The 2010s were a golden era for thriller television. Gone were the days of predictable case-of-the-week formulas; instead, showrunners embraced serialized narratives, deep character arcs, and morally ambiguous plots. This decade gave us shows that weren't just about solving crimes—they were about exploring the human psyche, the gray areas of justice, and the consequences of obsession. From psychological cat-and-mouse games to political conspiracies, each year brought something fresh and unforgettable. Here's a look at the best thriller series that premiered every year from 2010 to 2019.
2010: Luther
Idris Elba stars as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, a brilliant but tormented detective who bends the rules to catch criminals. What sets Luther apart from other cop shows is its raw, gritty realism and the electrifying dynamic between Luther and the psychopathic Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). Their twisted chemistry elevates the series into a tense, morally complex thriller that redefined the genre. It's no wonder this show set the standard for many thrillers that followed.
2011: Homeland
Claire Danes delivers a powerhouse performance as CIA officer Carrie Mathison, who suspects war hero Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) of being turned by al-Qaeda. The show's genius lies in its central ambiguity: Carrie's bipolar disorder makes her an unreliable narrator, so viewers are never sure if her suspicions are genius or paranoia. The early seasons are a masterclass in tension, and even when the quality dips, the show keeps reinventing itself in new geopolitical contexts.
2012: Scandal
Shonda Rhimes' political thriller became a cultural phenomenon overnight. Kerry Washington plays Olivia Pope, a crisis manager who fixes impossible problems for Washington's elite—while hiding an affair with the President. The show is fast, addictive, and full of cliffhangers that kept audiences glued to their screens. Olivia Pope remains one of TV's most compelling protagonists, and Scandal proved that thrillers could be both smart and wildly entertaining.
2013: Hannibal
Bryan Fuller's Hannibal is a visually stunning and psychologically intense reimagining of the classic villain. Hugh Dancy plays FBI profiler Will Graham, who can empathize with killers, while Mads Mikkelsen's Hannibal Lecter is a refined cannibal who manipulates everyone around him. The show's beauty and horror are inseparable, making it one of the most unique thrillers ever made. For fans of dark, artistic storytelling, this is a must-watch.
2014: True Detective (Season 1)
While the anthology series had multiple seasons, its first season is a landmark in thriller TV. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson play detectives investigating a bizarre occult crime over 17 years. The show's nonlinear narrative, philosophical depth, and haunting atmosphere made it an instant classic. It proved that TV could be as cinematic as any film.
2015: Mr. Robot
Rami Malek stars as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker who gets drawn into a mysterious anarchist group. The show's unreliable narrator, paranoid tone, and commentary on modern society resonated deeply. Mr. Robot was a thrilling, mind-bending ride that kept viewers guessing until the very end.
2016: The Night Of
This HBO miniseries follows a Pakistani-American college student accused of murder after a night gone wrong. The show is a tense, procedural thriller that examines the criminal justice system's flaws. With stellar performances from Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, The Night Of is a gripping exploration of guilt, race, and the weight of a single night.
2017: Mindhunter
David Fincher's Mindhunter delves into the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI. Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench interview serial killers to understand their psychology, blurring the line between hunter and hunted. The show is a slow-burn thriller that relies on dialogue and atmosphere rather than action, making it deeply unsettling and addictive.
2018: Killing Eve
This cat-and-mouse thriller follows MI5 officer Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) and psychopathic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). Their obsession with each other drives the series, which is equal parts darkly funny and tense. Killing Eve reinvented the spy thriller with its sharp writing and unforgettable performances.
2019: Chernobyl
HBO's Chernobyl is a harrowing historical thriller about the 1986 nuclear disaster. The show masterfully builds tension from real events, focusing on the cover-up, the sacrifices of first responders, and the human cost of lies. It's a haunting, unforgettable series that proves the best thrillers are often rooted in truth.
The 2010s gave us an incredible array of thriller shows that pushed boundaries and kept us on the edge of our seats. Whether you're revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, each one is a testament to the power of great storytelling. For more must-watch thrillers, check out our list of 21st Century Thrillers That Are Flawless From Start to Finish.
