Unveiling the Electrifying World of Top Thriller TV Shows
Thrilling and suspenseful, the world of television has been captivated by a wave of top-notch thriller shows. From psychological mysteries to gripping crime dramas, these shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats with their intricate plotlines and powerful performances. Whether you enjoy mind-bending narratives or heart-pounding action, there's no shortage of thrilling entertainment to indulge in. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of the top thriller TV shows that have been taking the small screen by storm.
Killing Eve
Robert Viglasky/BBCAmerica
Based on the captivating book series by Luke Jennings, Killing Eve follows Eve Polastri, a skilled British intelligence officer, as she relentlessly pursues Villanelle, a formidable and deadly assassin. With the first season helmed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the second season masterfully written by Emerald Fennell of The Crown fame, this thrilling cat-and-mouse chase will keep you glued to your screen.
The Watcher
NetflixBased on a chilling true story, The Watcher follows the Brannock family as they move into their dream house, only to be plagued by unsettling and inexplicable events. Their eerie journey into a mysterious and unresolved enigma will keep you on the edge of your seat. Prepare for the return of The Watcher for its highly anticipated second season, where all the unanswered questions will finally be addressed.
Yellowjackets
Kailey Schwerman
When a high school soccer team survives a plane crash, their fight for survival in the wilderness becomes a harrowing tale that unfolds over two decades. Yellowjackets explores the profound impact of their traumatic experience as they confront the haunting secrets that continue to entangle their lives. With an outstanding ensemble cast led by Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, Melanie Lynskey, and Tawny Cypress, this series is an absolute must-watch.
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Truth Be Told
Trae Patton
Octavia Spencer delivers a compelling performance as Poppy Parnell, a tenacious true crime podcaster determined to uncover the truth behind complex cases. Based on Kathleen Barber's gripping novel Are You Sleeping, Truth Be Told boasts an exceptional ensemble cast including Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Aaron Paul, and Lizzy Caplan. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate webs of deception and the relentless pursuit of justice in this thrilling series.
Black Bird
Apple
Based on the real-life story of James Keene, Black Bird takes you on a twisted journey as a man named Keene strikes a deal to commute his sentence by coaxing a confession out of suspected murderer and rapist Larry Hall. Taron Egerton shines as Keene, while Paul Walter Hauser delivers a chilling performance as Hall. With one of Ray Liotta's final appearances, this mini-series stands out as a gripping offering from Apple TV.
Homecoming
Everett
In season 1, Julia Roberts portrays Heidi Bergman, a dedicated social worker at a facility aiming to help soldiers reintegrate into society. However, the facility's experimental treatments take unexpected turns. Season 2 follows Janelle Monáe as she embarks on a quest to unravel the truth about her identity. Based on the gripping Homecoming podcast, this series will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Diplomat
Netflix
Netflix's The Diplomat quickly became a fan favorite for its riveting storyline. Keri Russell takes the lead as Kate Wyler, an American ambassador sent to navigate the aftermath of a presumed terrorist attack and its impact on diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom. Complicating matters further, her husband's career is on the decline. With its renewal for a second season, we eagerly anticipate the unraveling of the explosive events that followed that initial blast.
Cruel Summer
Everett
Cruel Summer's first season left viewers stunned with its jaw-dropping twists. Set in the '90s, the disappearance of popular girl Kate sparks a search that intertwines with Jeanette's unsettling transformation. Season 2 propels us into the 2000s, where a murder investigation exposes toxic friendships. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the layers of suspense and mystery.
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You
No one embodies the twisted allure of obsession quite like Joe Goldberg. Penn Badgley's portrayal of this complex character sets him apart as the ultimate stalker, consumed by his dark desires. You delves deep into Joe's twisted psyche, immersing viewers in his unethical exploits as he relentlessly pursues his twisted notion of love. Brace yourself for a riveting journey as You masterfully navigates the blurred lines between villain and anti-hero.
