Serial murderer psychology has long been a fascinating topic, and shows like ‘Dexter’ capitalize on this fascination. The show’s producers play on our love-hate relationship with the violent protagonists. While we despise what they do (if you don’t, get yourself checked! ), we are enmeshed in their life, making us somewhat attached to them. Dexter’s tale was one of these, and it wrapped itself around the viewer’s head for eight seasons, tampering with it and building sympathy for the devil! It’s been a while since ‘Dexter’s’ crimes came to an end.
While there are always documentaries that provide a more accurate look into the lives of genuine serial killers, sometimes all we need is a well-written story with outstanding actors and a gloomy tone to make our minds jiggle. To whet your appetite, we’ve compiled a list of TV shows that are similar to ‘Dexter.’ Some of these shows, such as Dexter, are available to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.
Table Of Content
- 1 American Crime Story (2016-)
- 2 Bates Motel (2013-2017)
- 3 Broadchurch (2013-2017)
- 4 Hannibal (2013-2015)
- 5 Homeland (2011-2019)
- 6 Luther (2010-)
- 7 Marcella (2016-)
- 8 Mindhunter (2017-)
- 9 Narcos: Mexico (2018-)
- 10 Person of Interest (2011-16)
- 11 Sharp Objects (2018)
- 12 Top of the Lake (2013-)
- 13 The Bridge (2013-2014)
- 14 The Fall (2013-2016)
- 15 The Following (2013-2015)
- 16 The Killing (2011-2014)
- 17 Twin Peaks (1990-91, 2017)
- 18 True Detective (2014)
American Crime Story (2016-)
If crime gets your blood flowing and your adrenaline racing, then look no further. This is now one of the best crime series on television. The first season of this true crime anthology featuring separate seasons focused on the case of OJ Simpson, while the second season focused on the assassination of Gianni Versace. A third and fourth season are already in the works, with the third set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fourth focusing on the juicy Clinton-Lewinsky affair. What could be more thrilling than a cast of charismatic fictitious criminals? Crimes in the real world and their fabricated accounts So don’t waste any time, tune in to this show, and Joe Carroll will be gone before you know it.
Bates Motel (2013-2017)
This psychological thriller, starring Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga from ‘The Conjuring,’ is a reimagining of characters from Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho.’ It focuses on the circumstances leading up to the events in ‘Psycho,’ so you won’t miss anything if you haven’t seen the movie. This intriguing program manipulates your brain in its own interesting way, thanks to a well-written script and outstanding performances from its major actors.
Broadchurch (2013-2017)
Another British show on the list, it followed the inquiry of the murder of a little kid. Detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller were played by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, respectively. This drama received great recognition thanks to the presence of such talented actors. Its strength also came from the fact that, while the protagonists were strong, the villain was even better.
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Hannibal (2013-2015)
Producers have been attempting to cash on on Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of cannibalistic psycho killer Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ since since he impressed us with his portrayal of this character in ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ They weren’t as successful as they had hoped. However, Bryan Fuller’s interpretation on the famed murderer was nothing short of brilliant. Hannibal’s portrayal by Mads Mikkelsen is spine-chilling. And his connection with Will Graham, played by Hugh Dancy, is strangely complementary to their roles. It’s a pity that this play didn’t find an audience. Over time, it developed a cult following.
Homeland (2011-2019)
When it initially came out, ‘Homeland’ became a national sensation. The groundbreaking action sequences and unprecedented depth of study drew everyone’s attention, and it quickly became the most popular show on the air. It centers on CIA operative Carrie Mathison, who is on the hunt for an American detainee who may have joined Al-ranks. Qaeda’s Marine Nicholas Brody, who had been held captive for eight years, is now her prime suspect. The first season’s premise has undoubtedly evolved and changed. The show has earned multiple awards for its exceptional cast, particularly Mandy Patinkin’s, as well as for various other aspects, including the Emmy for best series.
Luther (2010-)
It’s time to put an end to all-male psychopaths! This wonderful show provided us with a much-needed murderous woman. Idris Elba’s John Luther has an adversary in Alice Morgan, played by Ruth Wilson. This show is noted for taking on a darker tone with each season, thanks to a fascinating storyline and compelling performances from its major actors.
Marcella (2016-)
The narrative of a retired detective who is called for help in solving an 11-year-old crime comes from the producers of ‘The Bridge,’ another drama on this list. Marcella Backland’s search for this serial killer takes her to places she’d long forgotten about. Meanwhile, she is attempting to piece together her already jumbled personal life.
