10 Best Shows Like Netflix's 1992

Netflix's 1992 may be a unique addition to the crime thriller genre, but viewers looking for something similar to watch have a long list of shows to choose from. Created by Jorge Guerricaechevarría and Álex de la Iglesia, 1992 centers on two characters, Richi and Amparo, who form an unlikely alliance to solve a series of interconnected murder mysteries. However, the closer they get to catching the killer, the more they realize there is more to his motives than meets the eye.

1992's title comes from its past timeline, which adopts Seville Expo '92 as the primary trigger event that sets off a series of political and criminal upheavals in the future. Although the show adopts many well-worn tropes of the genre and struggles to etch its unique identity in the genre, it manages to conclude on a well-rounded note, barely leaving any plot threads hanging. Owing to this, many viewers would likely crave similar crime thrillers that not only focus on vicious serial killers but also present relatable detective characters.

10 The Sinner

Starring Jessica Biel, Bill Pullman, & Matt Bomer

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review The Sinner The Sinner is a crime anthology series created by Derek Simonds that ran for four seasons on the USA Network. Bill Pullman is the star in each season, which all examine a different crime committed by the unlikeliest of culprits. The series was originally supposed to be an eight-part mini-series, but the success of season 1 caused USA to continue it as an anthology. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date August 2, 2017 Network Netflix Cast Jessica Biel , Bill Pullman Seasons 4 Streaming Service(s) Netflix

Boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%, The Sinner is based on Petra Hammesfahr's book of the same name. It primarily focuses on Detective Harry Ambrose, who sets out to solve brutal murder cases while figuring out why seemingly ordinary people are involved in some of the most vicious crimes. With some strong leads, the show not only grips viewers with its well-thought-out mysteries but also its powerful performances.

Related The Sinner: The Main Characters, Ranked By Intelligence The Sinner has dealt with both killers and victims during its run. Some were cunning and brilliant while others made many obvious mistakes.

The Sinner is similar to 1992 in the sense that both shows unfold like quintessential procedurals but also delve deep into the hidden motives of their central criminal characters. Instead of establishing them as immoral monsters, both shows walk through the series of tragic events that led them to commit their respective crimes. However, The Sinner is far more compelling than 1992 because of its nuanced storytelling and ability to stand out in the crime thriller genre.

9 Broadchurch

Starring David Tennant, Olivia Colman, & Jodie Whittaker

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 8/10 10/10 Broadchurch Created by Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch is set in the fictional Dorset town of the same name and follows Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy, two police detectives who are tasked with solving the death of an 11-year-old boy killed under mysterious circumstances. The first and second seasons of the show focus on the case and its fallout in the community, with the third season focusing on a new case. Olivia Coleman and David Tennant star as Ellie and Alec. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date March 4, 2013 Main Genre Drama Finale Year November 30, 2016 Cast David Tennant , Olivia Colman , Jodie Whittaker , Carolyn Pickles , Andrew Buchan Seasons 3 Writers Chris Chibnall Streaming Service(s) Amazon Prime Video Directors David Tennant Showrunner Chris Chibnall Expand

Created by Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch walks through how the murder of a young boy in a quaint coastal town gradually tears the entire community down. It eventually comes down to D.I. Alex Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller to solve the mystery behind the murder before it is too late. Broadchurch's strength lies in its deeply poignant storytelling and the dynamic of its central detective duo whose secrets surface as the show progresses.

By the end of its third season, Broadchurch had become ITV's most-watched crime drama.

Like 1992, Broadchurch makes good use of its small-town setting to immerse viewers in its chilling atmosphere. Similar to the Netflix detective series, it also goes back and forth between timelines to reveal the truth behind the central murder. Despite lasting for three seasons, the British drama also never experiences any major dips in quality and ends its run on a satisfying and well-rounded note.

