Prime Video unveils first look at Scarpetta as the long-awaited thriller brings Patricia Cornwell’s iconic forensic pathologist to television in a dual-timeline crime drama led by Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Prime Video has officially released the first-look images for Scarpetta, the highly anticipated forensic crime thriller based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling Kay Scarpetta book series. Developed and written for television by Liz Sarnoff, the series marks a major moment for fans: after more than three decades and over 120 million copies sold worldwide, the beloved forensic pathologist is finally heading to the screen. Scarpetta premieres March 11, 2026, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television in association with Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects.
Scarpetta brings Cornwell’s legendary character to life through Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman, who stars as “Dr. Kay Scarpetta.” Known for her precision, relentlessness, and deep commitment to the victims she serves, Scarpetta is determined to expose a serial killer while proving that the case that once defined her career nearly three decades ago won’t become her downfall. Set inside the intense world of modern forensic investigation, the series not only explores the meticulous work behind solving brutal crimes but also digs into the psychological complexities of those hunting the truth — and those trying to hide it.
From Emmy-nominated writer, executive producer, and showrunner Liz Sarnoff (Barry, Lost), Scarpetta unfolds across two distinct timelines. The story traces Scarpetta’s beginnings as a Chief Medical Examiner in the late ’90s while also following her present-day return to her hometown, where she reclaims her former position to investigate a disturbing murder. Along the way, Scarpetta must juggle strained personal ties — including her complicated relationship with her sister “Dorothy Farinelli” (Jamie Lee Curtis) — as well as old professional resentments and buried secrets that threaten everything she’s built.
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The star-studded cast includes Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman (Expats) as Kay Scarpetta and Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear) as her sister Dorothy Farinelli. Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale appears as Detective Pete Marino, joined by Emmy nominee Simon Baker (The Mentalist) as FBI profiler Benton Wesley. Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) plays Kay’s tech-savvy niece Lucy Watson.
The dual-timeline narrative features Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean), Amanda Righetti (The Mentalist), Jake Cannavale (The Offer), and Hunter Parrish (Weeds), who portray the younger versions of Kidman, Curtis, Cannavale, and Baker’s characters, respectively.
Behind the scenes, Scarpetta boasts an equally prestigious roster. Nicole Kidman and Per Saari executive produce through Blossom Films, Jamie Lee Curtis through Comet Pictures, Liz Sarnoff through Sarnoff TV, and Patricia Cornwell through P & S Projects. Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber executive produce via Blumhouse Television, while David Gordon Green directed five episodes and also serves as executive producer alongside Amy Sayres.
With its powerful cast, dual-timeline structure, and the long-awaited debut of one of literature’s most enduring crime-solving characters, Scarpetta is positioned to become one of Prime Video’s most talked-about thrillers of 2026.
