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Season 1 – The Killing

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Killing Apr 2011 Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Based partly on a popular Danish TV series, "The Killing" is a moody, character-driven detective procedural that weaves a murder mystery through a full season or more. The stories unfold through the eyes of Sarah Linden, a detective with the Seattle Police Department and who, at first, must mentor Detective Stephen Holder, a former narcotics cop. While their backgrounds produce investigative styles that clash -- she's by-the-book, he's freewheeling -- they manage to pull together for the case.
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The Killing — Season 1

The Killing — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Killing is a slow burning mystery with an eerie, mutli-dimensional story propelled by thoughtful writing, believable characters, and realistic horror, even if its season finale was unsatisfying.

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Critics Reviews

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Jess Mccabe Bitch Media 01/08/2021
It seems like [US writers] didn't have enough confidence in the character and they needed to add layers of backstory and angst to spell out that Linden is a great detective but just cannot cope. Perhaps it's also a lack of confidence in the audience. Go to Full Review Starlee Kine New York Magazine/Vulture 11/19/2015
3/5
Now that the Killing has been true to its word about solving its mystery in a single season, if it does come back again, I hope that it keeps in mind that its appeal lies far more in its characters than in its twists. Go to Full Review Meredith Blake AV Club 11/19/2015
A-
At this early stage, it's hard to know whether The Killing will live up to AMC's aspirations and become The Next Great American Television Show, but, with a mystery this engrossing, who really cares? Go to Full Review Randy Dankievitch Processed Media 02/12/2020
F
[T]here isn't much original to The Killing at all. Go to Full Review David Bianculli NPR's Fresh Air 05/15/2018
The Killing is intentionally slow, and doesn't provide any of the usual staples of the genre as high-octane relief. No gun battles, no car chases - just cops doing their duty, politicians looking for ways to spin things. Go to Full Review Teresa Lopez TV Fanatic 11/19/2015
From the start of the pilot episode, we can see that The Killing is no ordinary crime drama. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Adam D. @neph-lon Oct 28 Dark, moody, and gritty with excellent writing. Many layers and as the threads get pulled, the community seems to unravel. Throughly gripping. See more Patricia F @RT25030653 02/03/2025 Did not care about the political contest at all. Waste of time. See more Todd B @RT74159835 12/31/2024 Good crime story about a murder mystery. Up and coming stars. I enjoyed this season 1. Good 1hr. 30 min. pilot. See more maxime t @RT97051016 09/08/2024 One of the best tv shows ever made in my opinion. The atmosphere is brought perfectly! The defenition of something you need to binge. Loved it See more Chet T @RT09777230 06/14/2024 Season 1 is very well done. Great writing and character development. Feels like the first season of Broadchurch.. which is a high complement. Broadchurch fell off some in the later seasons and by the rating it appears that The Killing does the same. But season 1 as a stand alone is spectacular! See more D S @SlickReviewer 05/18/2024 Slow burn but superb acting. Probably could have done the show in 10 episodes instead of 13. See more Read all reviews
The Killing — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Mireille Enos

Actor

Billy Campbell

Actor

Joel Kinnaman

Actor

Michelle Forbes

Actor

Brent Sexton

Actor

Kristin Lehman

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 3, 2011 Pilot On her last day of work, homicide detective Sarah Linden is drawn into a new case; City Councilman Darren Richmond prepares for an important forum with the mayor. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 3, 2011 The Cage Sarah and Holder investigate at the school to figure out where Rosie went; Richmond tries to control the political fallout. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 10, 2011 El Diablo City Councilman Richmond suspects a leak within his team; Sarah and Holder track down a potential witness; Mitch shuts down. Details Episode 4 Aired Apr 17, 2011 A Soundless Echo Sarah and Holder pressure Rosie's former boyfriend; Stan and Mitch plan their daughter's funeral; Richmond hopes to raise funds for his campaign. Details Episode 5 Aired Apr 24, 2011 Super 8 Rosie's teacher provides a new piece of evidence; Richmond's team plans an anti-crime TV commercial; Stan asks his colleague for help to find Rosie's killer. Details Episode 6 Aired May 1, 2011 What You Have Left Sarah and Holder question a suspect's family and neighbors; Richmond and his team prepare for a debate with the mayor; Rosie's funeral takes place. Details Episode 7 Aired May 8, 2011 Vengeance Police learn more about Rosie's whereabouts the night of her death; Richmond deals with a negative ad; Mitch starts doubting the police investigation. Details Episode 8 Aired May 15, 2011 Stonewalled Sarah and Holder uncover evidence; Mitch endangers the boys; Richmond tries to get back in the race. Details Episode 9 Aired May 22, 2011 Undertow The police make a shocking realization; Richmond contemplates dropping out of the race; the Larsens are fed up with the police. Details Episode 10 Aired May 29, 2011 I'll Let You Know When I Get There The police regroup; Richmond advances in the polls; Mitch is left to keep the family afloat, while Stan faces his consequences. Details Episode 11 Aired Jun 5, 2011 Missing Sarah and Holder set out on a search for Jack. Details Episode 12 Aired Jun 12, 2011 Beau Soleil The police connect Rosie to a suspicious website; the waterfront project stalls; Stan faces his demons; Mitch learns secrets she never knew about Rosie. Details Episode 13 Aired Jun 19, 2011 Orpheus Descending The police connect evidence to the campaign car and Rosie; Stan and Mitch reflect on the past and future. Details

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The Killing — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Patty Jenkins
Executive Producer
Veena Sud
Screenwriter
Veena Sud
Network
AMC
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 3, 2011