8 The Outsider

Starring Jason Bateman, Ben Mendelsohn, & Cynthia Erivo

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 8.7/10 The Outsider (2020) Based on Stephen King's novel, this crime drama series follows a detective and an unconventional investigator as they confront a malevolent supernatural entity infiltrating a child murder investigation, leading them to challenge their perceptions of reality and justice. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date January 12, 2020 Main Genre Crime Cast Ben Mendelsohn , Cynthia Erivo , Bill Camp , Jeremy Bobb , Julianne Nicholson , Marc Menchaca , Mare Winningham , Paddy Considine , Yul Vazquez , Derek Cecil , Scarlett Blum , Summer Fontana , Hettienne Park , Michael Esper , Jason Bateman , Steve Witting , Joshua Whichard , Wes Watson , Max Beesley , Frank Deal , Michael H. Cole , Jakob Gruntfest , Dayna Beilenson Character(s) Ralph Anderson , Holly Gibney , Howie Gold , Alec Pelley , Glory Maitland , Jack Hoskins , Jeannie Anderson , Claude Bolton , Yunis Sablo , Andy Katcavage , Jessa Maitland , Maya Maitland , Tamika Collins , Kenneth Hayes , Terry Maitland , Herbert Zucker , Ollie Peterson , Derek Anderson , Seale Bolton , Fred Peterson , Herbert Parker , Merlin Cassidy , Mildred Patterson Creator(s) Richard Price Seasons 1 Expand

Despite revolving around a murder investigation like most crime dramas, The Outsider takes the unconventional approach of introducing supernatural elements. This should not be surprising since it is based on a Stephen King book of the same name. The show portrays Jason Bateman as one of its leads, Terry Maitland, who gets accused of committing a vicious murder. Detective Ralph Anderson hops on board to solve the mysteries behind the murder but struggles to find the truth when supernatural elements make him question everything he discovers.

Given its supernatural undertones, The Outsider is more like True Detective season 1 than Netflix's 1992. However, 1992 and The Outsider are still similar in the sense that both heavily focus on the psychological and emotional toll the central crime takes on all the individuals involved. The two shows also explore similar themes surrounding redemption and the human condition.

7 A Murder At The End Of The World

Starring Brit Marling, Emma Corrin, Harris Dickinson

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review A Murder at the End of the World A Murder at the End of the World is an FX psychological thriller created and directed by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. The show centers on Darby Hart, an amateur detective who is invited to a billionaire's remote location only to be forced to solve a murder. A Murder at the End of the World stars Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, and Clive Owen. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date November 14, 2023 Network FX Cast Emma Corrin , Clive Owen , Brit Marling , Harris Dickinson , Alice Braga , Joan Chen , Raúl Esparza , Jermaine Fowler Creator(s) Zal Batmanglij , Brit Marling Seasons 1 Writers Zal Batmanglij , Brit Marling , Cherie Dimaline , Rebecca Roanhorse , Melanie Marnich Streaming Service(s) Hulu Directors Zal Batmanglij , Brit Marling Showrunner Zal Batmanglij , Brit Marling Expand

Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij of The OA fame, A Murder at the End of the World is a miniseries, like 1992, that does not outstay its welcome. Unlike 1992, A Murder at the End of the World unfolds through the eyes of a Gen-Z sleuth, Darby Hart, who, like a modern-day Nancy Drew, sets out to solve the mystery behind the murders of the guests gathered at a billionaire's retreat. Although Darby is much younger than 1992's main female character, Amparo, both characters lose their romantic interests before setting out to solve the central murders.

Darby relies more on the internet and modern-day technology to solve all the crimes in her story. However, both Darby and Amparo prove to be brilliant investigators despite not being directly involved with law enforcement. Through their narratives, both shows explore themes of grief, loss, morality, and justice.

6 The Woman In The Wall

Starring Ruth Wilson & Daryl McCormack

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review The Woman in the Wall The Woman in the Wall is a 2023 crime-drama thriller series created by Joe Murtaugh. When a woman named Lora wakes up to discover a body in her home, she is forced to investigate and uncover the truth behind the body - even if it means she may be the murderer. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date September 24, 2023 Network BBC , Showtime Cast Ruth Wilson , Daryl McCormack , Simon Delaney , Philippa Dunne , Mark Huberman Creator(s) Joe Murtagh Seasons 1 Writers Joe Murtagh Directors Harry Wootliff , Rachna Suri Where To Watch Prime Video Expand

Similar to Netflix's 1992, The Woman in the Wall features an unlikely duo as its central detective characters. In both shows, only one character (Colman in Woman in the Wall and Richi in 1992) has a background in law enforcement. Meanwhile, the other only gets embroiled in the central mystery drama because of their personal connection to the case.

Both The Woman in the Wall and 1992 are not based on true stories. However, the two shows adopt real historical events into their overarching narratives to make their stories more immersive and relatable. The Woman in the Wall's portrayal of Magdalene Laundries in Ireland is arguably more hard-hitting than 1992's crime drama, which makes it the perfect follow-up series to watch after the Netflix show.

