Netflix just added a crime thriller show that’s already in the top 10 — but this dark series is a much better binge-watch

Melissa Roxburgh as Rebecca in "The Hunting Party" (2025) — (Image credit: NBC)

Just because a show is in Netflix’s top 10 doesn’t mean it’s worth your time. Even with a fancy red poster and a gripping premise, streaming platforms push so much content each week that it’s easy to get caught up in what’s trending instead of what’s truly gripping. This week, “The Hunting Party” has crashed the streamer’s charts, even though critics gave it a dismal score for its dull execution.

Watch This, Not That!

Welcome to Watch This, Not That, a column where we dig into the latest streaming top 10 picks, call out the one lackluster title you should skip, and highlight the better alternative you absolutely should watch instead.

“The Hunting Party” follows an elite task force tracking down the most dangerous killers who’ve escaped from a secret federal prison. Critics largely dismissed this series as a forgettable procedural with familiar beats and lackluster approach, reflected in its low 18% score on Rotten Tomatoes due to predictable twists and thin character work. Of course, it was successful enough to survive a round of cancellations from NBC, but that doesn’t mean it’s a must-watch.

But let me spare you the disappointment. I dig through these top charts so you don’t have to, spotting the weak picks, calling them out, and steering you toward far more satisfying alternatives. In this case, there’s a far more gripping crime thriller that deserves your watchlist: “Mindhunter.” Streaming on Netflix, this 2017 psychological drama dives deep into the minds of real-life serial killers, delivering plenty of slow-burn suspense. Here’s why it’s worth streaming instead.

‘Mindhunter’ is a hauntingly compelling thriller

An instant series recommendation that came to mind was “Mindhunter.” This psychological crime thriller is a gripping entry in the genre, giving viewers everything they want from a tense character-driven drama to a chilling look inside interviews with serial killers. While it’s different from “The Hunting Party” in tone and central focus, it’s still utterly compelling. Not to mention, David Fincher lent his vision to this masterfully crafted TV series: he is the mastermind behind iconic movies like “Seven,” “Fight Club,” and “Zodiac.”

“Mindhunter” is a procedural that explores the origins of psychological profiling for serial killers, offering a detailed look at research, interrogation, and the darker side of criminal science. The show is uniquely inventive for a cop drama.

MINDHUNTER | Trailer 2 | Netflix - YouTube

Watch On

“Mindhunter” follows two FBI agents, Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), in the late 1970s as they launch a groundbreaking project to better understand violent offenders. Working with a psychologist, they interview imprisoned serial killers and other violent criminals to learn how their minds work and apply those insights to real investigations. The series interweaves real‑world figures with fictional storytelling over two seasons.

While “The Hunting Party” may be climbing Netflix’s charts right now, its generic action, predictable twists, and overreliance on cheap surprises drain the excitement from an otherwise intriguing premise. “Mindhunter,” on the other hand, is quality TV and a series people shouldn’t miss out on. If you want a gripping, intelligent crime show with tension and standout performances, this is the one to stream this weekend.

Stream "Mindhunter" on Netflix now

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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