Saagar Kote
Created by Dorte Warnøe Hagh, David Sandreuter, and Mikkel Serup, Netflix’s ‘The Chestnut Man’ or ‘Kastanjemanden’ follows police detectives Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) and Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) on a high-stakes hunt for a serial killer. The murderer leaves behind chilling, symbolic clues in the form of chestnut figurines at every crime scene, after targeting vulnerable victims. The Danish crime thriller is based on Søren Sveistrup’s eponymous book. It becomes a desperate race against time as the killer continues to strike, and a sense of fear grips the community.
The case is further complicated by the disappearance of an influential politician’s child, whose fate and whereabouts remain unknown. The show explores the dark depths of the human psyche, examining themes of violence and the obsessive nature of investigative work as the detectives face mounting obstacles and new clues heighten the danger for everyone involved in the puzzling equation. With time running out, tracking the killer might need skills beyond normal procedural knowledge. If you are in the mood for shows similar to ‘The Chestnut Man’ that feature themes of violence, secrecy, deception, and more, you can check out this list.
12. Des (2020)
Created by Lewis Arnold and Luke Neal, ‘Des’ opens in 1983 with a Scotland Yard investigation triggered by the discovery of human remains obstructing the drainage at a London home. This bizarre find leads the cops to a complex investigation, through which they arrive at the possibility that Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant) is most likely the guilty party and possibly a serial killer. What begins as a puzzling inquiry quickly uncovers a grim reality, made all the more disturbing by Nilsen’s straightforward confession to his gruesome acts. The British crime drama series is based on Brian Masters’ book ‘Killing for Company.’ The patterns of violence, the hidden motives, and the psychological battles of the show complement the narrative tension and character dynamics of ‘The Chestnut Man.’
11. The Serpent (2021)
BBC’s ‘The Serpent’ centers on Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim), a serial killer active in the 1970s who poses a serious threat to travelers in regions around Bangkok. He targets unsuspecting tourists, drugs them, and steals their possessions, later using their identities to construct false profiles for international movement. Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman) accompanies him throughout these activities. Known as “The Serpent,” he continues his operations until his actions begin to attract scrutiny. Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle) initiates an investigation into the disappearances, setting the stage for a manhunt. Developed by Mammoth Screen, the British crime drama series is a deep dive into criminal psychology, police procedural elements, and the consequences of violence, much like ‘The Chestnut Man.’
10. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
‘Mindhunter’ is a crime drama series created by Joe Penhall, based on ‘Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit’ by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. Set in the 1970s, it follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) of the Behavioral Sciences Unit as they examine a series of killings that fall outside conventional patterns. As unfamiliar forms of violent crime begin to emerge, the agents conduct interviews with imprisoned offenders to better understand criminal behavior. However, these interactions often generate more uncertainty than clarity. Akin to ‘The Chestnut Man,’ the Netflix show explores the complexities of fear and the criminal mind through puzzling clues, darker motivations, and twisted moral battles.
9. Black Spot (2017-2019)
‘Black Spot’ or ‘Zone Blanche’ is set in Villefranche, a remote and isolated town surrounded by a vast forest. Police Major Laurène Weiss (Suliane Brahim) leads the local gendarmerie, overseeing investigations in an area marked by an unusually high murder rate. Prosecutor Franck Siriani (Laurent Capelluto) arrives to examine the situation, while also taking an interest in Weiss’ obscured past. As cases of homicides, disappearances, and kidnappings increase, many incidents trace back to the surrounding forest, a place known for its danger. Hidden elements of the town gradually come to light, leaving everyone’s fate uncertain. Mathieu Missoffe is the creator of the French-Belgian supernatural thriller series that delves into the complexities of the human mind and its capacity for violence. These themes and the visual tension of the show connect it to ‘The Chestnut Man.’
8. The Åre Murders (2025-)
Netflix’s ‘The Åre Murders’ or ‘Åremorden’ is a Swedish mystery series that follows Hanna Ahlander (Carla Sehn), a police officer from Stockholm who travels to a remote ski resort for some rest while facing an internal investigation back home. Although she initially enjoys the tranquil surroundings, the peace is shattered when a local girl disappears, sparking a police search. Despite her off-duty status, Hanna joins the local authorities in their rescue efforts.
As the investigation reveals complex layers of mystery, she must rely on her professional expertise to navigate a dangerous landscape of secrets and survival. Directed by Joakim Eliasson and Alain Darborg, the show is an adaptation of Viveca Sten’s novels ‘Hidden in Snow’ and ‘Hidden in the Shadows.’ Akin to ‘The Chestnut Man,’ the show is characterized by a sense of dread and isolation. Both shows feature female cops who must push beyond their limits to get to the truth.
7. Trapped (2015-)
‘Trapped’ or ‘Ófærð’ is a Baltasar Kormákur creation that depicts a small, secluded town’s secrets as it heads towards uncertainty. The Icelandic drama series follows a local police department’s efforts to investigate a murder while a fierce storm grips the region. The arrival of a Danish ferry carrying numerous passengers coincides with a massive blizzard, effectively stranding both the visitors and the residents within the town’s limits.
