As a big movie and TV fan, I’ve noticed something about American remakes of foreign shows: they often just don’t capture what made the original so great. There have been exceptions, though! Shows like The Office, Homeland (which was inspired by Prisoners of War), and Your Honor (based on Kvodo) actually worked really well. But others, like the American version of Broadchurch called Gracepoint, and The Returned (based on Les Revenants), didn’t quite hit the mark. I think the key to a successful remake isn’t some big secret – it’s about not trying to completely change things. The best ones take what was already good about the original and build on it, adding a little something extra while updating the style. A perfect example? The American remake of The Killing. They just got it right.
I just finished binge-watching this show, and let me tell you, it’s a standout in the crime drama world. You can find it streaming on Hulu (and AMC+), and it really grabbed me. The two leads are fantastic, the plot is full of surprises, and it feels incredibly realistic – not overly sensationalized. Honestly, it hits all the right notes for a truly compelling crime series. If you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into, I highly recommend it.
Created by Veena Sud, who also made the Netflix series Seven Seconds, The Killing is inspired by the Danish show Forbrydelsen. While it’s a favorite among true crime fans, the series doesn’t actually focus on real-life cases. Instead, The Killing is known for its incredibly realistic and often unsettling storylines, which don’t shy away from difficult themes. The show consistently explores the darker aspects of human nature, portraying a consistently grim and disturbing atmosphere.
The original Danish show sparked remakes in Turkey, India, and Egypt. While those versions existed, none matched the success of the American adaptation. Despite facing numerous challenges and near-cancellations, the American version consistently bounced back, proving its enduring popularity and the compelling nature of its complex characters.
A Dark, Gripping, and Engaging Buddy Cop Series
The show follows Seattle detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate the murder of Rosie Larsen, a 17-year-old whose body is discovered in a car owned by someone with political connections. As they dig deeper, they uncover a potential conspiracy far larger than they initially suspected.
The first two seasons of the show follow detectives Linden and Holder as they investigate the murder of Rosie Larsen. However, seasons three and four feature entirely new cases. While the show is based on the Danish series Forbrydelsen, the plots diverge significantly. The American version distinguishes itself by focusing on the partnership of two main characters, while the original Danish show primarily revolves around Inspector Sarah Lund.
Top-Notch Performances That Make for a Few Questionable Decisions
“The Killing” is a gripping show, largely thanks to the powerful performances of Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, who play detectives Linden and Holder. Kinnaman’s character is unpredictable, constantly challenging Linden and forcing her to keep him grounded. Their dynamic creates a compelling balance, preventing the show from becoming predictable. Enos and Kinnaman share fantastic chemistry, captivating audiences even when their characters made questionable choices. The strong supporting cast, including Billy Campbell, Brent Sexton, Peter Sarsgaard, Amy Seimetz, and Elias Koteas, further enhances the series.
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The acting is strong enough to keep you engaged, even if some parts of the show aren’t perfect. The first season ended poorly, leaving viewers with many unresolved questions. The second season didn’t improve things and caused many fans to stop watching, although it did continue the story. Seasons three and four received mixed reviews, mirroring the issues that ultimately led to the show’s cancellation.
After two seasons, AMC canceled the show, but it had already gained a dedicated fanbase. The original creators then worked to bring it back with Netflix. Eventually, AMC agreed to air a third season and share the broadcasting rights with Netflix. However, AMC announced Season 3 would be their last involvement, and Netflix stepped in to produce a fourth season.
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2026-02-21 22:19