10 Shows and Movies Similar to Mare of Easttown (2021)

Description: Similar to 'Mare of Easttown', 'The Killing' is a slow-burning crime drama that focuses as much on the emotional impact of a murder investigation on the detectives and community as on solving the case itself. Both shows feature a female detective protagonist and explore themes of grief, family dysfunction, and the dark underbelly of seemingly ordinary communities.

Fact: Originally based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The first season covers a single murder case across 13 episodes. Joel Kinnaman's breakout role in American television.

Description: Like 'Mare of Easttown', 'Top of the Lake' features a female detective investigating a crime in a small community where she has personal connections. Both shows explore themes of violence against women, small-town corruption, and the challenges faced by women in law enforcement.

Fact: Co-created by Jane Campion, who also directed 'The Piano'. Elisabeth Moss learned to ride a motorcycle for her role. The stunning New Zealand landscapes are almost a character themselves in the series.

Description: Both 'Happy Valley' and 'Mare of Easttown' feature tough, no-nonsense female police officers dealing with personal trauma while solving crimes in working-class communities. The shows share a gritty realism and explore how violence affects families and communities over time.

Fact: The title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley where the series is set. Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood earned widespread acclaim. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of British policing.

Description: Both 'Broadchurch' and 'Mare of Easttown' are crime dramas that focus on how a murder investigation affects a small, tight-knit community. They share themes of grief, media scrutiny, and the revelation of community secrets. Both feature strong female detectives (Olivia Colman's Ellie Miller and Kate Winslet's Mare Sheehan) navigating personal and professional challenges.

Fact: David Tennant and Olivia Colman starred in all three seasons. The show was filmed in Dorset, England, with local landmarks featuring prominently. The first season's killer's identity was kept secret from most of the cast during filming.

Description: Like 'Mare of Easttown', 'The Fall' features a complex female detective (Gillian Anderson's Stella Gibson) investigating crimes while navigating professional and personal challenges. Both shows explore gender dynamics in law enforcement and feature strong psychological elements in their crime narratives.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's first major TV role after 'The X-Files'. Jamie Dornan's performance as Paul Spector launched his international career. The series was set and filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Description: Like 'Mare of Easttown', 'True Detective' (particularly Season 1) combines crime investigation with deep character study and explores how past traumas affect present investigations. Both shows feature atmospheric small-town settings and flawed detectives grappling with personal demons while solving crimes.

Fact: Each season features a completely new story and cast. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances were widely praised. The series was inspired by weird fiction authors like Robert W. Chambers.

Description: Both 'The Night Of' and 'Mare of Easttown' are crime dramas that examine how a single crime affects multiple lives and exposes systemic issues. While 'The Night Of' focuses more on the criminal justice system, both shows share a gritty realism and explore how personal biases affect investigations.

Fact: Originally developed as a starring vehicle for James Gandolfini. Riz Ahmed won an Emmy for his performance. The series was inspired by the British show 'Criminal Justice'.

Description: Like 'Mare of Easttown', 'Sharp Objects' is a dark, character-driven crime drama that explores the psychological toll of investigating a crime in a small, close-knit community. Both series feature complex female protagonists with troubled pasts and delve into themes of trauma, family secrets, and the impact of violence on a community.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. Amy Adams learned to play the piano for her role as Camille Preaker. The series was filmed in Barnesville, Georgia, standing in for the fictional Wind Gap, Missouri.

Description: Like 'Mare of Easttown', 'Big Little Lies' combines crime elements with deep character studies of women in a coastal community. Both shows explore domestic violence, female friendships, and the dark secrets beneath picture-perfect surfaces. The ensemble casts of both shows deliver powerful performances.

Fact: Based on Liane Moriarty's novel of the same name. Meryl Streep joined the cast for Season The series was filmed in Monterey, California, with many scenes shot at the actual locations described in the book.

Description: While more of a psychological thriller than a straight crime drama, 'The Undoing' shares with 'Mare of Easttown' a focus on a strong female protagonist navigating a complex investigation that hits close to home. Both shows explore themes of privilege, family secrets, and the facades people maintain in wealthy communities.

Fact: Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's novel 'You Should Have Known'. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant's first project together. The series was filmed in New York City during actual winter months for authenticity.