10 Shows Like Murder Mindfully You Must See

Netflix’s ‘Murder Mindfully’ or ‘Achtsam Morden’ is the story of Björn Diemel (Tom Schilling), a stressed and overworked lawyer whose demanding career leaves little room for his wife, Katharina Diemel (Emily Cox), and their daughter, Emily Diemel (Pamuk Pilavci). Much of his professional life revolves around handling legal matters for dangerous mafia boss Dragan Sergowicz, a responsibility that steadily pushes both his personal life and marriage toward collapse. Hoping to repair their relationship, Katharina encourages Björn to attend mindfulness sessions. As Björn begins applying mindfulness techniques to improve his work-life balance, his life takes an absurd and dangerous turn after he unexpectedly becomes involved in murder.

While problems escalate, Björn starts using his newly learned methods of calmness and self-control to navigate an increasingly chaotic web of murder, to the point where he fears he may start enjoying killing. Created by Konstantin von Carlowitz, the German dark comedy thriller series is based on stories and characters from Karsten Dusse’s novel. In this list, we bring you shows similar to ‘Murder Mindfully’ that deal with the complexities of passion and human nature, while also infusing horror, psychological dread, and violence intricately.

10. The End of the F***ing World (2017-2019)

Based on the eponymous minicomics by Charles Forsman, ‘The End of the F***ing World’ is a British black comedy-drama series that centers on two deeply troubled teenagers who unexpectedly form a connection during a chaotic road trip across England. James (Alex Lawther), a 17-year-old, is convinced he is a psychopath and is obsessively killing animals out of curiosity and boredom. He becomes interested in Alyssa (Jessica Barden), a rebellious and outspoken classmate struggling with her own frustrations and desperate to escape her unstable home life.

After Alyssa convinces him to run away with her in search of her biological father, the two embark on a journey filled with increasingly strange and dangerous situations. While James joins the trip with disturbing intentions, the relationship becomes more emotionally complicated. Shaped by the creative vision of Jonathan Entwistle, the show is characterized by its sense of dread, the shadow of doubt, and hidden dangers, much like ‘Murder Mindfully.’ Both stories capture the essence of murder as a puzzling human act, which leads to more questions than answers.

9. Bad Sisters (2022-2024)

Apple TV+’s ‘Bad Sisters’ is an Irish comedy thriller series crafted by the ideas of Malin-Sarah Gozin, Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer. Inspired by the Belgian series ‘Clan,’ it revolves around the close-knit Garvey sisters, who are Eva Garvey (Sharon Horgan), Grace Williams (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula Flynn (Eva Birthistle), Bibi Garvey (Sarah Greene), and Becka Garvey (Eve Hewson). Their lives are shaken after the sudden death of Grace’s husband, John Paul Williams (Claes Bang), an abusive individual.

Although his death is initially ruled accidental, an insurance investigation gradually begins uncovering suspicious details suggesting that the sisters may have conspired together to protect Grace from her destructive marriage by murdering her husband. As the stakes escalate, the sisters hope to shield one another while maintaining a deadly secret. While the Garvey siblings unexpectedly get involved in a murder case that tests their resolve in unprecedented ways, Björn also faces a similar situation with a different perspective on violence.

8. Dexter (2006-2013)

Showtime’s ‘Dexter’ follows Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter analyst working for the Miami Metro Police Department who secretly leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. Traumatized after witnessing the brutal murder of his mother as a child, Dexter believes that he has the moral right to target only criminals and killers who have escaped legal punishment. He attempts to maintain the appearance of normalcy while methodically tracking and murdering dangerous offenders.

However, managing relationships and avoiding suspicion from coworkers becomes increasingly difficult as his double life grows more complicated. With James Manos Jr. at the creative helm, the crime drama series is based on the novel ‘Darkly Dreaming Dexter’ by Jeff Lindsay. Dexter Morgan shares a spiritual connection with Björn from ‘Murder Mindfully,’ as both men develop a penchant for murder and destruction, while also leading civilian lives in a world whose rules and moral standards they don’t accept or understand.

7. Based on a True Story (2023-2024)

‘Based on a True Story’ is a Craig Rosenberg creation that delves into the lives of Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina), a married LA couple struggling with financial stress as they prepare to welcome a baby. Hoping to improve their situation, Ava becomes fascinated by the intense public obsession with a serial killer known as the “Westside Ripper” and convinces Nathan to help her launch a true-crime podcast about the case.

As the couple begins investigating the murders for their podcast, they cross paths with a plumber named Matt Pierce (Tom Bateman), whose increasingly suspicious behavior starts raising unsettling questions. The deeper Ava and Nathan involve themselves in the investigation, the more they wonder whether Matt could be directly connected to the killings. The Peacock comedy thriller series exudes mystery, nasty secrets, and everlasting dread with murder lurking in the shadows. These themes and the story’s claustrophobic visual elements connect it to the equally enthralling ‘Murder Mindfully’ and its layered characters.

6. Patriot (2015-2018)

‘Patriot’ deals with the life of John Tavner (Michael Dorman), an intelligence officer assigned a covert mission aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program. To carry out the operation, he assumes the identity of an employee at an industrial piping company, using the job’s routine business trips to Luxembourg as cover for his intelligence activities. John finds himself increasingly trapped by the bizarre complications when his coworkers begin noticing inconsistencies in his behavior, while a determined European investigator starts closing in on his true identity.

