Prime Video's 'The Devil's Hour' Blends Crime Thriller with Supernatural Mystery

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Prime Video's recent releases, including the star-studded Scarpetta and the mind-bending The Devil's Hour, showcase a growing trend in television: the blending of crime thrillers with elements of science fiction, mystery, and the supernatural. While Scarpetta leans into traditional forensic investigation, The Devil's Hour dives into a complex narrative involving time loops and premonitions, reflecting a broader shift in audience preferences and storytelling approaches.

Why it matters

The success of shows like The Devil's Hour, with its 'puzzle box' narrative structure, signals a growing audience demand for crime dramas that reward attentive viewing and encourage viewers to piece together interconnected mysteries. This contrasts with more procedural crime dramas, indicating a shift towards character psychology and the exploration of moral ambiguity.

The details

The Devil's Hour, executive produced by Steven Moffat (known for Doctor Who and Sherlock), exemplifies the 'puzzle box' narrative, keeping viewers engaged by presenting a series of interconnected mysteries that unfold gradually. Scarpetta, featuring Nicole Kidman, represents a different facet of this trend, aiming to elevate the forensic crime drama genre through a focus on character psychology and advanced technology. The success of The Devil's Hour also points to the enduring appeal of British noir, with its atmospheric, character-driven approach, as well as a broader fascination with the unexplained.

• The Devil's Hour's final season has already been filmed and is slated for release.
• Scarpetta is set in Alexandria, Virginia, but filmed in Nashville, Tennessee.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Audiences are eager to see how the complex narrative of The Devil's Hour will be resolved in the final season, while other Prime Video series like Cross and The Boys demonstrate the platform's willingness to take risks and push boundaries in the crime drama genre.