Mindhunter (2017-)
David Fincher does not require an introduction. With films like ‘Fight Club,’ ‘Zodiac,’ and ‘Seven,’ he has already played dexterously(!) with our minds. He was enough to entice me to watch the show. And my brain was whirling once more. It will take you into the psychology of serial killers and why they do what they do. It was one of the best series to launch last year. It is set in the late 1970s and revolves around two FBI agents who attempt to decipher a serial killer’s thought process and solve cases by interviewing those who have already been imprisoned.
Narcos: Mexico (2018-)
‘Narcos’ is one of ‘Netflix’s’ most popular programs. After the third season, the tale came to an end. However, the drug war did not end. With a significant change in scenery, ‘Narcos: Mexico’ tells a new story to the viewer. While ‘Narcos’ chronicled Pablo Escobar’s organized crime world, its sister program begins when the world of drug trafficking had yet to find its ruler. Felix Gallardo is steadily rising through the ranks, bringing together the disparate groups that must be brought together in order to construct a drug empire in Mexico. The show delves into the origins of the universe that has now engulfed the pharmaceutical industry.
Person of Interest (2011-16)
The sense of urgency was one of The Following’s strongest selling features. We understood that if Carroll and his deadly cult were not stopped quickly, they would continue to kill. In terms of urgency, Jonathan Nolan’s extremely absorbing show is similar. The story revolves around a reclusive billionaire who develops a gadget that can determine whether or not someone is harmful or in danger. He enlists the services of Mr. Reese, a competent ex-CIA operator, who feels powerless at not being able to do anything. They work together to keep terrible things from happening in a short amount of time. Fans of The Following will undoubtedly recognize this sense of urgency.
Sharp Objects (2018)
‘Sharp Objects’ is a fantastic program, but it is becoming increasingly tough to watch. Almost without fail, the show appeals to a very specific demographic. It functions as a whodunit, an examination of the psyche of a group of broken women and their upbringing, as well as a deep dive into the complex web of emotions and thoughts that make up a person, which is also represented by random, quick cuts in scenes showing seemingly unrelated visuals derived from the protagonist’s conflicted state of mind. Kudos to the creators for almost perfectly capturing the core of the novel and providing us a show that is becoming progressively well-made and wonderfully well-acted. Such productions are rare, and if you miss this one, consider yourself deprived of the best of 2018’s offerings.
Top of the Lake (2013-)
Prior to her portrayal in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ Elisabeth Moss played Detective Robin Griffin, who investigates the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl in New Zealand. Her portrayal of Griffin earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries in 2014. The major narrative of the lead female character’s story-line, stressing her experiences and perspective as a woman, was praised for its well-developed plot and key narrative.
The Bridge (2013-2014)
While its Danish equivalent is still on the air, this American show is another in a long line of “excellent but unappreciated” sitcoms. On the American-Mexican border, a body is discovered on a bridge. Two detectives from both countries work together to figure out who the murderer is who keeps hopping from one side of the border to the other.
The Fall (2013-2016)
Jamie Dornan was a serial killer on the loose in Belfast before he became the vicious womanizer Christian Gray. ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’ has given Dornan a rather drab appearance. Until I saw this show, I didn’t think he was serious. His portrayal of Paul Spector was hauntingly good at moments and unsettling at others. We got a glimpse into Spector’s life, just as we did with Dexter, and while they both excused their crimes differently, they were both killers in the end.
The Following (2013-2015)
If the idea of a single serial killer scares you, consider a cult of such obsessive killers who are linked together by their shared desire to kill people. In this show, Kevin Bacon’s FBI agent Ryan Hardy had to cope with this. It tells the narrative of Hardy’s quest to apprehend serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), who has surrounded himself with a legion of people who think the same way he does.
The Killing (2011-2014)
It recounts the story of detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder, and is an American remake of a popular Danish show. It is noted for its gloomy premise, storytelling method, and outstanding performances from its cast. You could go straight to its original Danish cousin if you need a taste of something finer.
Twin Peaks (1990-91, 2017)
David Lynch, known for films such as ‘Eraserhead’ and ‘Mulholland Dr.,’ created this show. This show, like many others, suffered from a lack of audience owing to no fault of its own. It follows the investigation into the murder of a schoolgirl Laura Palmer in the imaginary town of Twin Peaks. This exhibition, like Lynch’s earlier works, stood apart among its peers. It had an odd quality about it, as if it were on the verge of becoming otherworldly, but not quite. A revival was commissioned for it since it had developed a cult following over the years. That, too, was well-received by critics.
True Detective (2014)
This show’s first season was completely engrossing. Rather than focusing on the murderer’s side of the tale, it concentrates on the detectives who are investigating the case. Its engaging story-line has been created around a non-linear storyline, with outstanding performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. However, I should tell you ahead of time that you should not continue to the second season. It was a complete waste of time! Just stick with the first one and bask in its glory.
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