Fox will continue to probe the Memory of a Killer.
The network has renewed its first-year drama starring Patrick Dempsey for a second season in 2026-27. Memory of a Killer joins fellow rookie Best Medicine in earning a spot on next season’s schedule; Fox has also renewed Doc for a third season and has yet to make a decision on its other drama series, Murder in a Small Town.
The renewal comes as Memory of a Killer, a co-production between Fox and Warner Bros. TV, airs its season finale Monday night.
“Memory of a Killer has become a true standout with visceral performances from Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli,” said Fox Television Network president Michael Thorn. “[Showrunners] Aaron Zelman, Glenn Kessler, and our partners at Warner Bros. Television have delivered a sharp, emotional character-driven thriller that’s clearly landed with viewers, and we’re excited to continue that success together in season two.”
Zelman and Kessler will remain as showrunners in season two. They took the reins midway through production on the season, stepping in for Ed Whitmore, Tracey Malone and David Schulner, who developed the series.
Based on a novel and 2003 Belgian film titled De Zaak Alzheimer, Memory of a Killer stars Patrick Dempsey as Angelo, a hitman who leads a double life, hiding his deadly job from his loved ones. He is also losing his memory, a secret he tries to keep from everyone he knows.
Michael Imperioli, Richard Harmon, Odeya Rush, Daniel David Stewart and Peter Gadiot also star, and Gina Torres has a recurring role.
The series had a strong premiere after the NFC Championship game in January and has since grown to 16.2 million cross-platform viewers. Subsequent episodes in its regular home on Mondays haven’t been that big (unsurprisingly), but it has had solid returns streaming on Hulu.
“We’re thrilled Fox has renewed Memory of a Killer for a second season, a richly deserved renewal given the show’s great critical, creative, and commercial success,” said Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD U.S. Networks. “The performances of Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli have been powerful and compelling, and we can’t wait to see what the show’s brilliant creative team has in store for Angelo’s next chapter.”
Zelman and Kessler executive produce with Dempsey, Arthur Sarkissian, Martin Campbell and Peter Bouckaert of Eyeworks.
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