It’s unusual to witness a television drama capture audiences quite like this one did upon its debut in 2017, and years on, viewers continue to champion it enthusiastically.
The gripping psychological crime thriller Mindhunter quickly amassed a devoted following when it first appeared seven years ago. Set during the 1970s, when criminal profiling was in its infancy, and drawing from a true crime book, the programme chronicles the FBI’s behavioural science unit as they hunt down serial killers.
The narrative centres on three key figures: FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, alongside psychologist Wendy Carr, who run the FBI’s Behavioural Science Unit. Together, this formidable team embarks on a groundbreaking initiative to interview convicted murderers already behind bars, attempting to understand their mindset and psychological makeup.
Through these interviews, they aim to develop deeper insights into the criminals they’re currently pursuing, hoping to crack active investigations. However, as the programme progresses into its second season, the timeline shifts to the 1980s, exploring the genuine case of murderer Wayne Williams.
One fan wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “Very, very well written, hooked right from the start, this could easily be one of the best shows Netflix created. Shame on them for letting it slip away.”
Another viewer said: “One of the best shows ever! A masterpiece. Incredibly sad it wasn’t renewed.”
One viewer shared their opinion after watching the critically acclaimed series, writing: “Mindhunter is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gets under your skin in the best way. The writing is sharp, the performances are outstanding, and the attention to detail in portraying real-life serial killers is chilling.”
The entire first season, consisting of 10 episodes, arrived on Netflix in 2017, and following overwhelming response from audiences, a second season followed in 2019. In 2020, it was revealed that the show’s creators were pursuing different projects but remained open to ‘revisiting’ Mindhunter down the line – until 2023, when the series was officially declared finished.
The beloved drama features Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford, Holt McCallany as Bill Tench and Anna Torv as Wendy Carr. Leading the production was celebrated director David Fincher, renowned for his exceptional work on 1990s films including Alien 3 and Fight Club, alongside contemporary hits such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl.
One fan praised the entire production, stating, “Possibly the best show Netflix has made. No frills. Just amazing writing, directing, and acting. Everything. The attention to detail is remarkable.”
Another review says: “It’s smart, methodical, and deeply unsettling-a masterclass in tension and character study. Just shy of perfect, only because it left me wanting more seasons!”
Another viewer described it as “one of the best shows they’ve seen in a long time”, adding: “It starts slowly, allowing you to get to know all the characters and the depth they offer. I highly recommend this show.”
For those looking to immerse themselves in a compelling binge-watch, both series of Mindhunter are currently available to stream on Netflix.
