Scarpetta (2026)
She's a voice for the voiceless.
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta returns to her position as Virginia's Chief Medical Examiner, where she investigates a haunting murder with eerie reminders from her first big case decades ago. In 1998, Scarpetta works alongside Detective Pete Marino and FBI Agent Benton Wesley as they investigate a series of brutal stranglings. Based on the best-selling novels by Patricia Cornwell.
| Type | TV series |
|---|---|
| First aired | 11 March 2026 |
| Status | Returning Series |
| Genre | Drama, Crime, Mystery |
| Created by | Elizabeth Sarnoff |
| Starring | Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Cannavale |
| Seasons | 1 season, 8 episodes |
| Episode length | about 53 min |
| Time to watch it all | about 7 hours |
| Rated | TV-MA |
| Scores | TMDB users 6.5/10 |
Where to watch Scarpetta
Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video ($8.99 a month) in the US. At ten hours a week, all of the series takes about 1 month of Prime Video, or $8.99 at list price.
We check availability daily. Page last updated 1 October 2026. Prices are standard monthly plans and change often, so check with the service before you sign up.
What kind of watch this is
Scarpetta is a 2026 crime drama where a forensic pathologist returns to work and finds her first case following her. Created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, it spans 8 episodes and 7 hours. Nicole Kidman plays Dr. Kay Scarpetta, who investigates a haunting murder in Virginia. Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Cannavale round out the cast. The story jumps between the present and 1998, when Scarpetta worked alongside Detective Pete Marino and FBI Agent Benton Wesley on a series of brutal stranglings. It is based on Patricia Cornwell’s novels.
What the critics said
The reception is mixed, though not quite chaotic. Rotten Tomatoes records a 57% approval rating from 67 critics. The consensus calls the show "a little messy and occasionally all over the place," yet still "a fun watch." Metacritic lands on 54, a weighted average that signals mixed or average reviews. The stacked cast carries the weight of the mystery, which is compelling enough to keep viewers digging for more.
How it did with audiences
Nielsen measured U.S. TV set views for the first season. It landed at #4 for original series and #6 overall during the week of 9–15 March. The next week, it held the #7 spot for original series. On TMDB, users give it a 6.5 rating. The numbers suggest a steady, if not spectacular, start.
If you liked this
TMDB's recommendations for people who watched Scarpetta.
Sources
- Scarpetta on TMDB — synopsis, cast, ratings and recommendations
- Wikidata Q125343239 — review scores, box office and awards (CC0)
- “Scarpetta (TV series)” on Wikipedia, by its contributors (history) — reception, audience figures and legacy, summarised and adapted here under CC BY-SA 4.0
- Where to watch and prices: Binge Boss, from TMDB watch-provider data (powered by JustWatch) and our own provider list
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