Columbo. He had some of the same phobias, fear of flying, being on the water. Barnaby Jones. He too didn't like alcohol. Banacek. He too was always the smartest person in the room.
The crimes have a light touch, not a grisly tone like Criminal Minds.
Lots of mystery, including an over-arching mystery like Monk (Instead of Trudy's killer, the lead is finding out what happened with his ex girlfriend).
The lead is a genius - instead of powerful observation like Monk, he is a slick con man who can get intel, and also very cultured.
He doesn't have an assistant, but a quirky funny off the grid guy who helps out.
The other lead is like Stottlemeyer - a decent hard working lead cop who plays the straight man. Lots of humor/light moments.
Maybe flashier/sexier actors, but still has an innocent vibe like Monk.
Columbo works for me,there was almost a crossover. I've been looking for something to watch that's like Columbo or Monk, I like some Comedy with my Detectives and something likable about them, other Detective shows I've Tried are too heavy.