Fifteen years ago, on April 3, 2009, AMC premiered The Killing, an American adaptation of the acclaimed Danish crime drama Forbrydelsen. The series, which relocated its setting to the perpetually overcast skies of Seattle, quickly established itself as a standout in the burgeoning genre of Nordic noir-inspired television. Starring Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman as Seattle homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder, The Killing captivated audiences with its deliberate pacing, complex character studies, and season-long mysteries that eschewed the typical procedural format of solving a crime within a single episode. The show’s successful transition from AMC to Netflix for its final two seasons further cemented its status as a beloved, albeit often debated, crime drama. As fans continue to revisit its four seasons or seek out similar atmospheric thrillers, a wealth of compelling television offers a comparable viewing experience. This curated list explores ten such series that capture the spirit of The Killing, from its original inspiration to contemporary dramas that echo its thematic and stylistic nuances.
The Enduring Appeal of Nordic Noir and The Killing‘s Legacy
The Killing‘s success was not merely a fluke; it tapped into a growing international appetite for crime dramas that prioritized psychological depth and intricate plotting over action-packed sequences. The Danish original, Forbrydelsen (which translates to The Crime), had already garnered significant critical acclaim, setting a high bar for its American counterpart. Veena Sud, the screenwriter behind the U.S. adaptation, masterfully translated the atmospheric tension and character-driven narrative to an American audience. The series’ commitment to exploring the ripple effects of a single murder on a community, a family, and the investigators themselves, proved to be a winning formula.
The deliberate unfolding of the central mysteries across entire seasons—and sometimes even across multiple seasons—was a radical departure from the norm. This slow-burn approach allowed for a profound immersion into the lives of the characters, blurring the lines between victim, suspect, and detective. The gritty realism, the often bleak emotional landscapes, and the morally ambiguous characters resonated deeply, establishing a benchmark for subsequent crime dramas. Even today, The Killing remains accessible on various streaming platforms, including Hulu, inviting new viewers to discover its compelling narrative and offering a nostalgic rewatch for long-time fans.
Exploring the Roots: The Original Danish Series
1. Forbrydelsen (The Killing)
Before The Killing graced American screens, its Danish progenitor, Forbrydelsen, set the standard for intelligent, character-driven crime dramas. Debuting in 2007, the original series starred Sofie Gråbøl as Detective Inspector Sarah Lund, an officer whose distinctive knitted sweaters became as iconic as the show’s gripping narrative. Much like its American adaptation, the first season of Forbrydelsen meticulously unravels the murder of a teenage girl, mirroring the core mystery of The Killing‘s initial two seasons. Viewers who appreciated the intricate plotting and the nuanced portrayal of grief and suspicion in the American version will find themselves equally engrossed in the Danish original. The deliberate pacing and the focus on the human cost of crime are hallmarks of both series, offering a powerful and often haunting viewing experience.
Forbrydelsen is available for streaming on Hoopla and MHz Choice, providing an authentic taste of the genre that inspired a global phenomenon. The series not only showcases the raw talent of its cast, including Søren Malling as Detective Lennart Brix, but also highlights the distinctive Scandinavian sensibility that defines Nordic noir. Its success paved the way for a wave of international crime dramas to gain traction in the U.S., proving that compelling storytelling transcends geographical and linguistic barriers.
Echoes of the Seattle Detective Duo: Shows Featuring Driven Investigators
The dynamic between Mireille Enos’s determined Sarah Linden and Joel Kinnaman’s morally flexible Stephen Holder was central to The Killing‘s success. Their complex partnership, fraught with personal demons and professional challenges, mirrored the gritty realism of the cases they investigated. Several other series feature similarly compelling investigative duos or singular detectives grappling with darkness.
2. The Fall
Gillian Anderson delivers a mesmerizing performance as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson in The Fall, a chilling British-Irish crime drama. Set in Belfast, the series delves into the investigation of a string of meticulously planned murders of young women. What sets The Fall apart is its bold narrative choice: the audience is privy to the killer’s identity from the outset. Jamie Dornan portrays Paul Spector, a seemingly ordinary family man with a dark secret. This allows the series to explore the cat-and-mouse game between Gibson and Spector with a palpable sense of dread and psychological intensity. The contrast between Gibson’s icy intellect and Spector’s disturbing duality creates a captivating and often unsettling viewing experience, much like the slow-burn tension in The Killing.
