“You” is an American psychological thriller television series that premiered on Lifetime in 2018, and later moved to Netflix for its second season. The show has received critical acclaim for its compelling storyline and the outstanding performances by its lead actors, Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti. If you’re looking for shows like “you” , here are the best mystery thriller shows we recommend you watch after “you.”
1. Hannibal (2013 – 2015)
“Hannibal” is an American psychological horror-thriller show that aired on NBC from 2013 to 2015, based on the characters and elements from the novel “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris, and follows FBI special investigator Will Graham as he teams up with psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to solve a string of gruesome murders.
One similarity between “Hannibal” and “You” is their focus on the psychological aspect of their respective serial killers. Both shows delve into the inner workings of their characters’ minds, exploring the complex motivations and thought processes behind their actions. They also feature a strong element of manipulation, as the killers use their intelligence and charm to deceive those around them.
Additionally, both shows are known for their gruesome and graphic depictions of violence, often showing the killers in the act of murder or its aftermath. This adds to the unsettling and disturbing tone of the shows, and makes for a thrilling viewing experience for fans of the genre.
2. The Stranger (2020)
British mystery thriller television series “The Stranger” premiered on Netflix in January 2020. The Story follows the lives of various characters in a suburban community whose secrets and pasts are revealed by a mysterious woman known only as “The Stranger.”
The series begins with the arrival of The Stranger, who reveals secrets about Adam Price, a lawyer and father of two, which leads him on a quest to uncover the truth about his wife’s disappearance. As the show develops, we learn about the dark secrets of numerous other characters, including those of two brothers, a troubled teenager, and a corrupt police officer.
As The Stranger’s identity and motives become clearer, tensions rise and the web of lies and deceit becomes more complex. The show employs various plot twists and cliffhangers to keep viewers engaged and guessing until the very end.
“The Stranger” is brilliantly acted by its lead actors such as Richard Armitage and Siobhan Finneran. The show’s eerie atmosphere and gripping storyline make it an engrossing watch from start to finish.
3. Bates Motel (2013 – 2017)
“Bates Motel” is a thrilling American television series that aired from 2013 until 2017. It focuses on the life of Norman Bates and his mother, Norma Bates, before the events of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film Psycho. Starts with the death of Norman’s father, after which Norma decides to move with her son to White Pine Bay, a small town in Oregon. They purchase the Seafairer Motel and rename it the Bates Motel, and soon they find themselves entangled in the town’s dangerous and mysterious happenings.
Throughout the series, we see Norman’s gradual descent into madness, as his relationship with his mother becomes more and more twisted. Norma loves her son more than anything in the world, but her overprotectiveness and inability to let him go eventually lead to tragedy.
The Bates family becomes embroiled in several murder cases, including the mysterious death of Norma’s husband, and Norman’s own involvement in the murders of several people. As the series progresses, we see Norman become more like his infamous character from Psycho, and the relationship between mother and son becomes more and more unhealthy.
4. Ratched (2020 – )
“Ratched” features an outstanding cast, led by the talented Sarah Paulson, who delivers a masterful performance as Mildred. The show’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting score add to the unsettling tone of the story. The story follows Mildred Ratched, a nurse who becomes embroiled in the twisted world of mental health care in mid-twentieth century America.
The series is set in 1947, where Mildred Ratched arrives in Northern California seeking employment at a leading psychiatric hospital. Initially appearing as a composed and professional nurse, she slowly reveals a darker side to her personality as she becomes increasingly involved with the hospital’s manipulative director and his dangerous experiments on patients.
As Mildred navigates the complexities of her new workplace, we are introduced to additional characters such as her fellow nurse, a mysterious patient, and the governor of California. As the series progresses, we learn more about their secrets and the ways in which they are all connected to the overarching plot.
5. DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022 – )
“DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is a 10-episode miniseries produced by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan that tells the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Over the course of more than a decade, 17 teenage boys and young men were murdered, while Dahmer evaded arrest for years. The series explores Dahmer’s upbringing, how he became a serial killer, and his victims’ stories.
6. The Fall (2013 – 2016)
“The Fall” is a gripping and well-crafted crime drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its complex characters and intricate storyline, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a suspenseful and thought-provoking television experience.
Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the show centers around a police investigation into a serial killer named Paul Spector. Gillian Anderson stars as Stella Gibson, a Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent who is brought in to help the local police force track down the killer. As Gibson delves deeper into the case, she begins to unravel the complex web of lies and secrets surrounding Spector and those closest to him.
7. Dexter (2006 – 2013)
“Dexter” follows the story of Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in blood spatter pattern analysis in the Miami Metro Police Department by day and a serial killer by night.
The show is well-written and well-acted, and it has gained a loyal fan base over the years. The plot is both intense and captivating, as Dexter strives to maintain a normal life while trying to satiate his inner demons by killing other murderers who have managed to evade the law.
Michael C. Hall delivers an outstanding performance as Dexter, and the show’s supporting cast is also exceptional. The dialogue is witty and clever, balancing the dark subject matter with humor and levity.