Fox Ends Speculation on Patrick Dempsey's 'Memory of a Killer'

Patrick Dempsey built years of goodwill as a heartthrob and romantic lead, which worked to his advantage when given a role as a cold-blooded killer turned antihero in his latest network hit Memory of a Killer.

"What was really appealing was the assassin side, and certainly the Alzheimer’s and the dementia side,” Dempsey told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t get this type of character offered to me very often, and it came to me very quickly."

"I had to read it and then had to make a decision within 24 hours, because they were about to make the announcement [about the series order at the Fox upfronts last May]. I was surprised and intrigued and excited about the opportunity to go and do this."

'Memory of a Killer' Speculation Ends With Fox Announcement

Those who enjoyed the first season, which came to a close on April 6, received good news when Fox announced Season 2 is officially a go.

“Memory of a Killer has become a true standout with visceral performances from Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli,” Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network said in a statement, via Deadline. “Aaron Zelman, Glenn Kessler, and our partners at Warner Bros Television have delivered a sharp, emotional character-driven thriller that’s clearly landed with viewers, and we’re excited to continue that success together in Season 2.”

What Is 'Memory of a Killer?

The show focuses on Angelo (Patrick Dempsey), an assassin leading a dangerous double like who develops Alzheimer's.

"Losing one's memory is a devastating hammer blow for anyone, but for Angelo, the stakes couldn't be higher," the synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes reads. "His hit man job would be perilous enough, but there's an added pressure: Angelo lives two totally separate lives -- fearsome NYC hitman, and sleepy upstate Cooperstown photocopier salesman and father."

"Having built and maintained a brick wall between his two worlds, Angelo has seamlessly juggled and compartmentalized for years. But now that's all about to change, because Alzheimer's is a foe he can't outrun, and he knows too well how this ends, as his older brother is already lost to the condition."

'Memory of a Killer' Ratings, Rotten Tomatoes Score

The show's first episode delivered 16.2 million total viewers across platforms and encores, boosted by Fox's decision to have the debut follow the NFC Championship Game. It became Fox's most-streamed drama debut in six years since 9-1-1: Lone Star, which premiered on January 19, 2020.

Airing primarily on Monday nights, the first season of Memory of a Killer averaged a 0.28 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.28 million viewers (includes DVR playback through 3:00 AM), according to TV Series Finale.

The show picked up mixed reaction from critics, who gave the series a 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, while fans gave the first season a healthy 75%.

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