Crime thriller enthusiasts are in for a treat this March as two major streaming events—one new, one classic—take center stage. Simon Baker, long celebrated for his role as Patrick Jane in The Mentalist, is back in the limelight, this time alongside Nicole Kidman in the highly anticipated series Scarpetta, premiering March 11, 2026, on Prime Video. Meanwhile, fans of Baker’s earlier work can also look forward to the arrival of The Mentalist on Netflix in select regions, beginning March 1, 2026. Both releases underscore the enduring appeal of the crime thriller genre and the magnetic pull of Baker’s performances.
Let’s start with Scarpetta, a forensic crime drama based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling series of novels. The show is set to premiere globally, reaching viewers in over 240 countries through Amazon Prime Video. Developed by Liz Sarnoff, whose previous credits include Barry and Lost, the series promises to bring a fresh energy to Cornwell’s iconic characters, who have already captivated millions of readers across the globe.
Nicole Kidman steps into the shoes of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant and unrelenting forensic pathologist determined to serve as the voice of victims and unmask a serial killer. Kidman’s performance is bolstered by a powerhouse cast: Jamie Lee Curtis portrays Scarpetta’s troubled sister, Dorothy Farinelli; Bobby Cannavale takes on the role of Detective Pete Marino, a seasoned investigator; and Simon Baker appears as FBI profiler Benton Wesley, a complex figure whose presence adds both professional friction and romantic complexity to Scarpetta’s world. Ariana DeBose joins as Lucy Watson, Scarpetta’s tech-savvy niece and genetic expert, while Rosy McEwen, Amanda Righetti, Jake Cannavale, and Hunter Parrish round out the ensemble by portraying younger versions of the main characters in flashbacks.
According to Amazon Prime Video, the series is “moody, intelligent, and deeply suspenseful,” delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and the personal cost of pursuing truth. The show’s narrative unfolds across two timelines, chronicling Scarpetta’s early days as Chief Medical Examiner in the late 1990s and her present-day return to her hometown, where she resumes her former position while investigating a grisly murder. This dual structure allows the series to explore the psychological toll of justice on both the investigators and the perpetrators, creating a multi-layered thriller that’s as much about the people as it is about the cases they solve.
Director David Gordon Green, known for his atmospheric visual style, helms the pilot and four additional episodes, ensuring a consistent tone throughout the eight-episode first season. The production is a collaborative effort, bringing together Amazon MGM Studios, Blumhouse Television, Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects. Kidman and Curtis are also credited as executive producers, alongside Patricia Cornwell herself, lending the adaptation an extra layer of authenticity and creative oversight.
The first episode wastes no time establishing high stakes, with a murder investigation that immediately tests Scarpetta’s forensic skills and personal relationships. The series promises viewers a blend of visceral crime scenes, intelligent investigation sequences, and complex character dynamics. The emotional heart of the show lies in Scarpetta’s fraught relationship with her estranged sister and her struggle to reconcile professional obligations with personal demons. According to Variety, “Simon Baker’s FBI profiler introduces an element of professional friction and romantic complexity, creating the emotional stakes audiences crave.”
With decades of storylines to draw from—Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta novels span 29 books—the series seems poised for longevity. The industry is watching closely to see if Scarpetta can replicate the passionate fanbase that made the novels bestsellers. Early reactions to the February trailer suggest strong anticipation, with fans eager for a forensic thriller that balances procedural detail with personal drama.
While Scarpetta is generating buzz as a new entry into the streaming world, Simon Baker’s earlier work is also enjoying renewed attention. The Mentalist, the acclaimed crime drama that originally aired from 2008 to 2015, is set to arrive on Netflix in select regions—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Latin America—on March 1, 2026. This move is part of a significant international licensing deal with Warner Bros. Television, further cementing Netflix’s reputation as a hub for gripping crime thrillers.
Created by Bruno Heller, The Mentalist stars Baker as Patrick Jane, a former con artist whose uncanny observational skills make him a valuable consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation. The show is more than just a standard procedural. At its core is Jane’s quest for revenge against Red John, the serial killer who murdered his wife and daughter. Red John, revealed as Napa County Sheriff Thomas McAllister and the head of a secret criminal enterprise within California law enforcement, is a formidable adversary who keeps viewers guessing throughout the show’s seven seasons.
Alongside Baker, the series features a strong ensemble cast: Xander Berkeley as Red John, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, and John Troy Donovan. The show’s blend of episodic investigations and a slow-burning revenge plot has won it a reputation as one of the best crime thrillers of the 21st century. According to What’s On Netflix, the series is “a true treat for crime lovers,” offering the right mix of mystery, intrigue, and emotional depth.
There is, however, a catch for American viewers. While The Mentalist will be available on Netflix in several international markets, US audiences will have to look elsewhere. As of March 2024, all seven seasons can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+, ensuring that fans in the States won’t miss out on the action. The series’ arrival on Netflix is expected to introduce it to a new generation of viewers, many of whom may be discovering Baker’s talents for the first time.
Both Scarpetta and The Mentalist highlight the enduring popularity of the crime thriller genre and the continued demand for smart, character-driven storytelling. With Simon Baker at the center of both projects—one as a fresh face in a new adaptation, the other as the iconic Patrick Jane—March 2026 is shaping up to be a memorable month for fans of suspenseful television.
As streaming services compete to deliver the next big hit, the combination of star power, literary pedigree, and compelling narratives ensures that crime thrillers remain at the forefront of popular entertainment. Whether viewers are tuning in for the first time or revisiting old favorites, the genre’s appeal shows no signs of waning.