Scarpetta is the crime drama on Amazon Prime Video starring Nicole Kidman as Dr Kay Scarpetta
Jamie Lee Curtis stars in Scarpetta and serves as an executive producer(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Scarpetta landed on Amazon Prime Video recently, and the crime drama has gripped viewers.
The programme is fronted by Oscar winner and Big Little Lies star Nicole Kidman in the titular role as Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the chief medical examiner of the Commonwealth of Virginia, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Alongside Kidman, Scarpetta features an impressive cast, which also includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Ariana DeBose.
Here’s a breakdown of how many episodes are in the show.
How many episodes are in Scarpetta?
Scarpetta comprises eight episodes, which dropped on Prime Video all at once on March 11 for global audiences to devour.
A synopsis for the programme states: “With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, this unrelenting medical examiner is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer, and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn’t also her undoing.
“Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the series delves beyond the crime scene to explore the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, creating a multi-layered thriller that examines the toll of pursuing justice at all costs.”
Scarpetta unfolds across two timelines, one in the past and the other in the present, with actors portraying the younger versions of the principal characters.
The programme has been adapted from renowned crime author Patricia Cornwell’s cherished book series of the same name.
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The first Scarpetta novel was published in 1990, and Cornwell has continued writing further books, with the most recent instalment released just last year. Blue Jean star Rosy McEwen portrays the younger version of Kidman’s Scarpetta in the series.
Discussing the character and what she gleaned from Moulin Rouge’s Kidman in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, McEwen explained: “Sometimes you feel like to be powerful you want to puff up and be louder.
“But actually, as I was watching Nicole, I was like, ‘No, power is quiet. Power is stillness.'”
She continued: “I think [Kay Scarpetta] grows into that. I’m quick to react and be emotional, but actually having the strength to take a second to think how you’re going to respond and then respond – that’s how she’s learned to make her way through this world.”
Beyond starring in the production, both Kidman and Curtis serve as executive producers on Scarpetta.
The drama has elicited a divided reaction from viewers, with some applauding the programme and demanding a second season, whilst others have felt let down and remain devoted to the original novel.
One viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Nicole Kidman is that girl in #scarpetta. Brilliant crime drama. Season 2, better hurry up.”
A second viewer posted: “Also, the killer was a bit underwhelming for me. That and maybe the secret sorta #Scarpetta.”
They followed up with: “I’m watching season 2 though! #Scarpetta.”
A third commenter wrote: “You better tell me we’ll get a second season of #Scarpetta because you don’t end 8 episodes like that unless you’re a meanie [sic].”
Whilst another remarked: “I was super excited for Scarpetta, having read the books since the 90’s, but 3 episodes in on Prime, and I cannot continue watching it. Sometimes adaptations ruin the books for you, and I don’t want that to happen to my feelings for this beloved series and characters #Scarpetta.”
Someone else penned: “#Scarpetta was such a disappointment. These aren’t the characters that many people loved. And Jamie Lee Curtis, terrible acting, terrible character.”
Another contributed: “@lizsarnoff really did an horrific job on #scarpetta. Ridiculous dialogue, wide disparity from the tone and tenor of the source material and the casting is among the worst ever seen. Cornwell should be embarrassed by this adaptation.”
Despite the mixed response, Scarpetta has already secured a second season after it was revealed that the programme received a two-season commission, according to Decider.
Given that all the characters survived, they will be making their return for the subsequent season.
Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video now
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