If you’re a fan of crime thrillers and serial killer mysteries, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of the best serial killer series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
From historical dramas to modern tales of murder and mayhem, these shows offer a captivating look into the minds of both the killers and those determined to stop them. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of chilling suspense.
Best Serial Killer Series of All Time
If you’re a fan of suspense, mystery, and the thrill of solving crimes, these top serial killer TV Shows are sure to satisfy your cravings for a captivating viewing experience.
Each TV series offers a unique perspective on the dark world of serial killers, making them a must-watch for any true crime aficionado. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare for a binge-watching session filled with suspense and intrigue.
1. Whitechapel
It is a four-season British drama series. It aired from February 2, 2009, to October 9, 2013, on ITV. And in France from December 18, 2009, on Arte and Paris Première. Whitechapel is a television adaptation of the famous Jack the Ripper story. It takes place in London in 1880.
The series relates the atrocities committed by the serial killer whose true identity no one knows until today. The English series Whitechapel takes up this story in many details. A series of investigations, but also a way to discover or rediscover this history which has become sadly popular.
2. Dexter
A famous 8-season American television series, Dexter aired from October 1, 2006, to September 22, 2013, on Showtime in the United States. It is obviously impossible to make a ranking of a series of serial killers without mentioning DEXTER.
This is without a doubt one of the best serial killer series. It tells the story of Dexter, a serial killer police officer, who targets only bad guys of the worst kind. Note that this character is inspired by the real Miami serial killer cop: Manuel Pardo Jr.
3. Hannibal
It is a three-season American drama and crime series. It aired from April 4, 2013, to August 29, 2015, on NBC in the United States and on Citytv in Canada. This series introduces the general public to the twisted and strange character of Hannibal Lecter a little more. The famous serial killer who feasted on human meats.
The series is very disturbing but beautiful. She tells the story of the cannibalistic psychiatrist and his patient: an FBI profiler. You’d really have to have your heart and stomach hooked to feast on three seasons of this creepy series.
4. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a two-season American thriller airing on Netflix from October 13, 2017. It is inspired by the books Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. This is a must-see and memorable series featuring serial killers par excellence. Characters such as Ed Kemper or Charles Manson are almost identical to real assassins.
The series also focuses on the beginnings of profiling. FBI agents of the 1970s never analyzed mass murderers. You will find out how they organized themselves to tackle the various macabre acts of serial killers.
5. American Crime Story
American anthology series, mix dramatic, biographical, and detective genres. This crime story has been airing since February 2, 2016, on the American FX channel, as well as on FX Canada. The series revisits the crime stories that hit the headlines. Its first season deals with the case of OJ Simpson, the American football star accused of the murder of his ex-wife.
While the second season addresses another story just as intriguing: the assassination of Gianni Versace in 1997. This season 2 was also a great success, with a success of the scenario.
6. Bates Motel
It is a five-season dramatic thriller, airing from March 18, 2013, to April 24, 2017, on A&E. This series, is about a young version of the psychopath Norman Bates having a rather special relationship with his mother. A rather unhealthy mother-son relationship, but it will make us learn a lot of things about the young Norman Bates.
Bates Motel is the story of a serial killer’s youth as well as that of his relationship with those around him. This series combines both intrigue and disgust. What to understand a little more about the deep motivations of a serial killer.
7. Absentia
Absentia is a three-season American thriller, detective, and drama. Still, in production, the series has been broadcast since September 25, 2017, on the European channel AXN. This series turns the tables by making the serial killer the prey of one of his previous victims.
An FBI agent strangely disappears for six years while hunting down a serial killer. When she wakes up, her life is not the same and when her attacker begins to kill again, a story of revenge is born. This series is rich in suspense.
8. You
It is a two-season American psychological thriller that has aired since September 9, 2018. The Lifetime channel is entitled to its first season, but Netflix has picked it up since its second. A young bookseller falls head over heels in love with one of his clients.
However, the youngster is not just a bookseller. He nourishes a deep obsession for his client which will lead him to spy on her, follow her, and track her down on the networks. In truth, it is about a psychopath par excellence, but above all a killer.
9. The Alienist
Set in the grim and gritty backdrop of New York City in 1896, “The Alienist” unravels a series of gruesome murders involving boy prostitutes.
Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt made an unconventional choice by appointing Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist, and the talented newspaper illustrator John Moore to investigate the case.
Together, they delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche, attempting to unmask the elusive serial killer lurking in the shadows.
10. Killing Eve
“Killing Eve,” created by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, introduces us to Villanelle, a highly skilled assassin. Although not a traditional serial killer, Villanelle’s unique methods and record make her equally intriguing.
The story follows Eve, an intelligence agency operative tasked with eliminating Villanelle. As the series unfolds, an inexplicable connection between the two women begins to surface, turning the show into a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.
11. The Sinner
Adapted from Petra Hammesfahr’s gripping novel, “The Sinner” is an anthology crime drama. Each season brings a new crime and its investigation to the forefront.
The TV show takes you through a rollercoaster of mysteries, each more perplexing than the last, making it a must-watch for any true crime enthusiast.
12. The Valhalla Murders
Based on real incidents at a state-run institution for troubled boys in Iceland, “The Valhalla Murders” centers on Arnar, who’s sent from Oslo to investigate Iceland’s first serial killer case.
As he delves deeper into the chilling mystery, he uncovers dark secrets and an unsettling web of intrigue that will leave you breathless.
13. Beyond Evil
If you’re a fan of Korean cinema and serial killer stories, “Beyond Evil” is a must-see. This series follows two detectives, Lee Dong-sik and Han Joo-won, as they pursue a serial killer with their own hidden secrets. With an intricate plot and a dose of suspense, it’s a Korean masterpiece that’s bound to keep you hooked.
14. The Serpent
“The Serpent” is a miniseries based on the real-life serial killer Charles Sobhraj. Set in Bangkok, Thailand, Sobhraj drugged and robbed young backpackers who passed through the city.
This chilling and suspenseful series reimagines the horrifying events, making it a compelling watch for true crime enthusiasts.
15. Eye Candy
In “Eye Candy,” Victoria Justice plays Lindy, a tech genius who delves into the world of online dating. When her friends in the cyber police discover a potential serial killer in Manhattan, Lindy’s own date becomes a prime suspect. She joins forces with a group of hackers to solve the case, bringing her unique detective skills to the streets of NYC.
16. Scream Queens
“Scream Queens” is a campy, satirical series that not only pays homage to the horror genre but also features an all-star cast. It’s set in a college sorority where a string of murders keeps occurring, turning all the sisters into suspects. With humor and horror combined, this show offers a unique take on the classic whodunit formula.
Also Read: Best Psychological Thriller-based Movies
