The most gripping and mind-bending psychological thriller shows are the ones that keep you on the edge of your seat, leaving you craving for more suspense, drama, and intrigue. This exhilarating list showcases captivating images from these thrilling shows, making it easy for you to identify them. When there’s a cunning criminal on the loose or a mastermind killer outsmarting everyone, a brilliant forensic psychologist is there to crack the case.
These thrilling TV shows have been captivating audiences for years, sparking endless debates about which ones are the most entertaining. Don’t let your beloved shows end up at the bottom of the pile – ensure they rise to the top by giving them your enthusiastic support. Discover fascinating details about the cast and premiere dates for each show below.
Among the incredible shows featured on this list are the iconic Twin Peaks and the chilling Hannibal. If you’re a fan of streaming services, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are also incredible psychological shows like The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix and Homecoming on Amazon Video. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as new and exhilarating thrillers are constantly making their debut.
So, if you’re curious about the ultimate psychological thriller show of all time or eager to explore the most mind-bending series, this list has got you covered. Show your love for your favorites and let’s uncover which psychological thrillers reign supreme on television!
1. Hannibal
The TV show Hannibal quickly became a huge success, loved by both viewers and critics alike. It centers on Jack Crawford, an investigator who is on the trail of the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lecter. The most captivating aspect of this psychological thriller is the incredible dynamic between Hugh Dancy’s character, a criminal profiler, and Mads Mikkelsen’s character, the chilling serial killer himself.
Premiered: April 4, 2013
Actors: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne
2. Mindhunter
Helmed by the talented David Fincher, Mindhunter is set in the early days of criminal profiling. FBI Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench team up with psychologist Wendy Carr to delve into the minds of imprisoned serial killers. Their goal? To gain insight into the twisted psychology that drives these criminals. The series draws inspiration from a book written by a former FBI Agent, and it even includes depictions of real-life serial killers. Mindhunter has garnered widespread praise for its deliberate pacing and meticulous attention to detail.
Premiered: October 13, 2017
Actors: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
3. The Other Black Girl
Nella is tired of being the only Black girl at her company. However, her excitement grows when Hazel is hired.
Premiered: September 13, 2023
Actors: Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola
4. Dexter
Imagine if there was a serial killer who targeted other serial killers. Meet Dexter, a man whose troubled past at the tender age of three led to uncontrollable urges that would plague him for life. In an effort to fulfill these urges while still maintaining a sense of righteousness, he chooses to work as a forensic analyst for the Miami PD by day and transforms into a vigilante killer by night. The compelling aspect of Dexter’s story lies in his constant battle to conceal his dark side and form genuine connections with others, making it a captivating twist in the realm of psychological thriller shows.
Premiered: October 1, 2006
Actors: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
5. The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House is an anthology miniseries that will blow your mind! It’s got not one, but two spine-chilling TV shows that will leave you terrified and emotionally wrecked.
In season one, we meet the Crain family, who had the misfortune of growing up in a house haunted by paranormal activity. These siblings went on to lead very different lives, only to be brought back together when the past comes knocking. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions as they confront their childhood horrors.
Season two takes on an adaptation of Henry James’s classic novel, The Turn of the Screw. We follow an au pair who starts seeing ghostly apparitions at the manor she works in. Talk about a creepy twist on a classic tale!
Both seasons of The Haunting of Hill House will have you on the edge of your seat. They deliver scares and tug at your heartstrings with equal intensity. Get ready for a wild ride through the supernatural!
Premiered: October 12, 2018
Actors: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton
6. Black Mirror
Black Mirror was a total hit when it first came on the scene. This British TV series is made up of standalone episodes, each with its own dystopian story that usually ends in a pretty harsh way. The topics covered in the episodes can vary, from politics to love to revenge, but they all revolve around the dark side of our increasingly digital society. It’s the way Black Mirror immerses viewers into these technology-obsessed worlds and then delivers a shocking blow that has made it such a highly regarded and impactful series of the 2010s.
Premiered: December 4, 2011
Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Toby Kebbell, Rory Kinnear
7. You
A pretty face can take you places you never imagined. Take, for instance, the show You, featuring Penn Badgley. It delves into the twisted mind of a deranged stalker serial killer, but surprisingly, viewers have also developed a strange fascination with the character. Joe Goldberg, played by Badgley, goes to great lengths to track his love interests through social media, all while leading a seemingly normal life as a bookstore manager.
Premiered: September 9, 2018
Actors: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie
8. Sherlock
The Sherlock series features the dynamic duo of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who brilliantly bring the characters of Holmes and Watson to life. In every episode, they tackle complex puzzles and enigmatic mysteries, often drawing inspiration from the original works. The undeniable chemistry between the lead actors, combined with Cumberbatch’s razor-sharp portrayal of Holmes, turns this show into an irresistible binge-watch that hooks you from the very start.
Premiered: July 25, 2010
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
9. Bates Motel
Bates Motel takes place in the present day and serves as a prequel to the iconic Psycho. It delves into the early life of Norman Bates, shedding light on the factors that shaped his twisted personality. With its emphasis on psychological manipulation, fear-inducing strategies, and a deep exploration of disturbing family dynamics, Bates Motel undoubtedly captivates its viewers, making it impossible to avert their gaze.
Premiered: March 18, 2013
Actors: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot
10. The Night Agent
An FBI agent finds himself in a dangerous conspiracy at the White House, involving a mole.
Premiered: March 23, 2023
Actors: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau
11. The Sinner
The Sinner was a massive hit when it first came out, so much so that it evolved from being a miniseries into an anthology. In the show, Detective Harry Ambrose, portrayed by the talented Bill Pullman, tackles crime cases while delving deep into the motives behind each one. It’s essentially a thrilling whodunnit with a lot of substance, captivating viewers with its exceptional acting and intricate plot twists.
Premiered: August 2, 2017
Actors: Bill Pullman, Jessica Hecht, Frances Fisher