Saagar Kote
Created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, Prime Video’s ‘Scarpetta’ deals with Kay Scarpetta (Nicole Kidman), a talented forensic pathologist who becomes the chief medical examiner of the Commonwealth of Virginia. During her job, she comes across a series of killings that set her on the path of a dangerous and obsessive investigation. In the crime drama series, Kay also recalls her chilling first case from 28 years ago, which has extremely puzzling patterns that are similar to the serial killings she’s investigating in the present. As the past and present converge in inexplicable ways, Kay must navigate the insecurities of her mind and confront her fears to reach the truth.
However, Kay’s pursuit of the mystery faces unexpected challenges as the serial killer’s threat continues to loom. Based on the book series of the same name by Patricia Cornwell, the show is visually tense, claustrophobic, and layered. These shows, similar to ‘Scarpetta,’ navigate disturbing crimes, harrowing investigations, and deadly secrets.
12. Black Bird (2022)
‘Black Bird’ centers on James Keene (Taron Egerton), who accepts a dangerous agreement with the FBI to shorten his prison sentence and potentially be out of jail. The deal requires him to intentionally befriend the alleged serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) in prison and make him comfortable to have serious conversations. James’s main objective is to skillfully obtain a confession from Hall, at any cost, ensuring the accused is convicted. Based on James Keene’s real-life memoir ‘In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption,’ the Apple TV+ crime drama show is created by Dennis Lehane. Akin to ‘Scarpetta,’ the narrative delves deep into criminal psychology, while also highlighting the obsessive nature of serial killer investigations.
11. The Monster of Florence (2025)
The Netflix Italian crime drama series ‘The Monster of Florence’ or ‘Il mostro’ is the story of an unidentified assailant known as “The Monster,” who ruthlessly targets young couples inside their vehicles. As the number of victims increases, ADA Silvia Della Monica (Liliana Bottone) and the cops begin a complex investigation. Based on true events and created by Leonardo Fasoli and Stefano Sollima, the show explores the case through the eyes of various people directly and indirectly affected by the violence. Set in Italy between the 1960s and the 1980s, the narrative investigates the killer’s focus on female victims and the reasons behind the same. As the cops try to capture the culprit, they realize they are chasing someone extremely elusive. The show’s exploration of murder, motive, and the female perspectives on crime connects it to ‘Scarpetta.’
10. Top of the Lake (2013-2017)
‘Top of the Lake,’ a New Zealand mystery drama show created by Jane Campion and Gerard Lee, follows Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young pregnant girl, Tui Mitcham (Jacqueline Joe). The case brings up several layers of mysteries that challenge Robin, who specializes in investigating sexual assault. However, as the cop learns more about the case, she must also handle the complexities of the local community while coming to terms with her own state of mind. Through various conversations, secrets, and unexpected moments, the investigation becomes Robin’s journey of self-discovery. Robin’s character arc and the nature of her work complement Kay’s difficult journey in ‘Scarpetta.’
9. Des (2020)
Set in 1983, ‘Des’ begins when Scotland Yard police investigate the discovery of human remains blocking a London residence’s drainage system. This unusual urban finding sparks puzzling inquiries. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant) as a potential serial killer responsible for the sewer blockage. The police investigation into Dennis soon reveals a horrifying reality, which is made even more unsettling when the murderer openly confesses to his crimes. The British crime drama series created by Lewis Arnold and Luke Neal is based on Brian Masters’ book ‘Killing for Company.’ Like ‘Scarpetta,’ the narrative depicts the psychological layers of a killer’s mind, while also examining the cost of violence.
8. The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
Created by Nick Stevens, ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ focuses on police officer Steve Wilkins (Luke Evans) after he receives a promotion. He is then faced with a challenging situation with the reopening of two murder cases from the 1980s that were never solved. Forensic analysis connects these murders to a series of local robberies. Steve and his team must urgently work to solve the case before the guilty party is released from prison. The crime drama show, based on the real-life Steve Wilkins’ book ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders: Catching the Bullseye Killer,’ is a fascinating story of unpredictability. Steve’s puzzling experiences in the story are comparable to the obsessive investigation carried out by Kay in ‘Scarpetta.’
7. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Netflix’s ‘Mindhunter’ follows Agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and his boss, senior agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), of the FBI’s Behavioral Sciences Unit in the 1970s. The two agents investigate unusual killings occurring across the US that deviate from typical crime patterns and suggest more sinister motives. With new types of killers emerging, the main characters must interview dangerous convicted criminals to gain a deeper understanding of the criminal mind. However, their conversations seem to lead to more questions than answers. Created by Joe Penhall and based on the book ‘Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit’ by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, the crime drama show explores themes of fear and criminal psychology. These themes and the relentless efforts of the agents to decipher serial killings forge a connection between the story and ‘Scarpetta.’