At the same time, John struggles with the psychological strain caused by years of covert operations. Steven Conrad’s creative vision shapes the Prime Video comedy-drama series, which is mysterious and unpredictable. A secretive protagonist, the shadow of lies, twisted psychological elements, suspicion, and the consequences of violence are some of the many commonalities between ‘Murder Mindfully’ and ‘Patriot.’

5. Dead to Me (2019-2022)

Created by Liz Feldman, Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ focuses on Jen Harding (Christina Applegate), who works as a real estate agent while struggling to cope with the intense grief and anger caused by her husband’s sudden death in a tragic accident. During a support group meeting, she encounters Judy Hale (Linda Cardellini), a compassionate woman who quietly carries significant secrets of her own. Although their personalities are vastly different, the two women gradually develop a strong emotional bond and begin to rely on each other during difficult moments.

However, as Jen starts investigating the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, hidden truths slowly begin surfacing, drawing both women into revelations and increasingly complicated situations that threaten to upend their lives. The character dynamics between the two women in the dark comedy-drama series, and the emotional weight they carry, will remind you of the various ways in which Björn tries to lead a double life in ‘Murder Mindfully,’ carrying secrets that could destroy him while also hoping to live with those who love him.

4. Fargo (2014-2024)

‘Fargo’ is a crime drama-comedy anthology series set primarily across the American Midwest. Each season tells a different story involving murder, while subtle plot connections occasionally link the seasons together. The first season, set in 2006, follows Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman), an insurance salesman living in Bemidji, Minnesota, whose life spirals after he encounters the dangerous Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton). The second season shifts to 1979 and centers on beautician Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons), whose attempt to cover up a hit-and-run accident gradually pulls them into chaos.

The later seasons continue to explore bizarre crimes and psychological tension through interconnected stories that feature ordinary people caught in deadly situations. Crafted under the guidance of Noah Hawley, the FX show takes inspiration from the film of the same name by directors Joel and Ethan Coen. While ‘Murder Mindfully’ is driven by the secrets and unpredictable twists within the mind of the main character, ‘Fargo’ treats the American Midwest as a character in itself, capable of carrying and revealing mysteries, and also causing unimaginable violence and destruction.

3. Mr Inbetween (2018-2021)

FX’s ‘Mr Inbetween’ unfolds in suburban Sydney and follows Raymond Shoesmith, AKA Ray (Scott Ryan), a professional hitman who attempts to balance his violent criminal life with his reality as a family man. Carrying out brutal assignments for criminals, Ray tries to maintain a stable personal life by being a caring father to his daughter, Brittany (Chika Yasumura), supporting his terminally ill brother Bruce (Nicholas Cassim), and building a relationship with Ally (Brooke Satchwell).

The demands of his dangerous profession continue escalating, despite Ray often handling problems with ruthless efficiency and violence. Eventually, the emotional strain of his double life begins affecting the people closest to him. Scott Ryan steers this Australian dark comedy-crime drama, based on his film ‘The Magician.’ If the character dynamics and the sense of mystery surrounding Björn in ‘Murder Mindfully’ impressed you, it is likely that Ray’s trials and tribulations throughout ‘Mr Inbetween’ will be appealing to you in equal measure.

2. Barry (2018-2023)

Crafted by the creative team of Alec Berg and Bill Hader, ‘Barry’ is the fascinating story of Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), a former Marine from Cleveland who now works as a contract killer. Emotionally detached and increasingly dissatisfied with his violent profession, Barry travels to LA for an assignment, which unexpectedly changes the direction of his life. While tracking a target, Barry stumbles into an acting class and becomes enchanted by the sense of community and emotional connection he finds there. Encouraged by acting teacher Gene Cousineau and drawn toward aspiring actress Sally Reed (Sarah Goldberg), Barry begins imagining a future without murder.

However, escaping his past proves far more difficult than he expects, as dangerous criminal associates and unfinished obligations continue pulling him back toward violence. Torn between the two worlds, Barry must make difficult choices. The HBO comedy crime drama series, akin to ‘Murder Mindfully,’ is about a man’s puzzling choice to lead a double life, despite the extraordinary consequences that come with it. The similar character motivations in the shows are complemented by the moral confusions that both Barry and Björn face as they try to balance murder and happiness.

1. Obituary (2023-)

‘Obituary’ is a Ray Lawlor creation that deals with Elvira Clancy (Siobhán Cullen), a socially awkward young woman working as an obituary writer for a small-town newspaper. Fascinated by death, Elvira’s life takes a disturbing turn after the struggling newspaper cuts costs and begins paying her per obituary instead of providing a stable salary. Frustrated by the lack of interesting deaths to cover, Elvira accidentally kills a local resident and unexpectedly discovers a violent impulse she had never confronted before. Realizing that more deaths mean more work, she gradually begins orchestrating elaborate accidents involving unpleasant individuals and secretly enjoys the violence.

However, her carefully managed double life becomes increasingly complicated after the newspaper hires an inquisitive crime reporter whose closeness to Elvira threatens to expose her secret. The Irish black comedy series has much in common with ‘Murder Mindfully.’ Both shows are about individuals who mistakenly get involved in murder, but start to enjoy it. They try to make sense of their violent urges in brutal ways, while also hoping to keep their civilian lives intact. The shows are intense character studies that complement each other thematically and visually.