Find out the Ultimate Mindhunter Successor Released a Year Ago, Salvaging Season 3's Cancellation!

Summary

Black Bird, an enthralling series on Apple TV+, offers a sense of comfort to Mindhunter enthusiasts as it delves deep into the realm of actual serial killers and the accompanying psychological suspense.

Both Mindhunter and Black Bird stand out for their skillful integration of fictional storytelling with actual details from the investigations of notorious murderers, resulting in a captivating and immersive experience.

The exceptional ensemble casts of both Mindhunter and Black Bird play a significant role in their critical success, showcasing the talent of actors who deliver intricate and multifaceted performances.

Fans disappointed by the permanent cancellation of Netflix's psychological thriller series Mindhunter can find solace in the perfect alternative already available on Apple TV+. Created by Joe Penhall and David Fincher, Mindhunter was put on indefinite hiatus in late 2019 due to cost and management obstacles, leading to speculations of its eventual cancellation. In February 2023, Fincher confirmed that the show had indeed come to an end.

Mindhunter captivated audiences with its captivating portrayal of both the FBI agents involved in profiling and studying serial killers, as well as the killers themselves. Across its two seasons, the series seamlessly blended fictionalized storylines with real details from the investigations of notorious murderers like Edmund Kemper, Charles Manson, Richard Speck, David Berkowitz, and Elmer Wayne Henley. Although Netflix's beloved series may not return for a third season, viewers can now indulge in a spiritual follow-up on Apple TV+ that skillfully combines gripping storytelling with real-life criminal narratives.

Apple TV's Black Bird Was The Perfect Mindhunter Replacement After Netflix Cancelation

Starring Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser (known as Stingray from Cobra Kai), Black Bird tells the captivating story of Jimmy Keene, a real-life drug and arms dealer. In an audacious bid to reduce his lengthy prison sentence, Keene collaborates undercover with the FBI. Armed with his charismatic charm, Keene is entrusted with the mission of infiltrating prison to befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall and extract a confession. Against all odds, Keene successfully keeps Hall incarcerated while securing his own freedom, mirroring the remarkable true events.

Similar to Mindhunter, Black Bird fearlessly delves into the dark and sinister world of the serial killer it revolves around. Viewers are immersed in the chilling psychological tension that arises from sitting face-to-face with a truly malevolent murderer. Just as Holden Ford's interviews with the killers became the cherished highlights of Mindhunter, the most compelling moments in Black Bird parallel that very essence. The riveting one-on-one exchanges between Egerton's Jimmy Keene and Hauser's Larry Hall capture the essence as Keene cleverly maneuvers to coax a confession out of Hall for the crimes he is suspected of.

Black Bird Maintained Mindhunter's Critical Acclaim & Compelling Original Story Elements

The original storylines behind Mindhunter and Black Bird are arguably more important than how the serial killers are portrayed. Both shows deviate from being documentaries, occasionally altering details or timelines in order to create a more captivating drama. Black Bird successfully achieves this, just like Mindhunter, as evidenced by their exceptional Rotten Tomatoes scores, with Mindhunter at 97% and Black Bird at 98% from critics, and both shows receiving 95% from audiences.

While there is a surplus of streaming options for serial killer documentaries, Mindhunter and Black Bird stand out due to their incorporation of original elements not found in historical accounts. It is the intriguing conversations that go beyond recorded confessions or interviews that make both shows more engrossing than mere retellings of well-known stories.

Black Bird & Mindhunter Both Boast Incredible Ensemble Casts & Characters

Both shows excel in their exceptional ensemble casts. Mindhunter is propelled by the FBI Behavioral Science Unit team it follows, consisting of Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv, who all deliver intricate and nuanced performances throughout the two seasons. Similarly, Black Bird thrives on the talent of its dual leads, Egerton and Greg Kinnear, while being supported by Sepideh Moafi and Ray Liotta in one of his final roles. The chemistry between Egerton and Liotta is particularly impressive as Liotta portrays Egerton's stroke-afflicted father.

Fans of Mindhunter highly commend the show's unsettling portrayals of the serial killers involved in its overarching story, and Black Bird delivers on that front as well. Hauser received widespread acclaim for his chilling portrayal of real-life killer Larry Hall, earning him both a Critics' Choice Television Award and a Golden Globe Award. Mindhunter also shines in this regard, with Cameron Britton securing a Primetime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of serial killer Edmund Kemper in the show. The performances of experienced Hollywood veterans and up-and-coming talents truly elevate the drama, contributing significantly to the resounding success of both shows.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes