Adapted from Harlen Coben’s compelling 2016 novel of the same name, Fool Me Once has taken Netflix by storm. The eight-part thriller series follows Maya Stern, whose life takes an unexpected turn after the tragic murder of her husband, Joe. Maya sets up a nanny camera to keep an eye on her daughter, Lilly, but soon sees her late husband appear on the camera, which triggers a cascade of mystery.
If you’re a fan of a gripping plot coupled with complex and unique characters, Fool Me Once brings you to an enthralling edge with twists and turns that don’t stop coming. As we immerse ourselves in the baffling world of Fool Me Once, let’s visit 10 Thrilling Crime Shows to Watch, picked to satisfy your craving for suspense and thrill.
10 The Stranger
In the realm of gripping crime shows, The Stranger stands out as a recent sensation that has quickly captivated audiences since its debut on Netflix. Another thriller adapted from a bestselling novel by Harlan Coben, this thriller skyrocketed and became a top ten most popular show, sparking conversations on social media and leaving viewers hooked from the first episode. Following a happy married father of two, Adam, his quiet life takes a shocking turn when a stranger comes to reveal his wife isn’t who he thinks he is.
Secrets and Strangers
Netflix’s The Stranger is undeniably immersive, weaving a tale of deception and heartbreak that takes unexpected turns, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Adapted from Harlan Coben’s novel, the series diverges from the source material but delivers a terrifically winding road of mystery and emotion. This gem is a rollercoaster of emotions, reminding the audience that secrets, once exposed, can lead to a resounding yes to whether life would have been better without them.
9 Money Heist
Money Heist
- Cast
- Enrique Arce , Rodrigo De la Serna , Najwa Nimri
- Seasons
- 5
Money Heist is a Spanish crime drama that has surged to global acclaim, initially finding its roots on Spanish TV before captivating audiences globally on Netflix. Created by Álex Pina, the series unfolds two meticulously planned heists orchestrated by the mysterious “Professor,” narrated from the perspective of one of the robbers, Tokyo. The gripping story takes place in Madrid and revolves around a group recruited by the Professor to execute an audacious plan: infiltrating the Royal Mint of Spain and then, the Bank of Spain, with the idea of escaping with life-changing amounts of money.
Red Jumpsuits and Revolution
Money Heist earns a place on our list for how the series masterfully delivers an unreliable narrator, important flashbacks, time jumps, and hidden motivations from the characters that create a complex narrative and keep viewers engaged. The series gives us themes of socio-economic inequality, providing commentary on how existing systems don’t benefit everyone in society. The red jumpsuits worn by the gang symbolize revolution, emphasizing the show’s rebellious spirit, while the Salvador Dalí masks underscore the characters’ defiance against authority and national pride.
8 How to Get Away With Murder
How to Get Away with Murder, an American legal drama thriller, emerged as a television phenomenon that captivated audiences from its premiere on ABC in 2014 until its conclusion in 2020. Intricately woven plotlines and unexpected twists are at the heart of How to Get Away with Murder, making it a notable choice. Similar to Fool Me Once, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable narrative structure. The non-linear storytelling adds a layer of complexity, ensuring an engaging experience for those who appreciate suspenseful and intellectually stimulating narratives.
Legal Thrills and Chills
Each season revolves around a central mystery or crime, often involving murder. A non-linear narrative structure is used and challenges viewers to piece together what happened, incorporating flash-forwards and flashbacks. The legal drama is also intricately tied to the personal lives and relationships of the characters as they navigate their own challenges, secrets, and conflicts. This structure adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, as mysteries slowly unravel throughout the season.
7 Narcos
Narcos
- Release Date
- August 28, 2015
- Seasons
- 3
- Cast
- Pedro Pascal , Matias Padin , Damian Alcazar , Alberto Ammann , Michael Stahl-David
Narcos captivates audiences with its intense portrayal of the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, the charismatic yet ruthless drug lord. It begins by exploring the 1970s, a time when Escobar and the Medellín Cartel discovered the profitability of cocaine. Set in Colombia, the first two seasons depict Escobar’s ascent to power as he becomes a billionaire through the production and distribution of cocaine. The narrative intricately weaves together Escobar’s interactions with rival drug lords, the DEA, and various opposition forces.
Navigating Narcos
The series captures the rise and fall of the notorious Medellín Cartel, exploring Escobar’s interactions with DEA agents, rival drug lords, and opposition forces. The first two seasons chronicle Escobar’s ascent to power through cocaine production, while the third pivots to the aftermath, re-focusing on the DEA’s pursuit of the Cali Cartel. Going beyond the classic good-versus-bad dynamic, Narcos goes into the psyche of Pablo Escobar, revealing a man whose insatiable appetites lead to his undoing. The exploration of Escobar’s motivations, contradictions, and the complexities of his character elevates the series beyond a simple crime drama.
6 Vigil
A gripping British police procedural series, Vigil plunges viewers into the deep depths of suspense and mystery. The story unfolds abroad on the HMS Vigil, a fictional ballistic missile submarine of the Royal Navy. The allure of Vigil lies not only in the claustrophobic submarine setting we’re thrust into but also in its multifaceted narrative, blending a mysterious death, a submerged fishing trawler, and the high stakes of nuclear submarines. As the investigation starts to unfold, the plot thickens, revealing a murder staged as an overdose and drawing viewers into a web of intrigue.
