16 Crime Shows Where the Criminal Is Revealed in Episode One

I’m a huge fan of these kinds of mystery shows! They’re so different because, right from the start, you know who did it. It’s not about guessing ‘whodunit,’ it’s about why they did it and how they’re trying to get away with it. It’s fascinating to watch the investigation happen when you’re already in on the secret, and the real suspense comes from seeing the criminal try to cover their tracks and the police getting closer and closer. It’s a total psychological battle, and that’s what makes it so gripping!

‘Columbo’ (1971–2003)

The popular ‘howcatchem’ format, where the audience knows who committed the crime from the start, became famous thanks to this series starring Peter Falk. Each episode begins by showing the murder and the killer. Lieutenant Columbo, appearing modest and unassuming, then cleverly tricks the arrogant suspect into revealing their deception. The show’s tension comes from watching Columbo patiently unravel the killer’s carefully constructed plan, not from trying to solve the mystery of ‘who did it’.

‘Poker Face’ (2023–Present)

Charlie Cale has a remarkable talent: she can instantly tell when people are lying. Each episode of the show begins with a murder, and surprisingly, the audience learns who did it before Charlie even arrives. As she travels, Charlie finds herself caught up in these crimes and uses her special ability to reveal the truth. The show is a fresh take on classic detective mysteries, blending familiar elements with a modern style.

‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)

This gripping psychological thriller tells two intertwined stories: one following a detective and the other a serial killer. From the start, viewers know who the killer is – Paul Spector, who is terrorizing Belfast. As dedicated Superintendent Stella Gibson relentlessly pursues him, Spector desperately tries to appear like a normal, grieving family man. The show is a tense cat-and-mouse game between hunter and hunted.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

As a huge fan of twisty thrillers, I was immediately hooked by this show. It follows Dexter, a guy who seems like a normal forensic technician by day, but leads a secret life as a vigilante killer at night. The really interesting part is he has this strict personal code – he only targets other killers who’ve slipped through the cracks of the justice system. From the very beginning, we’re let in on his thoughts and actions, which creates this constant tension as he tries to hide everything from his sister and coworkers at the Miami Metro Police Department. It’s a really clever setup and keeps you on the edge of your seat!

‘You’ (2018–2024)

Joe Goldberg appears to be a friendly bookstore employee, but he becomes dangerously obsessed with the women he’s attracted to. The story is told through his eyes, letting viewers hear his disturbing justifications for his harmful behavior. He stalks and controls the people he targets, and removes anyone who threatens his pursuit. The series flips the typical romantic comedy on its head by presenting the main character as a villain from the beginning.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

This suspenseful horror series centers on the complex connection between an FBI investigator, Will Graham, and a brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The audience knows Lecter is a cannibalistic serial killer, creating intense tension as the other characters remain unaware. Graham seeks Lecter’s help in solving other crimes, but unknowingly becomes a target of Lecter’s schemes. This dramatic irony drives the story, as Graham unknowingly gets closer to the hidden danger that Lecter represents.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

The series centers around Eve Polastri, an MI5 officer who becomes captivated by Villanelle, a highly skilled and dangerous assassin. From the start, Villanelle is shown to be ruthless and effective, and as Eve pursues her, a strange mutual obsession develops. This fascination fuels a thrilling chase that takes them around the globe.

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

Detective John Luther is a highly skilled but deeply troubled police officer who is haunted by the evil he encounters. Each episode often quickly reveals who the killer is, leaving Luther to use his gut feelings and unique approach to build a case. The show centers on the intense mental battle between Luther and the criminals he pursues.

‘Motive’ (2013–2016)

This Canadian detective show uniquely reveals both the killer and the victim right from the start of each episode. The story then jumps between different time periods to show how their lives became connected. Detectives Angie Flynn and Oscar Vega investigate not who committed the crime, but why they did it – a central theme of the show.

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

This show, a continuation of a popular series, really dives into what makes criminals tick and what drives their actions. Each episode frequently starts by showing how and why a crime is committed. Detectives Goren and Eames are skilled at using psychological insights and careful observation to catch the criminals. Unlike many crime shows, this one takes a much closer look at the minds of those who commit the crimes.

‘Barry’ (2018–2023)

Barry Berkman is a hitman struggling with depression who takes a job in Los Angeles. However, he unexpectedly discovers a love for acting. The show follows Barry as he attempts to escape his history of violence while navigating the world of theater. From the very beginning, the audience is aware of Barry’s dark past, and the series explores whether someone capable of terrible acts can ever genuinely redeem themselves.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

This show is a prequel to the movie ‘Psycho,’ telling the story of Norman Bates and his mother, Norma. Knowing how Norman eventually becomes a killer, the series focuses on the complicated and unhealthy relationship between them, and how it affects his mind. It’s a tragic story, watching a troubled young man slowly become a famous murderer.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Light Yagami finds a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name he writes inside. He starts using it to eliminate criminals, becoming known as Kira. Meanwhile, a highly skilled detective called L tries to figure out who Kira is and put an end to his actions. The anime centers around the intense and clever rivalry between these two brilliant minds.

‘Mr. Mercedes’ (2017–2019)

The series centers on a former detective, Bill Hodges, who is pulled back into the world of crime when a disturbed killer, Brady Hartsfield, intentionally drives into a crowd of people. Unlike typical mysteries, the show quickly reveals who the killer is and explores his troubled background. The story unfolds through both Hodges’s investigation to stop another attack and glimpses into the killer’s twisted mind.

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

This crime drama tells the story of Jeffrey Dahmer’s horrific murders, but focuses on the experiences of his victims and the failures of the police investigation. The show doesn’t hide who Dahmer is or what he did, and instead explores the broader problems that allowed him to continue killing for over ten years.

‘Des’ (2020)

This three-part miniseries stars David Tennant as Dennis Nilsen, a Scottish serial killer. The story starts with his arrest and the discovery of bodies at his home. Nilsen immediately admits to the murders, calmly explaining his crimes to the police. Unlike typical crime dramas, this series focuses on the difficult process of identifying Nilsen’s victims, rather than on solving the mystery of who the killer is.

‘The Serpent’ (2021)

This series tells the story of Charles Sobhraj, a murderer who preyed on young tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. From the beginning, viewers see Sobhraj and his helpers drugging and robbing travelers. As a Dutch diplomat investigates the vanishing of a young couple, he discovers a disturbing pattern of deaths. The show builds suspense as authorities desperately try to catch this slippery criminal and bring him to justice.

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

Adrian Monk is a highly skilled detective who also struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many episodes begin by showing the crime and the perpetrator right away. Monk solves cases by noticing small details others overlook. The show is enjoyable because it lets viewers watch him methodically reveal how the killer committed the crime, much to the killer’s frustration.

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

2025-11-29 21:21