Squid Game
Noh Juhan | Netflix
Squid Game, a South Korean thriller, gained immense popularity after its release on Netflix in September 2021. The show presents a terrifying and uniquely imaginative series of challenges that pit 456 players against each other. The ultimate prize is 45.6 billion won (approximately $35 million), but contestants must also witness numerous deaths along the way. A second season is currently in production, and a reality show spin-off is also in the works.
Severance
Atsushi NishijimaApple TV 's thrilling science fiction series, Severance, stars Adam Scott as Mark S., an employee at Lumon, a biotech company. Mark recently underwent a mind-wiping procedure called "severance," which separates his work personality from his true self. As Mark and his colleagues delve deeper into their workplace, they uncover mysterious secrets that make them question the purpose of the severance program.
How to Get Away With Murder
©ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
How to Get Away with Murder, a thrilling show from Shondaland, combines plot twists, unexpected deaths, and shocking revelations. Academy Award winner Viola Davis leads the cast as Annalise Keating, a law professor whose students find themselves entangled in a murder investigation. Subsequent seasons introduce even more perplexing mysteries.
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Bad Sisters
Natalie Seery
The comedy thriller Bad Sisters, co-developed by one of its stars Sharon Horgan, is based on a Flemish series called Clan. The show follows a close-knit group of siblings dealing with the death of one of their husbands. It soon becomes apparent that one of the sisters may be connected to his demise, with each episode unveiling more of the backstory. A second season is currently in production.
The Patient
Suzanne Tenner
In the terrifying serial killer thriller, The Patient, Steve Carell showcases his dramatic acting skills alongside Domhnall Gleeson. Carell portrays Alan Strauss, a widowed therapist who unknowingly agrees to see the wrong patient. Sam (Gleeson), a restaurant inspector, coerces Alan into being his therapist, while keeping him captive in the most harrowing circumstances.
The Sinner
Netflix
After Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel) commits a violent act seemingly without motive, Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) delves into the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. Subsequent seasons follow Ambrose as he grapples with solving perplexing disappearances, twisted cults, and fatal accidents. Biel delivers one of her best performances in the show's first season.
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Dirty John
Everett
Inspired by real-life stories of true crime, Dirty John is a series that spans two standalone seasons, each depicting the horrifying actions of dangerous individuals. Season 1 focuses on John Meehan, a serial liar who manipulates women through romantic relationships. Season 2 centers around Betty Broderick, a seemingly ordinary woman whose life spirals out of control after her husband leaves her.
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Ozark
TINA ROWDEN/NETFLIX
Ozark quickly became one of Netflix's most popular shows due to its fast-paced storylines and stellar ensemble cast. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney portray Marty and Wendy Byrde, a couple compelled to relocate their family to the Ozarks in order to launder money for a drug cartel. Julia Garner steals the show as Ruth Langmore, a local woman who becomes entangled in the Byrdes' illicit business.
Lupin
Emmanuel Guimier
This French mystery thriller stars Omar Sy as Assane Diop, a man inspired by the legendary master thief Arsène Lupin. When Assane's father is wrongly accused of a robbery, he decides to seek revenge by using his own skills and drawing inspiration from Lupin's exploits. Part 3 is already in production as a result of the immense success of Lupin on Netflix.
Mindhunter
David Fincher's meticulous directorial style is masterfully applied to the television medium in one of Netflix's most remarkable shows to date. Mindhunter follows the journey of FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (the outstanding Holt McCallany) over two seasons as they interview serial killers in the emerging field of criminal psychology.
In a refreshing twist on conventional character dynamics, the young agent is often detached and cold, while the older agent expresses concern about the consequences of their actions. The chemistry between the two leads, combined with Mindhunter's profound exploration of our culture's fascination with serial killers and the methodologies employed to apprehend them, make this show exceptional. Unlike other shows in the genre, Mindhunter never succumbs to exploiting its subject matter.
To truly appreciate Fincher's meticulous vision, take a look at this mind-blowing VFX reel from the show, which forever changed the way I perceive modern cinema. —Pete Volk
Babylon Berlin
Berlin in 1929 was a city on the brink. The Weimar Republic, a time of economic uncertainty and the rise of the Nazi Party, loomed just ahead. However, in Babylon Berlin, we witness a snapshot of the 1920s before the darkness and chaos fully engulfed the city. It was an era where the aftermath of an economic downturn could give rise to both extravagant clubs of the roaring '20s and a looming sense of impending doom.