The Fall is lauded for its sophisticated portrayal of both the investigative process and the psychological complexities of its characters. Anderson’s portrayal of Gibson as a brilliant, uncompromising investigator navigating a male-dominated field earned critical acclaim, while Dornan’s unsettling performance as Spector became a career-defining role. The series is currently available on a multitude of platforms, including Acorn TV, AMC+, BritBox, Fawesome, Peacock, Pluto TV, and Prime Video, making it highly accessible for viewers seeking sophisticated crime narratives.
3. Under the Bridge
Based on the true-crime book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey, Under the Bridge offers a poignant and disturbing look at the 1997 murder of teenager Reena Virk in Saanich, British Columbia. This limited series draws parallels to The Killing in its focus on a community grappling with the horrific aftermath of a young person’s death and the subsequent investigation. Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone shines as the police officer tasked with uncovering the truth behind Virk’s brutal murder, a case that exposes the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic town. Riley Keough portrays author Rebecca Godfrey, who becomes deeply involved in the case. The series excels in its empathetic yet unflinching depiction of the events, highlighting the complexities of teenage life, social pressures, and the devastating consequences of violence.
Under the Bridge provides a stark reminder of the real-life tragedies that inspire such narratives, offering a grounded and emotionally resonant exploration of a crime that shook a nation. Its availability on Hulu makes it a readily accessible option for fans of true-crime dramas and character-driven mysteries.
4. Broadchurch
Broadchurch is another British crime drama that masterfully captures the emotional toll of a murder investigation on a small, close-knit community. Set in the fictional coastal town of Broadchurch, the series centers on the investigation into the death of young Danny Latimer. Detectives Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) and Alec Hardy (David Tennant) are tasked with unraveling the mystery, facing not only the complexities of the case but also the distrust and suspicion of their own neighbors. The series is celebrated for its superb acting, particularly from Colman and Tennant, and its ability to weave a compelling narrative that explores themes of grief, guilt, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of ordinary lives.
The success of Broadchurch can be attributed to its nuanced character development and its commitment to exploring the profound impact of tragedy on a community. The show’s ability to create a palpable sense of place and atmosphere, much like The Killing, draws viewers into its world and keeps them invested in the outcome.
5. Cardinal
Canadian crime drama Cardinal plunges viewers into the harsh, snow-covered landscapes of northern Alberta as Detectives John Cardinal (Billy Campbell) and Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse) investigate the murder of a local youth. While the premise of a murder investigation echoes The Killing, Cardinal adds a layer of intrigue with an ongoing subplot involving Delorme secretly investigating Cardinal himself on suspicion of corruption. This dual layer of investigation, where trust is a precarious commodity, adds a unique tension to the series. The bleak, unforgiving environment serves as a potent backdrop, mirroring the emotional weight of the crimes being investigated.
Cardinal distinguishes itself through its atmospheric cinematography and its complex character dynamics. The series offers a gritty and compelling look at the challenges faced by law enforcement in remote regions, where the landscape itself can be as formidable as the criminals they pursue. It is currently available to stream on Hulu.
6. The Outsider
Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, HBO’s The Outsider presents a chilling blend of crime procedural and supernatural horror. The series begins with the seemingly straightforward investigation into the brutal murder of a young boy, Frankie Peterson. Detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn), a grieving father, finds himself perplexed by the contradictory evidence that points to Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman), a well-respected Little League coach, as the killer, yet also presents an airtight alibi. As the investigation deepens, it uncovers a darkness that transcends conventional explanations, venturing into the realm of the uncanny. Julianne Nicholson and Cynthia Erivo also star in this suspenseful adaptation.