The discovery of a former resident’s mutilated remains on the shore prompts officer Andri Ólafsson (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) to spearhead a homicide investigation. With the clock ticking and the storm blocking any escape, the police must identify the culprit as everyone trapped in the area becomes a potential suspect. The difficulties of finding a killer, the paranoia surrounding violence, and the portrayal of the criminal psyche connect the show to ‘The Chestnut Man.’
6. Wisting (2019-)
‘Wisting’ deals with the actions of homicide detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin) as he pursues two cases that have the potential to push him beyond his limits. His investigation into a serial killer intersects with a news story pursued by his journalist daughter, placing her in serious danger. As the cases unfold, mounting pressure intensifies, and Wisting is accused of tampering with evidence in a previous investigation.
With his professional and personal life at stake, the detective may have to make difficult choices to survive his ordeal and solve the cases, even as the killer is seemingly active. Trygve Allister Diesen and Kathrine Valen Zeiner are the creators of the Norwegian crime drama series based on ‘The Caveman,’ ‘The Hunting Dogs,’ and other novels by Jørn Lier Horst. The show captures the essence of ‘The Chestnut Man’ through its claustrophobic, unsettling storyline and the dynamics among characters as they grapple with a layered case.
5. The Killing (2011-2014)
Created by Veena Sud, ‘The Killing’ is about detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) navigating the intricate investigation of Rosie Larsen’s (Katie Findlay) murder in Seattle. The case triggers significant social and political fallout, particularly with an upcoming mayoral election and the local community in a state of unrest. As hidden truths emerge, the investigation threatens unforeseen repercussions for all involved.
Based on Søren Sveistrup’s Danish series ‘Forbrydelsen,’ the AMC crime drama series explores the immense grief of the Larsen family as the perpetrator remains at large and justice seems distant. Similar to ‘The Chestnut Man,’ the show is a deeply engaging deep dive into the actions of two cops fighting battles to get the truth before time runs out. The two shows also feature familial elements and political forces amid a larger mystery.
4. Deadwind (2018–2021)
In ‘Deadwind’ or ‘Karppi’, police detective Sofia Karppi (Pihla Viitala) is thrust back into work just two months after her spouse dies. When a woman’s dead body is discovered at a construction site, the case is assigned to Karppi and rookie homicide detective Sakari Nurmi (Lauri Tilkanen). The puzzling case leads them into increasingly unpredictable territory. Sofia must confront disturbing revelations while simultaneously managing her own grief. The search for answers requires her to find the strength to persist, even as the investigation places her in significant peril. Created by Rike Jokela, Jari Olavi Rantala, and Kirsi Porkka, the Finnish crime drama series serves as a poignant exploration of trauma, violence, and the relentless efforts of two cops to get to the truth at any cost, much like ‘The Chestnut Man.’
3. The Fall (2013-2016)
‘The Fall’ is an Allan Cubitt creation that follows the ups and downs of Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), a detective superintendent tasked with reviewing a murder investigation in Belfast. As she uncovers patterns pointing toward an active serial killer, the pressure of the case intensifies. Stella’s professional dedication turns into an obsession as she delves into the dark layers of the inquiry. Hidden from the authorities, the culprit, Paul Spector, leads a double life as a committed family man. He continues to target and murder professional women in secret, raising the stakes as time slips away and Stella struggles to uncover the reality behind the crimes. The show’s portrayal of police desperation, the perspectives of the victims, the complexities of police procedures, and the secrecy of the criminal mind make it complementary to ‘The Chestnut Man.’
2. The Monster of Florence (2025)
Based on true events, Netflix’s ‘The Monster of Florence’ or ‘Il mostro’ is an Italian crime drama series created by Leonardo Fasoli and Stefano Sollima. Set in Italy between the 1960s and the 1980s, it follows a series of murders committed by an unidentified figure known as “The Monster,” who targets young couples inside parked vehicles. ADA Silvia Della Monica (Liliana Bottone) and law enforcement begin a detailed investigation as the number of murders rises.
The case is examined through multiple perspectives, highlighting those directly and indirectly affected. While the inquiry progresses, attention turns to the killer’s pattern and focus, as the cops realize that the one they are trying to catch is not an easy target. The show captures the essence of ‘The Chestnut Man’ through its visual elements, the psychological distress experienced by the characters, and the enigmatic nature of the killer.
1. The Valhalla Murders (2019-2020)
Created by Thordur Palsson, ‘The Valhalla Murders’ is an Icelandic crime drama series that follows police profiler Arnar (Björn Thors), who returns from Oslo to his native Iceland to assist in a manhunt for a serial killer linked to a mysterious photograph. He partners with Kata (Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir), the officer leading the inquiry, to identify the perpetrator. As the investigation unfolds, it gradually leads the cops to Valhalla, an abandoned boys’ home linked to disturbing events from more than three decades earlier.
With time working against them, Arnar and Kata must confront a complex, deeply rooted mystery to find the answers they seek at any cost. Loosely based on a real-life incident, the show shares similarities with ‘The Chestnut Man’ through its claustrophobic setting, the relentless efforts of the police to catch a killer, the patterns of crime, the motivations of the characters, and the visual elements.
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