5 Mindhunter

Starring Holt McCallany & Jonathan Groff

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 10/10 22 9.7/10 Mindhunter From executive producers David Fincher and Charlize Theron comes Mindhunter, a series that chronicles the founding of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit used to track and apprehend serial killers. Mindhunter follows Agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they work to establish a framework for understanding the minds of some of America's most dangerous serial killers. Mindhunter adapts a number of true crime stories, including the BTK murders and the notorious Co-Ed Killer, Edmund Kemper. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 Season 2 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date October 13, 2017 Cast Jonathan Groff , Holt McCallany , Hannah Gross , Cotter Smith , Anna Torv , Stacey Roca , Cameron Britton , Michael Cerveris , Joe Tuttle , Lauren Glazier Seasons 2 Writers Joe Penhall Streaming Service(s) Netflix Directors David Fincher Showrunner Joe Penhall Expand

Created by David Fincher, Mindhunter is often ranked among the best-written crime thriller shows of all time, and rightfully so. Owing to this, it is not surprising that both of its seasons have a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes critics score. Unfortunately, despite its critical success, Mindhunter was prematurely canceled by Netflix after season 2. Even though Mindhunter never got to reach its natural conclusion, it serves as the perfect series for viewers looking for meticulously crafted crime thrillers that seamlessly combine true crime with fiction.

4 Dexter

Starring Michael C. Hall And Jennifer Carpenter

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 8/10 37 8.9/10 Dexter Based on the character created by author Jeff Lindsay, Showtime's Dexter follows Miami Metro Police Department's most skilled blood spatter analyst, Dexter Morgan, as he attempts to satisfy his Dark Passenger's need to kill by hunting down criminals who have escaped justice. However, using the rules his adoptive father taught him to remain undiscovered, Dexter must walk the fine line of seemingly blending into society while continuously feeding his dark urges. Dexter faces several serial killers as his facade slowly crumbles around him; with every problem solved by his Dark Passenger, another one arises for his suburban fatherly life. When Dexter takes things personally or feels that the law is failing, he takes matters into his own hands and even compromises the investigations of his co-workers. Dexter aired on Showtime for eight seasons before receiving a mini-sequel series called Dexter: New Blood, which picked up ten years after the show's events. You can buy each season for just $9.99 for Prime Day. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Season 6 Season 7 Season 8 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date October 31, 2010 Finale Year November 30, 2012 Network Showtime , CBS Cast David Zayas , Jennifer Carpenter , Desmond Harrington , Julie Benz Michael C. Hall , Lauren Velez , C. S. Lee , James Remar Seasons 8 Writers Jeff Lindsay , Scott Buck , Scott Reynolds , Tim Schlattmann , Karen Campbell , Melissa Rosenberg , Kevin Maynard , Wendy West , Manny Coto , Daniel Cerone , Jace Richdale , Drew Z. Greenberg , Chip Johannessen , Adam Fierro , Jim Leonard Streaming Service(s) Hulu , Amazon Prime Video Directors Clyde Phillips Showrunner Clyde Phillips Expand

Although Dexter unfolds like a typical procedural thriller, it primarily focuses on its central titular series killer. This approach makes it significantly different from most shows of the genre. 1992 dedicates some of its runtime to exploring its main serial killer's backstory. However, unlike Dexter, it unfolds primarily from the perspective of its two main investigators, Richi and Amparo.

Netflix's 1992's Cast & Character Guide Actor Role Marian Álvarez Amparo Fernando Valdivielso Richi Carlos Santos Fernando Victoria Paz Vega Carmen Jaime Ordóñez Palacios Marieta Sánchez Rosa Victor Rivas Victor Carlos Valladares Younger Victor

The two shows seem similar when they explore their serial killer characters' pasts. Both Dexter Mogan and 1992's Flamethrower Killer watched their mothers die when they were much younger. This childhood event seemingly triggered their violent tendencies and turned them into serial killers. After growing older, the two characters also cross paths with guiding figures who recognize their true violent nature and encourage them to use it for morally questionable reasons.

3 Sharp Objects

Starring Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, & Chris Messina

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 9.5/10 Sharp Objects Sharp Objects is an HBO thriller mini-series that centers on reporter Camille Preaker, a woman with a dark past returning to her hometown. Returning to Wind Gap, Missouri, to investigate two murders, she takes up at her childhood home, where she must now contend with her mother, who will force her to reckon with her past. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date July 8, 2018 Main Genre Drama Cast Amy Adams , Patricia Clarkson , Chris Messina , Eliza Scanlen , Matt Craven , Henry Czerny , Taylor John Smith , Madison Davenport , Miguel Sandoval , Will Chase Creator(s) Marti Noxon Seasons 1

Based on Gillian Flynn's book of the same name, Sharp Objects is far darker and more disturbing than Netflix's 1992. However, like Sharp Objects, 1992 features an investigator who struggles to deal with his own demons and mental health conditions as he sets out to solve a murder mystery. With many Emmy and Golden Globe nominations under its belt, Sharp Objects is a slow-burner that perfectly pays off as it ends its run with eight taut episodes. It may not be for the weak-hearted but should be on the watchlist of those who enjoy seeing shows with anti-hero detective characters.

