Fox’s new thriller, Memory of a Killer, debuted on January 25, 2026, and it’s definitely worth discussing. Some shows become instant successes, like The Hunting Wives in the summer of 2025, which was quickly renewed for another season. Others take a little longer to catch on, but eventually become cultural phenomena. A great example of this is You, which originally aired on Lifetime and later became a hugely popular thriller known for its captivating, yet unsettling, protagonist.
Despite featuring a well-known actor, the new series Memory of a Killer hasn’t generated much attention so far. It’s based on the 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer, which was previously adapted into the 2022 movie Memory starring Liam Neeson. Even after just a few episodes, the series is proving to be quite captivating.
Why ‘Memory of a Killer’ Is a Surprisingly Good TV Thriller
Fox
The movie Memory of a Killer centers around Angelo, played by Patrick Dempsey, a hitman leading a double life. His world is turned upside down when he’s diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Already facing a dangerous situation, things get even more complicated with the release of Earl Hancock (Ian Mitchell), the man who killed his wife. What appeared to be a simple drunk driving accident might actually be something far more sinister.
Critics are praising the acting in Memory of a Killer, especially Dempsey’s portrayal of Angelo and Michael Imperioli as his boss, Dutch Forlanni. The dynamic between these two characters is particularly captivating. While the show’s initial idea is intriguing, it could have easily become repetitive. Fortunately, Memory of a Killer delivers a genuinely engaging story about a central character facing difficult choices and living a life filled with moral gray areas.
Unlike typical TV serial killers, like Joe Goldberg from You, Angelo isn’t purely menacing. He’s a caring parent and, so far, seemed like a good husband to his late wife, Leah. He’s definitely more sympathetic than Joe, but it’s hard to fully support his actions. He claims he only kills people who deserve it, and appears comfortable with this lifestyle, having lived it for years. It’s also heartbreaking to see him struggle with memory loss, especially while caring for his brother who has Alzheimer’s. The mystery of why he chooses this dangerous path – when he could have a different life – is what really drives the story in Memory of a Killer.
The show is full of surprises, from the very first episode to an exciting car chase, and it’s consistently engaging. However, the most powerful parts of Memory of a Killer are the quiet, personal scenes. The story wouldn’t work as well without Angelo’s daughter, Maria (Odeya Rush), and her husband, Jeff (Daniel David Stewart), who are expecting a baby. These scenes explore deep emotions like grief, guilt, fear, and anxiety, and really make you think about what it means to be happy. It’s especially interesting to see Angelo size up Jeff, who is trying to launch a new app and is currently struggling financially – hinting at more conflict to come.
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This thriller series is currently flying under the radar, but it’s really engaging. It’s great to see Patrick Dempsey playing a more nuanced character than his famous role on Grey’s Anatomy. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Mindhunter and has a few over-the-top moments, the first two episodes are packed with action and make you think. Memory of a Killer Season 1 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox and is available to stream on Hulu the next day. Even if the rest of the season doesn’t live up to the strong start, it’s a fun watch, and it will be interesting to see where Angelo’s story goes.
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2026-02-03 15:35