Memory of a Killer: Patrick Dempsey Plays an Alzheimer's-Suffering Hitman in the FOX Series

Patrick Dempsey returns to the small screen in FOX's new thriller series, Memory of a Killer, playing a hitman battling Alzheimer's.

by Gilang Rahmatullah AkbarPublish Date 26 January 2026, 05:10 PM
Patrick Dempsey returns to the small screen in FOX's new thriller series, Memory of a Killer, playing a hitman battling Alzheimer's. (Photo: IMDb)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The highly anticipated thriller drama series, Memory of a Killer, has officially premiered on FOX.

Starring acclaimed actor Patrick Dempsey, the series promises suspense and deep psychological drama.

The series premiere will begin on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:00-11:10 PM ET, immediately following the NFC Championship Game, followed by a second episode on Monday, January 26, 2026.

The series features Patrick Dempsey in a role that departs from his usual 'McDreamy' image, playing a hitman who must deal with a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's.

The unique plot is adapted from the award-winning 2003 Belgian film, "De Zaak Alzheimer" (La Memoire Du Tueur) and the original novel.


The Story Behind Memory of a Killer

The series Memory of a Killer centers on Angelo Ledda (played by Patrick Dempsey), a professional hitman who develops early-onset Alzheimer's.

Angelo leads separate double lives: as a feared hitman in New York City and as a copier salesman and father in Cooperstown, upstate.

The central conflict arises when Angelo begins making small mistakes, such as forgetting his apartment passcode, which leads him to realize he may have the same condition as his older brother, who already suffers from dementia.

This condition threatens his ability to lead both lives discreetly and effectively.

In an effort to protect his family, Angelo must act quickly to prevent history from repeating itself before his memory is completely lost.

He must search for clues from his past to identify the enemy threatening his family.

Michael Imperioli also stars as Dutch, Angelo's old friend and accomplished chef, whose restaurant serves as a front for his criminal activities.


Memory of a Killer Special Debut and Premiere Schedule

The Memory of a Killer series is scheduled to premiere during the 2025-2026 season, with an official trailer featuring Patrick Dempsey announcing a January 25, 2026, release date.

The series debut will air as a two-night special on FOX.

The first episode will air on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:00-11:10 PM ET, immediately following the NFC Championship Game.

The second episode will air on Monday, January 26, 2026, continuing Angelo Ledda's increasingly complex story.

The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television, Fox Entertainment, Welle Entertainment, and Eyeworks.


Early Reaction to Memory of a Killer

Early reviews indicate that Memory of a Killer is FOX's attempt to appeal to audiences who enjoy the anti-hero thriller genre, similar to the popular miniseries often found on streaming platforms like Netflix.

Patrick Dempsey himself successfully shed the familiar "McDreamy" image of his previous roles, showcasing a darker and more complex side.

While the premise was considered intriguing and promising, some early critics felt the series might not be memorable enough in the long run.

However, Patrick Dempsey's performance as Angelo Ledda, a mild-mannered widower who is also a secret hitman, was praised.

The series has been described as a profound "psychological thriller," exploring Angelo Doyle's (Angelo Ledda's alias) struggle with a memory-threatening illness while also facing the consequences of his double life.

'Memory of a Killer' get 7.2/10 from IMDb.