If you've been searching for a show that captures the same gripping obsession with criminal psychology that made Mindhunter so addictive, look no further than Hulu's overlooked gem, The Patient. This 10-episode limited series from Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, the creators of The Americans, is the perfect weekend binge for those who appreciate a slow-burn thriller that prioritizes character depth over cheap thrills.
At first glance, the premise might sound absurd: Steve Carell plays Alan Strauss, a therapist who is kidnapped by his patient, Sam Fortner (Domhnall Gleeson), a serial killer who wants to continue their sessions while keeping Alan prisoner. But instead of turning into a pulpy thriller, The Patient takes a restrained, intelligent approach. It's less about shocking twists and more about exploring behavior, guilt, grief, and the uncomfortable possibility that someone capable of terrible things might recognize something broken inside themselves.
Understanding a Killer, Not Glorifying One
Unlike many serial killer stories, The Patient doesn't glorify violence. The scariest part of Sam isn't his actions but how ordinary he seems. He works, worries, gets frustrated, and desperately wants someone to tell him how to fix himself. He's not a criminal mastermind or a movie monster—he's a deeply troubled man who happens to be a killer. This focus on the psychology behind the violence is what makes the series so compelling, much like how The Outer Limits became the perfect home for Stephen King and George R.R. Martin's darkest tales.
Alan's position becomes increasingly impossible. He's a prisoner trying to stay alive, but he's also still a therapist. Those instincts don't disappear just because the stakes have risen. Every conversation becomes a balancing act between self-preservation and genuine professional curiosity, creating a tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Carell and Gleeson: A Masterclass in Performance
A series this stripped down lives or dies on its performances, and The Patient has two actors who understand exactly what kind of story they're telling. Carell has spent the last decade proving he can do far more than comedy, and Alan Strauss may be one of his best dramatic roles. He plays fear without turning Alan into a victim, and even chained to a basement floor, Alan remains observant, compassionate, and quietly determined. His grief over his late wife and his regrets surrounding his family give the character a depth that extends beyond his captivity.
Gleeson makes Sam both pathetic and terrifying. One minute he's socially awkward and almost childlike, the next he reminds you exactly who you're dealing with. He doesn't expect anyone to empathize with Sam, but he demands that everyone confront the uncomfortable truth that evil often presents itself with little fanfare. The odd magnetism between these two actors makes it impossible to take your eyes off their interactions, even when they're just talking.
Suspense Without Big Twists
What The Patient understands better than many thrillers is that suspense doesn't always come from constant surprises; sometimes it comes from uncertainty. Alan knows his captor, Sam knows his prisoner, but neither man knows how this relationship ends. Being stuck in a small room makes everything feel even worse. Much of the story unfolds inside the same basement, but the limited space becomes an advantage rather than a limitation. The walls start to close in, and viewers feel trapped alongside Alan.
Years after Mindhunter left viewers wanting more, few shows have captured the same fascination with criminal psychology and human behavior. The Patient may have slipped under the radar when it premiered in 2022, but for anyone craving another intelligent slow-burn thriller, it's one of Hulu's best hidden gems. If you're looking for a show that rewards patience and attention, this is the perfect weekend binge.
