The Greatest TV Shows About Serial Killers
There's something about a serial killer that deeply fascinates and terrorizes all of us... except maybe serial killers. Watching a truly deranged person commit acts that would otherwise be unthinkable is just one of those things people want to see, and Hollywood has answered the call in both film and television. On the small screen, TV shows about serial killers have found a way to depict these monsters as either demons who must be stopped or even as anti-heroes the viewer can't help but cheer on in their endeavors - or become fascinated by, like with Joe Goldberg in You. Whatever your preference in watching serial killers, there are plenty of amazing series to watch on television.
Shows like Showtime's Dexter offered a deep and personal look into the mind of the titular character. Dexter was presented as an anti-hero who hunted down others like him while shows like The Following feature a look into both the minds of the killer(s) and the people hunting them down. The list goes on from here, featuring some great and thrilling series—and that's excluding the bounty of serial killer movies out there.
For more recommendations, browse this list and vote up the shows about serial killers you think are the best and see where your favorite serial killer shows rank.
- 1Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
- Premiered: October 1, 2006
Delving into the sinister mind of a blood spatter analyst by day and a serial killer by night, Dexter offers a cat-and-mouse chase between the eponymous character's two personas. Balancing his desire for justice, a "code" imparted by his foster father, and a twisted need for blood, it explores the inner workings of a sociopath who only kills other killers. Michael C. Hall's compelling portrayal backed by razor-sharp writing promises an intense, thrilling journey through Miami's dark underbelly.
- 2Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
- Premiered: October 13, 2017
Set in the late '70s, this engrossing series delves into the nascent field of criminal profiling, as FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, played by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, interview imprisoned serial killers to comprehend their motives. Featuring an authentic, cerebral approach to both the murderers and the investigators, this David Fincher-directed masterpiece presents a fascinating dissection of the minds that changed law enforcement forever.
- 3Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne
- Premiered: April 4, 2013
A reimagining of Thomas Harris's seminal work, this psychological thriller takes viewers on a haunting journey into the complex relationship between sociopathic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and gifted but traumatized FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy). Exquisite cinematography and a riveting exploration of the darkest recesses of human nature make this show an enthralling experience from start to finish.
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- 4Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness
- Premiered: September 22, 2005
Boasting an impressive 15-season run, this beloved crime procedural delves into the terrifying world of serial killers from the perspective of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. Combining cutting-edge methods in psychological profiling, the team uncovers and examines the twisted inner workings of some of the most notorious murderers on television. A charismatic ensemble cast, led by Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, and Joe Mantegna, ensures viewers remain captivated throughout unflinchingly dark storylines.
- 5Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Carmen Ejogo
- Premiered: January 12, 2014
This anthology series showcases multiple storylines centered around troubled detectives investigating gruesome, confounding serial killings. Each season immerses viewers into meticulously crafted atmospheres while posing thought-provoking questions about morality, religion, and human nature. Brilliant performances by actors like Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Mahershala Ali further elevate the already intricate narratives.
- 6Tom Payne, Michael Sheen, Bellamy Young
- Premiered: September 23, 2019
A fresh take on the genre, Prodigal Son follows former FBI agent Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne) as he consults with his father, a notorious serial killer nicknamed "The Surgeon" (Michael Sheen), to aid NYPD cases. This unique family dynamic, blended with gripping murder mysteries and moments of dark humor, provides an engrossing experience that transcends traditional crime dramas and evolves into a captivating study of inherited trauma.
