Memory of a Killer: Patrick Dempsey’s Gritty New Thriller Premieres on Fox
Memory of a Killer — a high-stakes crime drama series starring Patrick Dempsey — has captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, emotion and psychological depth since premiering on Fox on January 25, 2026. The show has quickly become one of the most talked-about television debuts of the season.
A Compelling Premise: Double Life and Fading Memory
In Memory of a Killer, Dempsey plays Angelo Ledda, a seasoned hitman who expertly balances his dangerous criminal work with a quiet suburban life as a copier salesman and devoted father. That balance is shattered when Angelo is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, forcing him to confront a past he can barely hold onto — even as threats to his pregnant daughter emerge and blur the lines between his two lives.
The series is inspired by the 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer — also known in English as Memory of a Killer — and builds on its tense emotional core while updating the story for a TV audience.
Star-Studded Cast and Production
Alongside Dempsey, the cast includes Michael Imperioli as Dutch, a mob-linked friend and employer, Odeya Rush as Angelo’s daughter Maria, Richard Harmon, Daniel David Stewart, and Gina Torres in key supporting roles.
Produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment, Memory of a Killer was developed by creators Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone, with a full season of 10 episodes slated to air weekly.
Premiere and Platform Details
The show launched with a two-night special event on January 25 and 26, 2026 — including a high-profile post-NFC Championship Game debut — maximizing early exposure. Episodes broadcast on Fox are also available for streaming the next day on Hulu in the U.S., with Canadian audiences catching the series on CTV and others around the world accessing it via licensed platforms.
Filming took place mainly around Toronto, Canada, despite the story being set in New York and upstate Cooperstown, with local streets and locations dressed to match the intended backdrop.
Critical Response and Audience Buzz
Early reviews on aggregator sites have been mixed to average, with critics noting the show’s intriguing premise but expressing varied opinions on pacing and execution.
Audiences on social platforms have similarly been divided: some praise the performances — especially Dempsey’s transition from his Grey’s Anatomy fame into a darker, more complex character — while others question its long-term appeal.
Episode discussions online show Memory of a Killer stimulating strong reactions, with viewers debating character motivations, plot twists and how sensitively (or not) the series handles themes like memory loss.
What’s Next for the Series
As the season unfolds, Memory of a Killer will explore deeper emotional territory, testing Angelo’s resilience and forcing him to navigate a dangerous world with a memory that’s slipping away. With weekly episodes keeping audiences engaged, the show’s success will likely hinge on whether it can balance action with character depth.
