‘Memory of a Killer’: Patrick Dempsey to play a dark role as an Alzheimer’s-hit assassin in the upcoming drama
Patrick Dempsey is officially leaving the scalpel, stethoscope, and his “McDreamy” persona in the rearview mirror. Forget the charming, heart-throb doctor days in his white labcoat — he’s picking up a gun, a new accent, and a whole lot of baggage. With ‘Memory of a Killer’, Dempsey returns in a way no one really saw coming. This time, he’s Angelo Ledda, a notorious hitman trying to keep his dangerous double life under wraps while facing early-onset Alzheimer’s. The first trailer just dropped, and people are already talking. The series lands on January 25–26, 2026.
Dempsey’s dark turn: What ‘Memory of a Killer’ is about
If you’re expecting Dempsey to play another gentle hero, think again. As Angelo, he’s both a deadly contract killer in New York and a regular dad and husband in upstate Cooperstown — at least, that’s the illusion. Everything starts to unravel when he gets diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Suddenly, he’s fighting to hold onto his memories, his family, and the secrets that could destroy them all. Although the show comes from Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone, it’s actually a fresh take on the Belgian film ‘De Zaak Alzheimer’ (in English, ‘The Alzheimer Case’), which picked up awards back over two decades ago, in 2003.The trailer of the upcoming series wastes no time. One minute, Angelo’s carrying out a hit with icy precision; the next, he’s passing the mashed potatoes at family dinner. But the cracks show fast. His memory slips. The facade gets shaky. You feel the tension build as the scenes flip between violent showdowns and quiet, painful moments with his daughter Maria (Odeya Rush). There’s even a gut-punch scene at the doctor’s office where Angelo hears his diagnosis for the first time. That’s really the hook here: a killer who can’t trust his own mind anymore.
More than another crime drama
Dempsey isn’t doing it alone. Michael Imperioli shows up as Dutch, his buddy with ties to the underworld. Richard Harmon plays Joe, another hitman. Daniel David Stewart is Jeff, married to Angelo’s daughter. And Gina Torres steps in as FBI agent Linda Grant, who’s getting a little too close for Angelo’s comfort.What really sets ‘Memory of a Killer’ apart isn’t just the action or the suspense — it’s the way it digs into the human side of things. Angelo’s Alzheimer’s doesn’t just add drama; it forces everyone to face tough questions about what we remember, who we are, and what happens when the past starts to slip away.
How to watch ‘Memories of a Killer’
Now, from what the trailer alone offers, this isn’t your standard crime show. The emotional punch of Angelo’s Alzheimer’s takes it somewhere deeper — a story about memory, identity, and what you’d do to protect the people you love when you’re losing yourself. Add Dempsey’s take on Angelo, and it’s safe to say that we’re hooked.‘Memory of a Killer’ kicks off with a two-night event on Fox — Episode 1 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, right after the NFC Championship Game at 10 p.m. ET, then Episode 2 on Monday night at 9. After that, new episodes drop weekly. Hulu’s expected to stream it on demand soon after each episode airs.
