Netflix’s 2017 series Mindhunter has been recognized as the best crime-mystery TV show of all time. The series, created by David Fincher and based on real FBI criminal profiling, continues to captivate audiences years after its final season aired.
Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they establish the Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s. With academic psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) supporting their work, the agents interview imprisoned serial killers to understand their behavior.
Unlike traditional crime shows, Mindhunter focuses on understanding the minds of killers, making it one of the most chilling and intelligent crime dramas ever produced, according to Collider.
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From its debut on Oct. 13, 2017, Mindhunter drew critical acclaim for its meticulous storytelling and period authenticity. Season 1 received a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 79, earning it spots on numerous best-of lists for 2017.
Critics praised the series for its “slow-burn” approach, focusing on psychology rather than fast-paced action.
Cameron Britton’s performance as real-life serial killer Edmund Kemper was particularly standout, earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination. Jonathan Groff also won a Satellite Award for his role as Holden Ford.
Even six years after the series ended in 2019, Mindhunter fans are holding out hope for new content. In a 2025 interview with CBR, Holt McCallany shared that David Fincher has discussed a potential return in the form of three two-hour movies for Netflix. McCallany said:
“David has to be happy with scripts. It’s a big question mark, but there is a chance. The sun, the moon, and the stars would all have to align.”
Despite the uncertainty, this news has reignited excitement among fans who still consider Mindhunter a masterpiece of crime storytelling.Although it ended, Mindhunter remains a reference point for crime TV shows and has helped solidify Netflix as a hub for high-quality original content. Fans are reminded why the series earned its top spot: its compelling storytelling, gripping performances and a commitment to exploring the darkest corners of the human mind.
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