16 Crime Shows Where the Criminal Is Revealed in Episode One

The inverted detective story flips the traditional whodunit script by showing the audience exactly who committed the crime at the very beginning. This format shifts the focus from identifying the suspect to understanding the motive and watching the investigation unfold. Viewers gain a unique perspective as they witness the criminal attempting to cover their tracks while the authorities close in. The tension in these series relies on the psychological game between the hunter and the hunted rather than a surprise reveal.

‘Columbo’ (1971–2003)

The inverted detective story format owes its enduring popularity to this classic series starring Peter Falk. Viewers witness the murder and the perpetrator at the very beginning of each episode. Lieutenant Columbo then uses his unassuming demeanor to trap the arrogant suspect in a web of lies. The suspense comes from watching the detective slowly dismantle the perfect alibi rather than finding out who committed the crime.

‘Poker Face’ (2023–Present)

Charlie Cale possesses an innate ability to determine when someone is lying. Each episode opens with a murder and reveals the culprit before Charlie even enters the scene. She stumbles upon these crimes during her travels and uses her unique gift to uncover the truth. The show pays homage to classic howcatchem mysteries while adding a modern twist to the procedural format.

‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)

This psychological thriller operates as a dual narrative focusing on a detective and a serial killer. The audience knows immediately that Paul Spector is the man terrorizing Belfast. Superintendent Stella Gibson works tirelessly to catch him while Spector attempts to maintain his facade as a grieving family man. The series explores the intense game of cat and mouse between the hunter and the hunted.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

The show centers on a forensic technician who leads a secret double life as a vigilante serial killer. Dexter Morgan adheres to a strict code that allows him to target only other murderers who have escaped justice. Viewers are privy to his inner monologue and dark activities from the very first episode. The tension arises from his efforts to conceal his true nature from his sister and his colleagues at the Miami Metro Police Department.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

Joe Goldberg is a charming bookstore manager who develops dangerous obsessions with the women he loves. The story is told from his perspective and allows the audience to hear his twisted rationalizations for his violent actions. He stalks and manipulates his victims while eliminating anyone who stands in his way. The series deconstructs the romantic comedy genre by revealing the protagonist as the villain right from the start.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

This psychological horror series explores the relationship between an FBI special investigator and a renowned psychiatrist. Dr. Hannibal Lecter is known to the audience as a cannibalistic serial killer long before the other characters suspect him. Will Graham consults Lecter to help catch other criminals while unknowingly becoming a victim of Lecter’s manipulation. The dramatic irony fuels the narrative as Graham gets closer to the monster hiding in plain sight.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

A bored MI5 security officer becomes obsessed with a talented psychopathic assassin named Villanelle. The series establishes Villanelle’s identity and brutal efficiency in the opening scenes. Eve Polastri risks everything to track down the killer while Villanelle becomes equally fascinated with her pursuer. Their mutual obsession drives the plot across various international locations.

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

Detective Chief Inspector John Luther is a brilliant but troubled officer tormented by the dark side of humanity. The show often reveals the identity of the killer at the start of the episode. Luther must rely on his instincts and unconventional methods to gather enough evidence to make an arrest. The focus remains on the psychological duel between the detective and the criminal.

‘Motive’ (2013–2016)

This Canadian police procedural explicitly states the killer and the victim at the beginning of every episode. The narrative then moves back and forth in time to explain how their paths crossed. Detectives Angie Flynn and Oscar Vega work to uncover the specific reason behind the crime. The tagline of the show emphasizes that the question is not who did it but rather why they did it.

‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ (2001–2011)

This spin-off of the famous franchise focuses heavily on the motives and actions of the criminals. Episodes often begin by showing the perpetrators planning or committing the crime. Detectives Goren and Eames use psychology and attention to detail to entrap the guilty parties. The format allows for a deeper exploration of the criminal mind compared to traditional procedurals.

‘Barry’ (2018–2023)

A depressed hitman travels to Los Angeles to execute a target but ends up finding a new passion for acting. Barry Berkman tries to leave his violent past behind while balancing his new life in the theater community. The audience knows exactly who he is and what he has done from the opening moments. The dark comedy examines whether a person who has done terrible things can ever truly change.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

This contemporary prequel to the film ‘Psycho’ depicts the lives of Norman Bates and his mother Norma. Viewers are aware of Norman’s eventual descent into madness and his status as a killer. The series explores the complex and dysfunctional relationship that shapes his psyche. The tragedy lies in watching the inevitable transformation of a troubled young man into a notorious murderer.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Light Yagami discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. He immediately begins using it to cleanse the world of criminals under the alias Kira. A brilliant detective known only as L attempts to deduce his identity and stop his crusade. The anime functions as a high-stakes intellectual battle between the two geniuses.

‘Mr. Mercedes’ (2017–2019)

A retired detective is taunted by a psychopathic killer who drove a stolen car into a crowd of people. The series reveals Brady Hartsfield as the perpetrator early on and follows his disturbed life. Bill Hodges comes out of retirement to stop Hartsfield before he can launch another mass casualty attack. The story alternates between the perspectives of the detective and the killer.

‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ (2022)

This biographical crime drama chronicles the gruesome murders committed by Jeffrey Dahmer. The show focuses on the perspective of his victims and the incompetence of the police. Viewers are fully aware of Dahmer’s identity and the nature of his crimes from the beginning. It aims to shed light on the systemic issues that enabled his killing spree to continue for over a decade.

‘Des’ (2020)

David Tennant portrays the Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen in this three-part miniseries. The story begins with his arrest and the discovery of human remains at his property. Nilsen openly confesses to the murders and details his crimes to the police. The drama focuses on the investigation into identifying the victims rather than finding the killer.

‘The Serpent’ (2021)

The series depicts the crimes of Charles Sobhraj who murdered young tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. The audience sees Sobhraj and his accomplices drugging and robbing travelers from the start. A Dutch diplomat begins looking into the disappearance of a young couple and uncovers the deadly pattern. The tension comes from the frantic race to bring the elusive criminal to justice.

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

Adrian Monk is a brilliant private detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many episodes utilize the howcatchem format where the audience sees the crime and the culprit in the cold open. Monk uses his acute attention to detail to spot the tiny clues that everyone else misses. The fun lies in watching him frustrate the killer by slowly proving exactly how the murder was accomplished.

Tell us which inverted detective series kept you on the edge of your seat in the comments.