayed Richard "Ringo" Langly in the original X-Files series. This episode contains several nods to The X-Files, including the title and opening music.

52. Carla Gallo Has Played Two Daisies

Carla Gallo, who portrayed Daisy Wick, also played a character named "Daisy" in the television show "Californication."

53. Gina Torres, Who Was Jasmine In Angel, Is Also In Bones

Gina Torres, who portrayed Jasmine in Angel alongside David Boreanaz, makes an appearance as Dr. Toni Ezralow in one episode of Bones.

54. Ignacio Serricchio Was Also In The Bones Spin Off

Two years prior to joining the cast of Bones, Ignacio Serricchio, who portrays intern Rodolfo Fuentes, played a completely different character in two episodes of the short-lived Bones spin-off series, The Finder. The Finder also features cameo appearances from Dr. Hodgins and Lance Sweets.

55. Boreanaz And Deschanel Have A Larger Age Difference Than On The Show

Although the characters of Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan have a five-year age difference on the show, the actors who portray them, David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel, actually have a seven-year age difference in real life.

56. Angela’s First Name Was “Pookie Noodlin”

In season ten, it is revealed that Angela's first name at birth was Pookie Noodlin. Viewers had previously learned her middle and last names, resulting in her complete birth name being Pookie Noodlin Pearly-Gates Gibbons.

Angela Montenegro's middle name is said to be "Pearly Gates" during Angela and Hodgins' first wedding in the season two finale. It is the name of a guitar belonging to Billy Gibbons, who played Angela's father. 

However, in season five, when she marries Hodgins, it is revealed that her legal name is not the name she has been using. She whispers her birth name into the ear of the judge officiating their wedding. 

57. All The Bones Children Are Named After Deceased People

A meaningful tradition is observed in naming the children of the show's main characters. Each child is named after a departed loved one, serving as a way to honor their memory. Booth's oldest child from a previous relationship, Parker, is named after Teddy Parker, a close friend and fellow sniper who died in Booth's arms during combat. 

Angela and Hodgins name their son Michael Vincent after “squintern” Vincent Nigel-Murray, who was tragically murdered shortly before Angela gave birth. 

The first child of Booth and Brennan, Christine Angela, is named after Brennan's mother, who was a victim of murder, and Angela Montenegro, Brennan's best friend. 

Sweets and Daisy's child, Seeley Lance Wick-Sweets, is named after Booth, who is still alive, and (Lance) Sweets, who was sadly killed before the child's birth. 

Booth and Brennan's second child is named Hank, paying tribute to Booth's late grandfather who raised him after discovering that Booth and his brother were victims of physical abuse by their father.

58. Angela Never Addresses Jack By His First Name

Despite being married to Jack Hodgins for over seven years, Angela rarely refers to her husband by his first name. There have been only a few instances, such as in season two, episode nine, "Aliens in a Space Ship," and season five, episode one, "Harbingers in the Fountain," where she calls him by his first name. Typically, she addresses him as "Hodgins."

59. John Francis Daley Took 4 Months Out To Direct National Lampoon’s Vacation

John Francis Daley needed a four-month break to co-direct National Lampoon's Vacation (2015). Since finding a suitable way to write his character off temporarily was challenging, the season ten opener presents Sweets tragically succumbing to internal bleeding following a severe beating.

60. Seeley Booth’s Apartment Is In on Mt. Pleasant Street In Washington D.C.

The establishing shot of Seeley Booth's apartment, which his grandfather nearly burned down, showcases an actual apartment building situated above a liquor store called Sportsman's in Washington D.C., on Mt. Pleasant Street.

61. Pelant Is A Popular Surname In Bones

In season eleven of Bones, the actor who portrays Christine is Sunnie Pelant, sharing the same last name as the notorious serial killer Christopher Pelant from earlier seasons. Another character with the Pelant surname appears in Season 5, Episode 22, as the colonel who recruits Booth to rejoin the army.

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