This Psychological Thriller Series Will Stop You From Sleeping

"The Outsider" is one of the best thrillers ever broadcast on TV.

We've started a nice trend here at OutKick of shining a light on some old shows and movies that I've enjoyed over the years.

I'm not really sure why, but I decided to take a trip down memory lane for my recent entertainment choices, and I've been loving it.

Next up is "The Outsider," and this is one you definitely don't want to miss.

"The Outsider" is an amazing TV series.

Basic facts of "The Outsider":

• Cast: Jason Bateman, Ben Mendelsohn, Paddy Considine, Bill Camp, Julianne Nicholson, Yul Vazquez, and Cynthia Erivo.
• Episode count: 10
• Original premiere date: January 12, 2020
• Network: HBO
• Plot description: When an insidious supernatural force edges its way into a seemingly straightforward investigation into the gruesome murder of a young boy, it leads a seasoned cop and an unorthodox investigator to question everything they believe in.

That's the baseline information you need before diving into the series based on a book from Stephen King, and once you start the first episode, I can promise you're going to be hooked.

It all starts with the incredibly graphic murder of a little boy named Frankie Peterson. Not only was he murdered, but he was essentially mauled and eaten.

Terry Maitland (Bateman) - a popular local and baseball coach - is arrested as the lone suspect after multiple witnesses saw him with Frankie and his DNA is all over the crime.

However, nothing is as it appears as detective Ralph Anderson (Mendelsohn) dives deep and deeper into the murder of Peterson.

The problem? There's rock solid evidence to suggest Maitland was 50+ miles away at the time of the killing. That means it would have been physically impossible for him to kill Frankie. Yet, his DNA is all over the scene and witnesses saw him take the boy.

So, how is it all possible? That's where the mystery of "The Outsider" unfolds and takes viewers down a *VERY* dark and mysterious path.

Without spoiling anything, I will say "The Outsider" is one of the darkest shows I've ever seen. It's significantly more ominous and sinister than the first season of "True Detective." It's the kind of show that keeps you awake at night after watching it. It's the kind of series that has you looking over your shoulder in a dark room.

Now, this series isn't for everyone. It's violent, gruesome, and it dives into the paranormal/unexplainable.

Yet, if you like any of those elements, then this is the show for you. Just know there's no real light at the end of the tunnel. This is a show about human suffering, pain and evil at its worst.

I also have to give Mendelsohn his props because he gives an A+ performance as Ralph Anderson. The main reason why "The Outsider" is must-watch television is because of him and his ability to grab the viewer and refuse to let go.

If you're looking for a new series to watch, then I suggest you give "The Outsider" a shot. Have you already seen it? Let me know what you thought at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.