2 Mare Of Easttown

Starring Kate Winslet And Evan Peters

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 8/10 10/10 Mare of Easttown Mare of Easttown is a mystery crime-drama that stars Kate Winslet as a detective attempting to solve a murder as her life crumbles around her. Marianne "Mare" Sheehan is assigned to investigate the murder of one girl while trying to tackle a cold case of another missing girl. Having recently lost her son, Mare's world is steeped in chaos as she attempts to reclaim her life in the eyes of the town - and herself. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date April 18, 2021 Network HBO Max Cast Cailee Spaeny , Kate Winslet Angourie Rice , Evan Peters , Jean Smart , Julianne Nicholson , David Denman Seasons 1 Writers Brad Ingelsby Streaming Service(s) Hulu , Dis , MAX Directors Craig Zobel Showrunner Brad Ingelsby Expand

Created and written by Brad Ingelsby for HBO, Mare of Easttown focuses on a troubled detective who must solve the murder of a teenage mother. While the case itself presents its own set of challenges, her personal struggles hold her back from getting to the bottom of the murder mystery. Richi's journey in 1992 is reminiscent of Mare's from Mare of Easttown. Like the Kate Winslet character, he, too, finds it hard to deal with his recent divorce, and even his peers doubt his abilities as a detective. However, both characters eventually redeem themselves in their respective narratives by proving what they are capable of.

1 True Detective

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, & Jodie Foster

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review 8/10 12 9.1/10 True Detective True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community. Where to Watch Season All Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date January 12, 2014 Main Genre Drama Network HBO Max Cast Matthew McConaughey , Colin Farrell , Mahershala Ali , Woody Harrelson , Vince Vaughn , Stephen Dorff , Michelle Monaghan Rachel McAdams , Carmen Ejogo , Michael Potts , Taylor Kitsch , Scoot McNairy , Tory Kittles , Kelly Reilly , Ray Fisher , Chris Kerson , Ritchie Coster , Christopher James Baker , Afemo Omilami , James Frain , Abigail Spencer , Jodie Foster , Kali Reis , Fiona Shaw , Finn Bennett , Isabella Star LaBlanc , Christopher Eccleston , John Hawkes , Dana Gourrier , Madison Wolfe , J.D. Evermore Character(s) Rust Cohle , Ray Velcoro , Wayne Hays , Martin Hart , Frank Semyon , Roland West , Maggie Hart , Antigone Ani Bezzerides , Amelia Reardon , Maynard Gilbough , Paul Woodrugh , Tom Purcell , Thomas Papania , Jordan Semyon , Henry Hays , Nails , Mayor Austin Chessani , Blake Churchman , Police Chief Holloway , Lieutenant Kevin Burris , Gena Brune , Liz Danvers , Evangeline Navarro , Rose Aguineau , Peter Prior , Leah Danvers , Captain Ted Connelly , Hank Prior , Cathleen , Audrey Hart , Detective Lutz Creator(s) Issa López , Nic Pizzolatto Seasons 4 Writers Nic Pizzolatto Streaming Service(s) Hulu , MAX Directors Cary Fukunaga Showrunner Nic Pizzolatto Where To Watch M Expand

1992 may not come close to matching the brilliance of True Detective season 1, but it shares some thematic parallels with the HBO series. For instance, one of 1992's two main characters struggles with alcoholism and even ends up losing his wife and child to his cycles of toxic habits like True Detective's Martin Hart. Like all the detective duos featured in True Detective's different seasons, the two investigators, Richi and Amparo, in 1992, also have a complex and often fraught relationship.

...when it solely comes to its first installment, True Detective stands as a masterclass in storytelling, with its performances further elevating the impact of its philosophical underpinnings and crime drama.

Since True Detective takes more of an anthology approach, it experiences a fair share of dips in quality as it progresses. However, when it solely comes to its first installment, True Detective stands as a masterclass in storytelling, with its performances further elevating the impact of its philosophical underpinnings and crime drama.