Netflix’s popular show Mindhunter goes on indefinite hiatus

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

We are truly living in the Golden Age of television. Streaming services like Amazon and cable giants like HBO have provided audiences with an insane variety of entertainment. It ranges the gamut from hard hitting dramas like Bosch, to witty comedies like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, to superhero fare like Watchmen. Like the ubiquitous guy in the comment section however, Netflix got there "first" and their lineup has been impressive to say the least.

One program that took people by storm was 2017's Mindhunter. The show, developed by GONE GIRL director David Fincher and Joe Penhall was based on the book Mindhunter: Inside The FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker. The series centers around FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), who operate the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit within the Training Division at the FBI Academy in Quantico,Virginia. They interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think, with the hope of applying this knowledge to solve ongoing cases. Several of the most notorious serial killers in history made appearances in Mindhunter including Charles Manson and Richard Speck.

Both seasons one and two have been critical darlings scoring 97% and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes respectively. Ever since the second season dropped in August of last year people have been dying to know when the third season will debut. Unfortunately, for Mindhunter fans that might be awhile.

News came down this week that Groff, McCallany, and Torv have all been released from their contracts and a third season of Mindhunter is on indefinite hiatus. The decision is based mainly off of David Fincher's busy schedule according to a Netflix representative:

“David is focused on directing his first Netflix film ‘Mank’ and on producing the second season of ‘Love, Death and Robots.’ He may revisit ‘Mindhunter’ again in the future, but in the meantime felt it wasn’t fair to the actors to hold them from seeking other work while he was exploring new work of his own.”

While this news may come as disheartening to some fans, I have to say it's the right decision at this time. With Fincher's focus pulled elsewhere, he can't give his full attention to Mindhunter. I think most people would rather have David Fincher fully invested in the program rather than being distracted by other pursuits. Fans have come to expect a lot from Mindhunter and I'm sure they'd rather wait longer for a better quality show than a half-assed third season. In addition, it gives the actors the opportunity to seek gainful employment elsewhere. Personally, I think a third season of Mindhunter is inevitable. You don't just walk away from a massively successful show like this one. It just may take a little bit longer than expected to get that third season.

So what do you guys think of this news? Do you watch Mindhunter? Are you disappointed? Sound off in the comments below!