Netflix’s ‘masterpiece’ crime drama viewers say is as good as Broadchurch

It’s a chilling psychological thriller inspired by a true crime book, exploring serial killers and the birth of criminal profiling at the FBI

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The series is set in the 1970s and 1980s (Image: Merrick Morton/Netflix)

Devotees of TV crime dramas such as Broadchurch and Line of Duty will find themselves utterly gripped by this Netflix series that viewers simply cannot stop recommending.

Spanning just two seasons, the show makes for an effortless binge-watch that will keep you glued to your seat as you venture deeper into the psychology of a serial killer.

Mindhunter enthralled audiences upon its debut in 2017, yet enjoyed only a brief run across two seasons, leaving viewers clamouring for more. The concluding series wrapped up in 2019, and while fans held out hope for a revival, producers confirmed in 2023 that it would not be returning to screens.

Drawing inspiration from the 1995 true crime book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, the series is set during a period when criminal profiling was still in its infancy in the US. It chronicles the stories of serial killers and illustrates how this groundbreaking methodology assisted investigators within the FBI.

Viewers can follow FBI agents Holden Ford, portrayed by Jonathan Groff, and Bill Tench, portrayed by Holt McCallany, alongside psychologist Wendy Carr, head of the Behavioural Science Division, portrayed by Anna Torv.

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It was first released in 2017 (Image: Patrick Harbron/Netflix)

Together they carry out a succession of interviews with incarcerated serial killers to unravel the mindset of these criminals and, in doing so, pioneer modern criminal profiling.

Throughout the series, the team interrogates notorious killers, including the prominent Ed Kemper, affording them a chilling glimpse into the mind of a sociopath.

One viewer shared their review on Rotten Tomatoes, where the first season holds an impressive 94% rating and the second series sits even higher at 99%.

They wrote: “Mindhunter is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gets under your skin in the best way. The writing is sharp, the performances are outstanding, and the attention to detail in portraying real-life serial killers is chilling.”

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Fans were disappointed they didn’t get a third season (Image: Patrick Harbron/Netflix)

A further review reads: “Now this is a great show, Netflix definitely dropped the ball on this one. I may have been late to watching the series but really invested on the plot, I would highly recommend to watch it.”

While another viewer said: “One of the best shows ever! A masterpiece. Incredibly sad it wasn’t renewed.”

Many attribute the show’s triumph to its acclaimed director David Fincher, the celebrated filmmaker behind Seven, Fight Club, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl. Reports suggest the series was ultimately axed due to financial constraints, given its considerable production costs.

Nevertheless, audiences were left thoroughly satisfied by the two seasons that were delivered. With one viewer proclaiming: “Possibly the best show Netflix has made. No frills. Just amazing writing, directing, acting. Everything. The attention to detail is remarkable.”

One viewer summed up their feelings by writing: “This was one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time, just in terms of cinematography and the overall captivating story. It starts slowly, allowing you to get to know all the characters and the depth they offer. I highly recommend this show.”

All episodes of Mindhunter are available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2208264/netflix-s-masterpiece-crime-drama-viewers-call-possibly-best-show-good-broadchurch