If you’re a fan of the crime thriller genre and loved Dexter, you’re in for a treat. Below, we’ve curated a list of 20 TV shows that offer the same thrill, suspense, and dark themes. Check out these recommendations and dive into a world of complex characters and gripping narratives.
1. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad follows the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. The series delves into his moral descent and the dangerous world of drugs, crime, and family dynamics.
2. Hannibal
Hannibal explores the twisted relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a forensic psychiatrist with a penchant for cannibalism. The show blends psychological horror with crime procedural elements.
3. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is based on real-life FBI agents (Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany) who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think. The series offers a chilling look into the minds of some of history’s most notorious criminals.
4. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as detectives investigating a bizarre murder in Louisiana, blending crime drama with philosophical musings.
5. The Following
The Following stars Kevin Bacon as a former FBI agent drawn back into the field to track down a serial killer (James Purefoy) who has created a cult of followers. The series is a tense cat-and-mouse game filled with suspense and psychological twists.
6. Bates Motel
Bates Motel serves as a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, focusing on Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his complicated relationship with his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga). The show delves into Norman’s descent into madness and his dark alter ego.
7. The Sinner
The Sinner stars Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman in a series that begins with a seemingly inexplicable crime. Each season unravels the motivations behind a different crime, focusing on the psychological aspects of why ordinary people commit heinous acts.
8. Narcos
Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of drug kingpins in Colombia, focusing initially on Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). The series provides a gritty look at the drug trade and the law enforcement efforts to combat it.
9. You
You stars Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, a charming yet obsessive young man who becomes infatuated with women and goes to extreme lengths to insert himself into their lives. The show explores themes of obsession, love, and the dangers of social media.
10. Ozark
Ozark follows financial planner Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. The series features tense family dynamics and the dangerous criminal enterprises they get entangled with.
11. Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot stars Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who suffers from mental health issues. The series dives into themes of corporate greed, hacking, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.
12. Luther
Luther features Idris Elba as Detective John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective in London. The show combines intense psychological drama with gripping crime stories, showcasing Luther’s relentless pursuit of justice.
13. Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful is a horror drama that brings together characters from classic literature, including Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray. Starring Eva Green and Josh Hartnett, the series offers a dark and gothic take on crime and supernatural elements.
14. The Killing
The Killing follows detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate the murder of a young girl in Seattle. The series is known for its slow-burn storytelling and complex character development.
15. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch, is a cult classic that blends crime, mystery, and surrealism. The show follows FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of Laura Palmer in a small town filled with eccentric characters.
16. American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an anthology series with each season telling a different horror story. Featuring a rotating cast including Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson, the series explores various themes of horror, crime, and the supernatural.
17. The Blacklist
The Blacklist stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former criminal mastermind who turns himself in to the FBI and offers to help catch other criminals. The show is filled with twists, turns, and a deep dive into the criminal underworld.
18. Sherlock
Sherlock offers a modern take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. The series combines clever mysteries with sharp wit and dynamic character interactions.
19. Fargo
Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name. Each season features a new crime story with a unique cast, including actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Kirsten Dunst, blending dark humor with suspenseful storytelling.
20. Dexter: New Blood
Dexter: New Blood is a continuation of the original Dexter series, bringing back Michael C. Hall as the titular character. Set years after the original series, Dexter now lives under a new identity but finds himself drawn back into his old ways.