The Outsider captivates with its masterful tension-building and its exploration of how ordinary lives can be shattered by inexplicable forces. The series effectively merges the grounded realism of a police investigation with King’s signature brand of unsettling horror, offering a unique and compelling viewing experience. It is currently streaming on HBO Max.
7. Top of the Lake
From the acclaimed filmmaker Jane Campion, Top of the Lake is a visually stunning and emotionally charged mystery drama that unfolds across two distinct seasons. Both installments center on crimes involving young women and feature Elisabeth Moss as Detective Robin Griffin, a detective haunted by her past. The first season, set in a remote New Zealand lakeside town, follows Griffin’s investigation into the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The second season, China Girl, relocates the story to Sydney and delves into a new case involving the murder of a young woman. The series is notable for its strong female characters, its exploration of complex social issues, and its ensemble cast, which includes Oscar winners Holly Hunter and Nicole Kidman in supporting roles.
Top of the Lake stands out for its atmospheric settings, its nuanced character portrayals, and its willingness to tackle difficult themes. Moss delivers a powerful performance as the resilient and determined Detective Griffin, navigating personal trauma while seeking justice for victims. The series is currently available on Hulu.
8. Mare of Easttown
HBO’s Mare of Easttown became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to Kate Winslet’s powerhouse performance as Mare Sheehan, a detective in a small Pennsylvania town grappling with personal tragedy and a seemingly unsolvable murder. The series masterfully blends the conventions of the police procedural with a deeply intimate character study. Mare is a flawed but fiercely dedicated investigator trying to solve the murder of a teenage mother while her own life unravels. The series garnered significant critical acclaim, with Winslet, Evan Peters, and Julianne Nicholson all winning Emmy Awards for their performances.
Mare of Easttown resonated with audiences for its authentic portrayal of small-town life, its complex characters, and its gripping mystery. The series is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and exceptional acting, offering a rich and emotionally resonant viewing experience. It is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Reunions and Related Works: The The Killing Connection
The enduring appeal of The Killing has also led to significant reunions for its lead actors, creating compelling new projects that fans of the original series will appreciate.
9. Hanna
Hanna, a series adapted from the 2011 action thriller of the same name, marks a notable reunion for Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman. In this adaptation, Enos and Kinnaman reprise their roles as Marissa and Erik, respectively, characters who were central to the film’s narrative of a young woman with extraordinary abilities on the run from the CIA. The series follows Hanna as she navigates her unique capabilities and seeks to uncover the truth about her origins, all while evading relentless pursuit. While not a murder mystery in the vein of The Killing, Hanna offers a thrilling action-adventure narrative with the same captivating chemistry between its lead actors.
The series’ stylish direction and compelling plot make it a worthwhile watch for fans of its stars. Hanna is currently streaming on Prime Video, offering a different genre exploration for viewers who enjoyed Enos and Kinnaman’s performances in The Killing.
10. For All Mankind
While For All Mankind diverges from the crime drama genre, it offers another significant pairing of Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, showcasing their versatility. This critically acclaimed alternate-history drama imagines a world where the space race never ended, continuing into the modern era with an ongoing competition between the United States and Russia to reach Mars. Joel Kinnaman stars as astronaut Edward Baldwin, a central figure throughout the series’ run. Mireille Enos joins the cast in Season 5 as Celia Boyd, a Mars peacekeeper, marking yet another collaboration between the two actors. The series premiered on March 27, 2024, with its fifth season, providing a continuous platform for their onscreen partnership.
For All Mankind has been lauded for its ambitious storytelling, its detailed historical reimagining, and its compelling character arcs. The series offers a different kind of immersive experience, one rooted in scientific ambition and human endeavor, yet still featuring the strong performances that fans of The Killing have come to expect from Enos and Kinnaman. It is currently available on Apple TV.
These ten series, ranging from the original inspiration to contemporary dramas and even genre-bending collaborations, offer a rich tapestry of compelling crime narratives and character-driven storytelling that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of The Killing. Whether seeking the atmospheric dread of Nordic noir, the intricate plotting of a season-long mystery, or the compelling performances of talented actors, these shows promise to satisfy the craving for intelligent and engaging television.
