Fox’s ‘Memory of a Killer’: Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli Star in Tense Thriller of Fading Memories and Fatal Betrayals

Fox has launched its latest gripping crime drama, Memory of a Killer, premiering on January 25, 2026, with a special two-night event following the NFC Championship Game. The series, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT before shifting to Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, stars Patrick Dempsey as a seasoned hitman grappling with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a condition that blurs the lines between his deadly profession and his carefully compartmentalized family life. Created by Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone, and based on a Belgian novel and film, the show explores themes of loyalty, memory, and the devastating consequences of forgotten secrets in the criminal underworld.

At the heart of the story is Angelo Doyle (Dempsey), a meticulous contract killer who leads a double life. In New York City, he’s the go-to assassin for his childhood friend and crime boss Dutch (Michael Imperioli), operating out of Dutch’s high-end restaurant that serves as a front for illicit activities. Upstate in the quaint town of Cooperstown, Angelo poses as a mild-mannered copier salesman, devoted father to his pregnant daughter Maria (Odeya Rush) and supportive of her husband Jeff (Daniel David Stewart). This fragile balance shatters when Angelo’s Alzheimer’s symptoms emerge—forgotten hits, misplaced loyalties, and hazy recollections that expose vulnerabilities in his empire.

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Memory of a Killer (TV Series 2026– ) – News – IMDb

The plot kicks off with Angelo warning Maria about a threat tied to her mother’s long-ago murder, only for his daughter to be attacked, drawing FBI Agent Linda Grant (Gina Torres) into the fray. As Angelo’s memory falters, he struggles to protect his family while Dutch faces impossible decisions: protect his lifelong partner or cut ties to save the operation? Paranoia escalates as forgotten details lead to botched jobs, shifting alliances, and brutal confrontations. One misplaced memory could unravel decades of criminal secrets, turning friends into foes and forcing Angelo into a desperate race against his own mind.

Patrick Dempsey, best known for his charming McDreamy role on Grey’s Anatomy, sheds that persona for a darker, more intense character. His portrayal of Angelo captures the hitman’s quiet intensity and growing confusion, blending vulnerability with lethal precision. Dempsey, who also serves as an executive producer, brings depth to scenes where Angelo’s worlds collide—tender family moments juxtaposed with cold-blooded executions. Michael Imperioli, the Emmy-winning star from The Sopranos, embodies Dutch with a mix of ruthless ambition and genuine affection, his performance highlighting the moral quandaries of betrayal in organized crime.

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Memory of a Killer’ Review: Patrick Dempsey Offers Up a Hitman …

The supporting cast adds layers: Odeya Rush as the unsuspecting Maria, caught in her father’s web; Richard Harmon in a recurring role that amps up the tension; and Peter Gadiot as a shadowy figure from Angelo’s past. Gina Torres’ Agent Grant provides a formidable law enforcement foil, her interrogations peeling back layers of deception. Directed by talents like Martin Campbell and Daniel Minahan, the series features sleek cinematography that contrasts the gritty urban underbelly with serene suburban facades, heightening the sense of impending doom.

Produced by 20th Television and executive produced by Dempsey, Imperioli, Whitmore, Malone, and others including Cathy Schulman and Arthur Sarkissian, Memory of a Killer draws from the 2003 Belgian film The Memory of a Killer. Filmed in New York City and upstate locations, it incorporates realistic depictions of Alzheimer’s effects, consulted with medical experts for authenticity. The narrative promises twists—forgotten murders resurfacing, internal mob conflicts, and FBI chases—that keep viewers on edge.

Early reviews are mixed but praise the leads’ chemistry. The New York Times notes Dempsey’s transformation into a “morally murky” antihero, while The Hollywood Reporter critiques some plot silliness but lauds the suspense. Decider calls it a “stream it” for fans of thrillers like Taken, highlighting Dempsey’s action-hero turn. With episodes dropping weekly and next-day streaming on Hulu, the series aims to hook audiences with its blend of emotional depth and high-octane drama.

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Memory Of A Killer’ Patrick Dempsey Fox Review: Stream It Or Skip It?

As Memory of a Killer unfolds, it questions: When memory fails, can trust survive? In a genre filled with assassins, this one stands out by making the real enemy internal, promising a season of shattered loyalties and shocking revelations.