The crime procedural Bones stood out thanks to its quirky, lovable characters and unique focus on forensic anthropology. While fans adored the dynamic between Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), there are plenty of hidden gems about the show and its cast you might’ve missed.
From behind-the-scenes trivia to subtle character details, here’s a closer look at some surprising facts about Bones.
1. Brennan’s Book Nods to Real-Life Inspiration
Dr. Brennan’s novels in Bones mirror the work of the real-life Kathy Reichs, the forensic anthropologist who inspired the show. Reichs’ book series about Temperance Brennan served as a blueprint for the show’s main character. By making Brennan a novelist, too, the series cleverly honored its creator.
2. Booth’s Gambling Habit Is Always There
Booth’s gambling addiction isn’t just a plot point—it’s a big part of his character. David Boreanaz’s Booth carries dice, a brass Zippo lighter, and a St. Christopher medal in his pocket in almost every scene. These subtle touches reflect his struggles and his Catholic faith, grounding his character’s backstory in quiet but consistent ways.
3. Brennan’s Impressive Linguistic Skills
Dr. Brennan’s intellect isn’t just for show—she speaks seven languages throughout the series. Brennan is seen speaking Spanish, French, Mandarin, Norwegian, Krio, and Farsi throughout the seasons, proving her linguistic prowess is a testament to her genius and deepens her character’s complexity.
4. Brennan and Deschanel Are Both Vegetarians
In season 1, Brennan reveals she’s a vegetarian after learning her mother was killed with a pig-slaughtering tool. This dietary choice stays consistent throughout the series. Interestingly, Emily Deschanel, who plays Brennan, is also committed to a plant-based lifestyle. She became vegan in high school after watching the documentary Diet for a New America.
5. Hodgins Had a Role in Angel
Jack Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) marries Angela (Michaela Conlin) in Bones, but did you know Thyne appeared in another David Boreanaz series? Before Bones, he had a minor role as a lawyer in Angel, Boreanaz’s demon-slaying drama. While vastly different from his scientist role in Bones, there is a fun connection between the two shows.
6. Angela’s Secret Name
Angela Montenegro is one of the most grounded characters, but until it was revealed in season 10, we didn’t really know much about her, including her real name: Pookie Noodlin Pearly-Gates Gibbons. It’s both hilariously unexpected and endearing, making it clear why she chose to stick with “Angela.”
7. Diet Coke Diplomacy
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz had a playful on-set tradition. Whenever one was being annoying, the other would gift them a Diet Coke as a cheeky peace offering. Deschanel, who doesn’t drink soda, says the joke mostly ran one way, and that is having David Boreanaz hand her a lot of cans during filming.
8. The Deschanel Family Affair
Emily wasn’t the only Deschanel family member involved in Bones. Her sister, Zooey Deschanel, guest-starred in season 5 as Brennan’s distant cousin Margaret. Meanwhile, their father, Caleb Deschanel, directed a season 2 episode. These cameos made the show a bit of a family project.
9. Angela’s Rockstar Dad
Angela’s dad is no ordinary mortal—he’s played by Billy Gibbons of the legendary rock band ZZ Top! The show even implies he’s the real Billy Gibbons, with nods like Angela’s middle name, “Pearly-Gates,” referencing Gibbons’ guitar. It’s one of the series’ coolest celebrity cameos, adding a rock ‘n’ roll edge to Angela’s backstory.
10. The Next Generation
The next generation in Bones continues the tradition of honoring loved ones. Booth and Brennan named their daughter Christine Angela after Brennan’s mom and her best friend. Angela and Hodgins name their son Michael Vincent in memory of a murdered intern. Even Sweets and Daisy honor Booth and Sweets in their son’s name. These heartfelt nods give fans emotional closure.