6. The Chestnut Man (2021-)
Netflix’s ‘The Chestnut Man’ or ‘Kastanjemanden’ follows detectives Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) and Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) as they pursue a serial killer. The killer leaves ominous and symbolic clues at every crime scene. These small figures made from chestnuts symbolize violence. Their investigation becomes a desperate race against time, especially after a politician’s child vanishes, adding unforeseen complications. As the body count rises, the desperation of the cops leads to difficult decisions. Created by Dorte Warnøe Hagh, David Sandreuter, Emilie Lebech Kaae, and Mikkel Serup, the Danish crime thriller series is based on Søren Sveistrup’s eponymous novel. On the lines of ‘Scarpetta,’ the show explores the depths of the human mind through a serial killer, while also capturing the themes of violence and obsession.
5. Marcella (2016-2021)
Created by Hans Rosenfeldt and Nicola Larder, ‘Marcella’ revolves around the trials and tribulations of former London Metropolitan Police Service detective Marcella Backland (Anna Friel), who is now a family woman. Following the unexpected departure of her husband after a long marriage, she seeks a new purpose in life. To get back to her rhythm, Marcella decides to rejoin the force and take her position in the homicide investigations team. However, the case she investigates seems to be connected to three unsolved murders from the past. When evidence suggests that a serial killer has resurfaced, Marcella must face overwhelming odds to stop the murders. The British-Nordic noir series shares similarities with ‘Scarpetta’ due to its focus on the ways in which past and present affect a female character who is obsessed with capturing a serial killer.
4. The Killing (2011-2014)
The AMC crime drama series ‘The Killing’ centers on police officers, Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman), as they take on the investigation of the murder of Seattle teenager Rosie Larsen (Katie Findlay). This shocking death generates uncertainty within the community and complicates an upcoming mayoral election. As the two cops uncover secrets and truths, Rosie’s death proves to be a puzzling case of uncertainty, causing immense pain to her family. Despite the difficulty of the case, the detectives must do everything in their power to get to the truth. The Veena Sud creation is based on Søren Sveistrup’s Danish series ‘Forbrydelsen’ and shares a connection with ‘Scarpetta’ through its exploration of criminal psychology, tense moments, and the cost of violence.
3. The Fall (2013-2016)
‘The Fall,’ an Irish-British crime drama created by Allan Cubitt, focuses on an investigation into a series of murders in Belfast. The story introduces Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), a police officer brought in to assist with a murder case. This soon leads her to pursue a serial killer as she delves deeper into the mystery. As Stella encounters unexpected issues that put her at risk, the killer, Paul Spector, leads a seemingly normal life as a family man while targeting and killing working women. Stella’s complex, puzzling journey as a woman relentlessly investigating serial murders connects her character arc to Kay’s in ‘Scarpetta.’
2. Dept. Q (2025-)
‘Dept. Q’ deals with the formation of a specialized police unit in Scotland, dedicated to solving cold cases. The department is led by a troubled man named Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), with Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov) and Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne) also on the team. The three officers are drawn into the mystery of Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie), a skilled lawyer who vanished without a trace in the past. As the department members investigate, they come across startling revelations and unexpected threats that challenge their moral standards and skills. Created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani, the Netflix British crime drama series is based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s book series ‘Department Q’. The show’s depiction of the intertwining of past and present in a crime investigation, along with its portrayal of a complex female character, makes it complementary to ‘Scarpetta.’
1. Silent Witness (1996-)
Created by Nigel McCrery, ‘Silent Witness’ chronicles the efforts of several forensic pathology experts who attempt to solve heinous crimes through their incredible skills. The British crime drama series begins with the ups and downs in the life of forensic pathologist Dr. Sam Ryan, who returns to Cambridge for a teaching position and also works with the police. Her initial case involves the death of a young girl found in a river nearby. In her personal life, Dr. Ryan must navigate a difficult relationship with her sister, Wyn, and care for her elderly mother, who is exhibiting signs of dementia.
Over the course of the series, the narrative also introduces other characters like Leo Dalton (William Gaminara) and Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox), who also relentlessly pursue criminal cases. The show, akin to ‘Scarpetta,’ is a deep dive into criminal minds, the psychological complexities of human beings, and the obsessive nature of murder investigations.
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