When viewers first met Richard Castle, a famous mystery novelist, he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work. In the Season 7 finale, Castle revealed some of his backstory for becoming a mystery writer, while Beckett was faced with a choice about her future — will she choose to pursue a new challenge or stay where she is?

Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work. Then, after four seasons of “will they” or “won’t they,” Castle and Beckett finally gave into their feelings for each other. The fun and conflict continue to escalate as the crime-solving dynamic duo navigate a whole new chapter in their relationship. Season 1: Mystery writer Richard Castle abandons his successful Derrick Storm book series. He’s found a new muse in Detective Kate Beckett. She’s the inspiration for his character, Nikki Heat. As he helps the police solve New York’s toughest murder mysteries, Castle learns that Beckett’s mother was killed when she was younger. He can’t help but look into the case. Castle discovers that Beckett’s mom was not the victim of a random act of violence. She was targeted. For detailed recaps please visit Castle’sSeason 1 Episode Guide.

Season 2: Castle enjoys success with his Nikki Heatnovel, but also feels the backlash of looking into the murder of Beckett’s mom. Highlights of the season include a North Pole murder, a scary Vampire Weekend, a dalliance with a dominatrix and Castle’s daughter, Alexis, scoring an internship at the precinct. Castle is flustered when his partner dates the handsome Detective Demming and Beckett isn’t thrilled to see Castle getting chummy with his ex-wife. For detailed recaps please visit Castle’s Season 2 Episode Guide.

Season 3: Things kick off with a bang when Castle is arrested for murder. Spoiler Alert: He didn’t do it. In ensuing cases, Beckett goes up against her former training officer. She and Castle also encounter a vicious murderer known as 3XK, or the Triple Killer. Hollywood’s version of Nikki Heat shows up at the precinct. There’s a dirty bomb set to go off somewhere in New York and there’s a trip to L.A. on the set of Naked Heat. Finally, Captain Montgomery is gunned down by killers who then set their sights on Beckett. For detailed recaps please visit Castle’s Season 3 Episode Guide.

Season 4: Beckett fights for her life after being shot by a sniper. She recovers only to keep secret that she heard Castle say he loves her. Captain Victoria “Iron” Gates takes over the squad and Detective Kevin Ryan’s gun is used in a murder. The case has ties to the elusive Triple Killer. Castle is held hostage during a bank robbery and the team is seen in 1947 for the case of “The Blue Butterfly.” There’s a CIA showdown with rogue agents and a woman from Castle’s past. Beckett gets dangerously close to the truth of her mom’s murder just before she and Castle finally give in to their passion. For detailed recaps please visit Castle’sSeason 4 Episode Guide.

Season 5: Castle and Beckett try to keep their new relationship a secret as they learn the man responsible for Johanna Beckett’s murder is the powerful Senator Bracken. When Alexis is kidnapped, Castle gets his daughter back with help from a man he’s never really met—his father. Detective Ryan gets the good news that a baby is on the way and Castle receives the greatest birthday gift of his life thanks to Beckett’s Rear Window-esque surprise in the 100th episode. The mystery man and his muse hit a crossroads when Beckett gets an incredible job offer in DC. Wanting more out of their relationship, Castle gets down on one knee to ask his partner to marry him. The long wait to hear Beckett’s response came in the Season 6 premiere. For detailed recaps please visit Castle’sSeasn 5 Episode Guide.

Season 6: Beckett accepts Castle’s proposal of marriage as well as a job at the Justice Department in DC. The latter doesn’t pan out, so she heads back to the Big Apple. Castle struggles with his daughter’s decision to move in with her flakey boyfriend, Pi. Alexis eventually finds her way back home. Ryan becomes proud dad and Castle briefly reconnects with his father. Beckett is finally able to take down the evil Senator Bracken. The man behind her mother’s murder will finally pay for his crimes. After Beckett dissolves a marriage she didn’t realize she was in, the path is clear for her to finally marry Castle. The groom is a no show though. Beckett fears the worst when Castle’s car is found engulfed in flames. For detailed recaps, please visit Castle’s Season 6 Episode Guide.

Season 7: Castle is finally found after missing his wedding to Beckett and disappearing for two months. With no memory of the lost time, Castle is forced to return to his normal life without any answers. It’s not until a mysterious recurring dream and a trail of bodies lead Castle to Jenkins, the man responsible for his disappearance. Jenkins tells Castle he helped save lives, but will he ever know the whole truth? And after teaming up with a mobster on a murder case gets Castle banned from working with the NYPD, he pursues a new line of work: Private Investigator. Meanwhile, Beckett finds herself at a professional crossroads when, after passing the Captain’s exam, she learns that she’s also being vetted for political office. Which path will she choose? For detailed recaps, please visit Castle’s Season 7 Episode Guide.

Executive producers are Terence Paul Winter, Alexi Hawley, Rob Bowman, Rob Hanning and Armyan Bernstein. Castle is produced by ABC Studios.