Apple TV’s Overlook True-Crime Gem Fills The Mindhunter Void

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When Netflix cancelled Mindhunter, many true crime fans were disappointed. Fortunately, a lesser-known but excellent show on Apple TV+ helps fill that void.

True crime shows often focus on the shocking details of serial killer cases, turning them into sensational entertainment. However, Mindhunter took a different approach, carefully examining the psychology of criminals and treating violence as a complex issue with moral and intellectual dimensions. Thanks to director David Fincher’s vision and its realistic storytelling, Mindhunter remains one of the most highly regarded crime thrillers ever made.

The show deserved its popularity, receiving near-universal praise from both audiences and critics. Though it was sadly cancelled by Netflix, fans might enjoy a similar true-crime series on Apple TV+ as a replacement.

Netflix Canceled Mindhunter After Season 2, But Apple TV’s Black Bird Fills The Void It Left Behind

The strength of Mindhunter lay in its intense interrogation scenes, particularly those with Holden Ford and Ed Kemper, which explored the minds of criminals. Apple TV+’s Black Bird uses a similar approach, focusing on conversations rather than action. The series centers on Jimmy Keene, a captivating prisoner who attempts to get a confession from another inmate, Larry Hall.

The suspense in both shows doesn’t come from action like car chases or gunfights. It comes from the threat posed by the people involved – specifically, how dangerous the characters are to each other.

Both shows are exceptionally well-acted, creating a palpable sense of unease even in quiet moments. Because they’re based on actual crimes, the stories are particularly impactful. Though several things likely led to the cancellation of Mindhunter on Netflix, a major reason was its refusal to oversimplify things for viewers.

Rather than simplifying the story, the show honored the audience’s intelligence by fully exploring both the complex details of the investigations and the emotional impact on those involved. Black Bird follows this approach as well, letting viewers decide for themselves what to think of the killer and the main character, who is far from perfect.

Despite Having An Almost Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score, Black Bird Remains An Overlooked Gem

Critics overwhelmingly love Black Bird, giving it a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is praised for its insightful look at what it means to be a man, the complexities of right and wrong, and how violence and power affect men struggling within flawed systems. Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser give outstanding performances, with Hauser being particularly chilling at times.

Even though Black Bird does many things well, it’s not often considered among Apple TV+’s top shows, or even the best in the true crime category. While it doesn’t quite reach the level of Mindhunter, it does offer a satisfying conclusion for viewers still hoping for another season of that popular Netflix series.

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2025-12-19 07:28