Saagar Kote
Created by Harlan Coben and Danny Brocklehurst, Prime Video’s ‘Lazarus’ introduces us to forensic psychiatrist Joel “Laz” Lazarus (Sam Claflin), whose life is plunged into a complex web of death, gloom, and secrets. When he finds out about the suicide of his psychiatrist father, Jonathan Lazarus (Bill Nighy), the protagonist’s life turns upside down. He is also deeply troubled by the unresolved death of his sister, Sutton (Eloise Little), who died almost 25 years prior.
He experiences disturbing visions of her murder by an unknown assailant. Troubled by the deaths in his family, Laz’s grip on reality loosens further when he starts “seeing” his deceased father, as if he were still alive. Haunted by both the past and present, the main character’s future becomes shrouded in uncertainty in the British psychological thriller series. If the complex plot, twisted characters, dark themes, and visual tone of the series impressed you, these shows, similar to ‘Lazarus,’ will keep you entertained.
10. Freud (2020)
Netflix’s ‘Freud’ follows the adventures of neurologist Sigmund Freud (Robert Finster) at a difficult period of his life in 1886 Vienna. He finds himself facing troubles in his professional life due to his supposedly unsafe experiments and the use of hypnosis on people. In order to redeem himself, he sets out to solve a series of killings that rock Vienna’s elites. In this process, he is joined by a woman named Fleur Salomé (Ella Rumpf), who has the ability to communicate with deceased souls, and a veteran police officer named Alfred Kiss (Georg Friedrich). Created by Marvin Kren, Stefan Brunner, and Benjamin Hessler, the Austrian-German crime thriller series explores themes of suspense and intelligence. On the lines of ‘Lazarus,’ it explores the complexities of a protagonist in the field of mental health, while also dealing with death and its effects. The stories also contain dark and haunting visual tones.
9. Baptiste (2019-2021)
Created by Henry and Jack Williams, ‘Baptiste’ follows the life of detective Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo). Based on a character appearing in ‘The Missing’ by the aforementioned creators, the series chronicles the protagonist’s journey away from retirement. Due to his skills, he is approached by an old friend to assist the Dutch police in locating a sex worker in Amsterdam. As he navigates the elaborate mysteries, he encounters various challenges that test both his personal and professional life. BBC’s British drama series, akin to ‘Lazarus,’ looks at the life of a complicated male protagonist investigating crime. Both shows feature commentary on health, specifically focusing on the mental health of individuals.
8. The Sinner (2017-2021)
‘The Sinner’ is an anthology drama series that chronicles the journeys of various characters in four seasons. The first season centers on the life of Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel), whose role in a murder is investigated by the protagonist Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman). The next season deals with the investigations into the actions of a young boy seemingly involved in murder. Season three involves a brutal car accident, while the last season explores Harry’s actions as he handles a tragic case involving a family. Created by Derek Simonds, the show navigates the idea of family in ways similar to ‘Lazarus.’ The shows explore the mindsets of accused characters, who deny their involvement in murder.
7. Broadchurch (2013-2017)
‘Broadchurch’ follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a quaint beach town. The British crime drama series created by Chris Chibnall features two police officers, Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), whose contrasting viewpoints on the case lead to deeper mysteries unfolding. With no answers in hand and the people in town becoming increasingly suspicious of one another, it is up to the two detectives to somehow save the community. The elements of investigation, secrets, and dark themes connect the story to the world of ‘Lazarus,’ and its unique characters.
6. The Fall (2013-2016)
Created by Allan Cubitt, ‘The Fall’ is set in Belfast and focuses on the intricate investigations into multiple killings. The narrative centers on Detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), a police officer brought in to assist with a murder case. Her involvement leads to a relentless hunt for a serial killer. As the protagonist delves deeper into the investigation in the Irish-British crime drama series, she encounters unforeseen obstacles and threats that may determine her survival. Akin to ‘Lazarus,’ it examines the motivations behind violence and the way it challenges those investigating crimes, such as murder. The visual elements and the psychological mysteries of the shows also connect them on a spiritual level.
5. Hannibal (2013-2015)
NBC’s ‘Hannibal’ explores the developing connection between the renowned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), a young FBI criminal profiler. Graham is tormented by his capacity to empathize with serial killers, while also facing complications in his bond with Hannibal. The two men embark on a wild and complex journey into the realm of violence and bloodshed. Created by Bryan Fuller, the psychological thriller series is based on the ‘Red Dragon’ series of books by Thomas Harris, and examines a brutal friendship. The ideas of psychological manipulation, violence, and mysterious deaths connect the series on a thematic level to the world of ‘Lazarus’ and its characters.
4. Reckoning (2019)
Created by David Hubbard, ‘Reckoning’ deals with the complex lives of Leo Doyle (Sam Trammell) and Mike Serrato (Aden Young), who strive to keep their families safe. In order to do the best for their families, they make sacrifices, but find it difficult to suppress their darker and violent feelings. When a teenager is killed in their suburban neighborhood, the two of them go on a collision course that threatens to take them towards destruction. The Australian psychological thriller also follows the obsession with an enigmatic killer who poses a danger to the community. Like ‘Lazarus,’ it deals with ideas of family, violence, and mystery. Both shows feature characters who become involved in greater danger than they assumed.
3. Sharp Objects (2018)
HBO’s ‘Sharp Objects’ chronicles the journey of a reporter named Camille Preaker (Amy Adams). She faces a unique challenge when she is assigned to cover the murders of two preteen girls in her small hometown. Recently discharged from a psychiatric facility herself, she is forced to cross paths with her emotionally distant mother and a barely-known half-sister who somehow has a unique sway over the town. As Camille resides in her childhood Victorian mansion, she spiritually connects with the young victims, whose deaths she is investigating.
As the mystery deepens, she must survive against the challenges posed by her own mind. Based on Gillian Flynn’s eponymous novel, the psychological thriller series created by Marti Noxon delves into the human condition in ways similar to ‘Lazarus.’ The narratives feature characters that are obsessed with murder cases, while also exploring their inner psychological issues.
2. Waking the Dead (2000-2011)
‘Waking the Dead’ deals with the trials and tribulations of Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd (Trevor Eve), who leads a law enforcement unit dedicated to the pursuit of cold cases from the past. The psychological profiler Grace Foley (Sue Johnston) and Detective Inspector Spencer Jordan (Wil Johnson) are also members of the group who bring in their own perspectives, while attempting to use new technological methods and products to solve the cases, which have gone cold due to the unavailability of such technology in the past. Created by Barbara Machin, BBC One’s British crime drama series explores ideas of intelligence and suspense. It resembles the chilling world of ‘Lazarus’ due to its portrayal of investigations, the nature of mysterious killings, and the motivations of the characters.
1. Wire in the Blood (2002-2008)
‘Wire in the Blood’ follows clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill, who works as a criminal profiler for the police department in the city of Bardfield. Hill’s unusual, troubling methods and his expert understanding of the criminal mind help him forge a partnership with DCI Carol Jordan to pursue violent serial killers and solve heinous crimes. Written by Alan Whiting and others, the British crime drama television series delves into the intrigues of the human mind. Based on the ‘Tony Hill’ and ‘Carol Jordan’ series of novels by Val McDermid, it spiritually and thematically resembles ‘Lazarus.’ The stories examine the intersection of crime and psychology, while also probing the concept of violence from a nuanced perspective.
Read More: Who is the Real Father of Aidan in Lazarus?