Babylon Berlin follows two primary characters who embody this tension: Gereon Rath, a vice inspector tasked with dismantling an extortion ring, and Charlotte Ritter, a police clerk who also works as a sex worker. Together, they offer contrasting perspectives on the fading days of the Weimar Republic. Amidst the corruption and decay, they find glimmers of hope in a world that could have been.
What sets Babylon Berlin apart is its deliberate pace. It is a show that takes its time, allowing the mystery to unfold slowly. Answers aren't readily available, and political landscapes don't change overnight. By treating history and conspiracy with equal gravity and meticulousness, Babylon Berlin presents a twisty, hardboiled detective story that will stand the test of time. —Zosha Millman
Ganglands
French action cinema is experiencing a resurgence, and director Julien Leclercq is at the forefront of this movement. Known for his work on the thrilling Olga Kurylenko movie "Sentinelle," the Jean-Claude Van Damme-led "The Bouncer," and the tense crime thriller "Braqueurs" (also known as "The Crew"), Leclercq has now ventured into television with the Netflix series "Ganglands" (also known as "Braqueurs").
While "Ganglands" shares the same name and lead actor as Leclercq's previous film, it is not a direct sequel or remake. The series follows a crew of expert armed robbers who become entangled in a gang war. Their exceptional skills make them highly sought after, even by the very people they target.
Leclercq and writer Hamid Hlioua have crafted an intense thriller. The series is anchored by powerful performances from the cast and showcases Leclercq's skill in building tension and action. The second season of "Ganglands," recently released on Netflix, is just as captivating as the first and is well worth your time. —Pete Volk
Erased
"Erased" is a sci-fi mystery thriller miniseries from 2016 that revolves around Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old delivery man who inexplicably finds himself transported back in time to his 11-year-old self. Driven by the desire to save his mother and his childhood classmate, who both experienced mysterious deaths and disappearances, Satoru harnesses his future knowledge and ability to alter the past in order to apprehend the true culprit and bring them to justice.
"Erased" is a gripping anime thriller that keeps audiences guessing until its exhilarating conclusion. With its intricate plot twists and turns, the series never fails to captivate. —Toussaint Egan
The Night Agent
Sometimes, you crave a thrilling experience that doesn't require much mental effort. "The Night Agent" on Netflix is the perfect example of a plot-driven popcorn thriller that manages to elevate itself through the unexpected chemistry between its two leads.
Adapted by Shawn Ryan, the creator of "The Shield," from a novel, "The Night Agent" follows Gabriel Basso as an FBI agent assigned to monitor a seemingly insignificant phone line in the White House basement. When that phone rings one fateful night, he and the person on the other end, played by Luciane Buchanan, find themselves pulled into a vast conspiracy that threatens to upend everything they know.
"The Night Agent" is a labyrinthine story that keeps viewers on their toes. The solid performances of the cast and Ryan's ability to build tension and conflict only add to its allure. —PV
Monster
If you enjoyed the 1960s crime drama series "The Fugitive," then you'll likely be enthralled by the 2004 anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's psychological thriller manga, "Monster." In fact, the series draws inspiration from "The Fugitive." Set in Germany before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, "Monster" centers around the story of Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon residing in Düsseldorf. Accused of murdering his superiors, Tenma goes on the run to clear his name and track down the true perpetrator—a young man he had previously treated.
With 74 episodes, "Monster" weaves a complex tale filled with an engaging ensemble cast and countless unsettling twists and revelations. It's a psychological drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like a Matryoshka doll filled with surprises. —TE
In a world constantly overrun with options for entertainment, finding a TV show that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat can be quite the challenge. Luckily, the thrilling world of suspenseful drama is alive and thriving, and these top thriller TV shows are proof of that. From the psychological mindgames of "Killing Eve" to the nail-biting mystery of "Squid Game," these shows provide a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you begging for more. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure that you won't soon forget.
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