KEY POINTS
- Patrick Dempsey plays Angelo Ledda, a hitman balancing his violent criminal life with a suburban family existence.
- The 10 episode Fox series also stars Michael Imperioli, Odeya Rush, and Daniel David Stewart.
- The series addresses memory loss, family obligations, and identity within a serialized crime drama format.
LOS ANGELES — Patrick Dempsey, widely recognized for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, stars in Memory of a Killer, a new crime thriller airing on Fox.
The series premiered in a two night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 25, immediately following the NFC Championship Game, and moves to its regular Monday 9 PM ET/PT slot starting Jan. 26.
The show follows Dempsey as a professional hitman whose carefully compartmentalized life begins to unravel due to early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
In Memory of a Killer, Dempsey portrays Angelo Ledda, a New York City based hitman who secretly maintains a suburban family life.
As Angelo begins to experience memory lapses and cognitive decline, his dual existence becomes increasingly precarious.
The show examines the tension between Angelo’s professional responsibilities in organized crime and his personal life as a husband and father, offering a blend of action and psychological drama.
The series is based on Belgian novelist Jef Geeraerts’ De Zaak Alzheimer, which has previously been adapted into a 2003 Belgian film and a 2022 American movie titled Memory.
Unlike its predecessors, the Fox series expands the story into a serialized television format, exploring both the moral and psychological dimensions of a hitman dealing with the onset of dementia.
Dempsey also serves as executive producer, marking a significant step in his career beyond acting.
Media experts note that Memory of a Killer combines genre conventions with social commentary.
Dr. Maria Chen, associate professor of media studies at the University of Southern California, said, “The series uses crime drama to explore universal themes of aging and memory.
Its serialized structure allows for more nuanced character development than traditional procedural formats.”
Medical specialists also recognize the show’s potential impact.
Dr. Edward Norton, director of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, explained, “Portraying early onset Alzheimer’s in mainstream media can help raise awareness.
However, it is important that the depiction balances dramatic storytelling with an accurate representation of cognitive decline.”
Odeya Rush, who portrays Angelo’s daughter Maria, told Entertainment Weekly, “Playing Maria gave me insight into how families cope with hidden struggles. It adds depth to a typical crime story.”
Michael Imperioli, who plays Angelo’s friend and criminal associate Dutch, said in a Variety interview, “The dynamic between Angelo and Dutch highlights loyalty and moral conflict, which is rare in most crime dramas.”
Fox executives have positioned Memory of a Killer as part of a midseason slate targeting adult audiences.
The show’s reception in ratings and streaming platforms will likely determine its continuation and international distribution.
With serialized storytelling, the series has room to explore the psychological and ethical dimensions of its central character while appealing to a global audience.
Memory of a Killer represents a career evolution for Dempsey and signals television’s growing interest in combining action with complex social themes.
By examining memory loss, identity, and morality within a crime thriller framework, the series has the potential to engage audiences while bringing attention to real world issues associated with cognitive decline.
FAQs – Patrick Dempsey & Memory of a Killer
Who is Patrick Dempsey?
A: Patrick Dempsey is an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy.
What is Patrick Dempsey’s new show?
A: His latest series is Memory of a Killer, a crime thriller on Fox about a hitman with early onset Alzheimer’s.
How many episodes does Memory of a Killer have?
A: The first season has 10 episodes.
Q: Where can I watch Memory of a Killer?
A: It airs on Fox and will be available on streaming platforms like Hulu.
Q: Who is Michael Imperioli in the show?
A: Michael Imperioli plays Dutch, Angelo’s friend and criminal associate.
Q: What is Memories of a Killer?
A: It is another name sometimes used to refer to Memory of a Killer, based on the Belgian book De Zaak Alzheimer.
Q: When is the new Patrick Dempsey show airing?
A: The series premiered Jan. 25, 2026, and airs Mondays at 9 pm ET/PT.
Author’s perspective
In my analysis, Memory of a Killer reflects the growing trend of mainstream media integrating neurocognitive health into genre storytelling, merging entertainment with social awareness.
I predict streaming platforms will mandate accuracy in depicting medical conditions to maintain credibility and audience trust.
For viewers, this highlights Alzheimer’s awareness, and producers should track audience engagement metrics for informed content strategy.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