Dive Into the Depths
It masterfully combines a thickened plot with elements of mystery and murder. Amy Silva’s investigation takes unexpected turns, revealing a meticulously staged overdose and unraveling a complex web of relationships and loyalties among the submarine crew. The community becomes a microcosm of secrets, rules, and tensions, adding layers to the unfolding drama. The show offers an intriguing alternative for fans of crime dramas, providing a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and social commentary.
5 A Nearly Normal Family
A Nearly Normal Family is a 2023 Swedish drama limited TV series that unfolds a gripping narrative centered around the murder of 32-year-old entrepreneur Chris Olsen. The six-part series, based on M.T. Edvardsson’s novel of the same name, meticulously explores the events before and after the murder, breaking the facade of a seemingly perfect family. The accused, 19-year-old Stella Sandell, triggers a chain reaction, unraveling secrets within her family. The series looks at the complex dynamics of the Sandell family, where the parents, a priest, and a lawyer, grapple with their own hidden truths, prompting viewers to question how well they truly know one another.
Tangled Truths
The innovative storytelling keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, blending crime thriller elements with family drama. The themes explored in the series elevate it beyond a standard murder mystery, delving into family dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of hidden secrets. The appeal of A Nearly Normal Family lies in how it captivates audiences with a suspenseful narrative while addressing universal themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of familial relationships.
4 Safe
safe
- Release Date
- May 10, 2018
- Seasons
- 1
- Cast
- Michael C. Hall , Audrey Fleurot , Marc Warren , Nigel Lindsay , Laila Rouass
Safe is a British television drama series based on the novel by crime author Harlan Coben. Set in England, the series revolves around Tom Delaney, a pediatric surgeon and widowed father of two teenage daughters. Struggling to connect with his grieving daughters after the loss of his wife to cancer, Tom’s life takes a dark turn when his 16-year-old daughter Jenny goes missing. As he frantically searches for her, he unravels a web of secrets in a quiet suburb filled with festering mysteries.
Unlocking the Unseen
The series, spanning eight episodes, delves into the classic TV genre of a seemingly tranquil suburb harboring hidden secrets. When Jenny disappears, Tom is thrust into an amateur investigation, discovering that everyone, including his closest friends and neighbors, could be a suspect. The show explores a community designed for safety, equipped with cameras to expose secrets, yet paradoxically concealing mysteries within its seemingly protected walls. Safe offers a compelling blend of familiar drama and mystery elements, making it a safe choice for those who enjoy gripping and well-paced thrillers.
3 Ozark
Ozark
- Release Date
- July 21, 2017
Ozark is a gripping American crime drama starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as Marty and Wendy Byrde. The show follows the tumultuous life of financial advisor Marty, entangled in a money laundering scheme that goes awry. As he and his family are faced with imminent danger from the Mexican drug cartel he was working with, Marty relocates his family to the Ozarks in a desperate bid to keep his family alive, make amends, and set up a larger operation.
Cartel Chronicles
What sets the show apart is how it can maintain a high level of tension and suspense throughout every episode. The intricate plot pulls together complex character dynamics and motivations, moral dilemmas, and the constant looming danger from both criminal elements and internal family struggles. The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the consequences of its characters’ actions, making it a thought-provoking exploration of morality in the context of crime. As the Byrde family faces relentless, back-to-back challenges, we’re taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, making Ozark a thrilling and emotionally deep experience.
2 You
You is a gripping American psychological thriller television series that captivates audiences with a dark and intense narrative. Based on the books by Caroline Kepnes, the show takes viewers on a twisted journey into the mind of Joe Goldberg. It follows Joe’s toxic obsession with various women, highlighting the dangers of unchecked infatuation and the complexities of his violent tendencies. It stands as a masterclass in crafting a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative, sparking discussions about technology and obsession.
Yearning for You
You stands out as an exceptional thriller series to follow, making it a perfect choice for viewers who enjoyed Fool Me Once. As the story unfolds, viewers head down a dark road of suspense, with unexpected twists and turns that challenge conventional notions of morality. Joe’s character development is both fascinating and disturbing, blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, delivering a thought-provoking experience that lingers in the minds of its audience.
1 Stay Close
Stay Close is a British mystery drama miniseries based on Harlan Coben’s novel of the same name. The eight-episode series centers on Megan Pierce, a suburban mom harboring a dark past, intertwined with Ray Levine, a former documentary photographer turned paparazzo, and Detective Michael Broome haunted by a cold case. As Broome investigates a new disappearance mirroring the old case, dangerous secrets resurface, and psychopaths pursue their hidden agendas. The setting of the series, with the central location being the Vipers Club, adds a layer of intrigue, while the overlapping investigations into missing men build suspense throughout the episodes.
Staying Close to Secrets
In the noir tradition of the past catching up, Stay Close covers Megan’s life as a former stripper named Cassie, her relationship with Ray, and a mysterious Stewart. It unfolds intricate relationships, unresolved mysteries, and a host of characters. The miniseries delves into the consequences of decisions made years ago and how they haunt the characters unexpectedly. The show’s ability to maintain suspense and present unexpected twists, coupled with the character-driven narrative, makes it a good watch for those who enjoy psychological thrillers.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
