‘The Sinner’: The Dark Netflix Crime Thriller That Has Viewers Binge-Watching Until 3AM

Some crime dramas are easy to pause after one episode. The Sinner is proving to be a very different experience. This dark psychological thriller has viewers so absorbed in its unsettling mysteries that some admit to abandoning their plans, staying up until 3am and spending entire days indoors just to keep watching.

Although it first premiered in 2017, the series continues to attract attention from viewers discovering it on Netflix. Described by fans as addictive, electrifying and deeply disturbing, it has built a reputation as one of those crime dramas that makes stopping after a single episode almost impossible.

What Is The Sinner About?

The first season centres on Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel), a young mother who appears to have an ordinary life until she suddenly stabs a stranger to death on a beach. The shocking attack leaves everyone searching for an explanation — including Cora herself, who cannot fully understand what drove her to commit such a violent act.

Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) takes on the case, determined to uncover the psychological reasons behind the crime. Rather than simply identifying the killer, his investigation focuses on a more unsettling question: why would an apparently ordinary person commit such a horrific act?

Christopher Abbott also stars as Mason Tannetti, Cora’s devoted husband, whose life is thrown into turmoil by the events.

The series holds a 92% average Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with individual seasons receiving strong reviews. Its first season earned a 91% critics’ score, while the second reached 97%, the third 92% and the fourth 88%.

Rotten Tomatoes’ critics’ consensus praised the first season for its unpredictable storytelling and powerful performances, describing it as a darkly compelling mystery that quickly draws viewers in.

A Different Murder Mystery Every Season

Originally developed as a miniseries, The Sinner became popular enough to return for three more seasons. It eventually ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2021, adapting an anthology format in which Ambrose investigates a new and disturbing murder case each time.

Based on Petra Hammesfahr’s novel of the same name, the series explores the hidden motives that can drive seemingly ordinary people to commit extraordinary acts of violence. Ambrose relies on unconventional investigative methods and an unusual capacity for empathy, while his own troubled past draws him into increasingly complicated relationships with the people he investigates.

Viewers Say It Is Almost Impossible to Stop Watching

The show’s addictive quality recently came up in a Reddit discussion asking people to name the television series that had kept them watching long past their bedtime.

One viewer recalled starting The Sinner with a roommate at 8pm, only to realise that they had continued watching until 3am. Another immediately agreed that it was the first series that came to mind.

A film critic also praised its gripping appeal, saying the story could make viewers abandon a day at the beach just to stay home and watch another episode.

IMDb reviewers have highlighted the unusual darkness of the story, Jessica Biel’s performance and Bill Pullman’s portrayal of the troubled detective. One viewer described it as a highly addictive mystery that keeps audiences guessing until the end, while also praising its soundtrack.

The series may not offer a conventional murder mystery, but its unsettling atmosphere, psychological twists and compelling performances have helped it find a devoted audience.

All four seasons of The Sinner are available to stream on Netflix UK.