• Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 25, 2026
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Negative: 1 out of 10

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Billy Fellows
    Jan 26, 2026
    80
    Yes, the editing can at times feel ambiguous, but these moments are so few and far between that they are quite easy to move past and even embrace. When that small imperfection is measured against Dempsey's performance, which gives away just enough to convince you he's a seasoned hitman, along with the constantly twisting plot and enjoyable action, the qualities far outweigh any negatives.
  2. Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Jan 22, 2026
    70
    Only two episodes, one with its sound still unfinished, were available for review, but the show thus far is promising. .... Mr. Dempsey is solid. And with a curated selection of chase scenes, the show has traction.
  3. Reviewed by: Keith Phipps
    Jan 22, 2026
    64
    What's clear is that Memory of a Killer is so far a decidedly watchable show that, novel premise aside, has done little to make itself feel like essential viewing.
  4. Reviewed by: Kelly Lawler
    Jan 26, 2026
    63
    It's a bit lackluster and tedious, particularly during scenes of Angelo's "Leave it to Beaver" family life. Without actors as talented and charming as Dempsey and Imperioli, it would be entirely forgettable. Their powerful, charismatic presence, however, suggest this is worth sticking with beyond the two-night premiere.
  5. Reviewed by: Liam Mathews
    Jan 26, 2026
    60
    “Memory of a Killer” isn’t must-see TV, but it has potential as a darkly entertaining antihero thriller in the vein of “Dexter.” If it can maintain its pulpy pace without losing control of its unwieldy plot, it might be able to wring a few seasons out of its premise.
  6. Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Jan 26, 2026
    60
    We still think that Memory Of A Killer has the potential to go in directions other thrillers haven’t, simply because of the cognitive decline Dempsey’s character will be suffering through. But through the first two episodes, there’s not enough of that to make the show feel much different than other conspiracy thrillers of recent vintage.
  7. Reviewed by: Alison Herman
    Jan 26, 2026
    40
    Disjointed and bland in the two episodes provided to critics in advance, this assassin drama has some execution issues.
  8. Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jan 23, 2026
    40
    McDreamy becomes McDeadly, but it’s a pretty forgettable wrinkle on an old formula.
  9. Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Jan 23, 2026
    40
    One of the issues with the show is that this program and its universe feels surprisingly contained and even slight. There’s too little world-building, almost no setup for Angelo as a character outside of his descriptors like “assassin,” “father,” and “patient.”
  10. Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Feb 2, 2026
    20
    I was — full credit — never bored watching Memory of a Killer. Lots of things happen in the two episodes I’ve seen. Too many of them, though, are risible.