Shows Like Top Of The Lake: Exploring Similar Crime Dramas with a Twist
Top of the Lake, a critically acclaimed crime drama series created by Jane Campion, captivated audiences with its intriguing storyline and phenomenal performances. Set in a remote New Zealand town, the show follows Detective Robin Griffin as she investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. With its complex characters and haunting atmosphere, Top of the Lake has left viewers craving for more shows that offer a similar blend of mystery, drama, and unique storytelling. In this article, we will explore some of the best shows like Top of the Lake to satisfy your craving for gripping crime dramas.
1. The Killing: Based on the Danish series “Forbrydelsen,” The Killing is an American crime drama that follows the investigation into the murder of a young girl. The show delves deep into the psychological toll the case takes on the detectives involved, offering a character-driven narrative similar to Top of the Lake.
2. Broadchurch: Set in a small coastal town in England, Broadchurch centers around the murder of a young boy and the subsequent investigation led by detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller. Like Top of the Lake, the show explores the impact of the crime on the close-knit community and delves into the personal lives of the characters involved.
3. True Detective: This anthology series follows different sets of detectives as they investigate complex and often supernatural cases across multiple seasons. With its dark and atmospheric tone, True Detective captures the same sense of mystery and intrigue that made Top of the Lake so compelling.
4. The Fall: Starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, The Fall showcases the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer in Belfast. The show delves into the psychology of both characters, examining the fine line between good and evil. Its tension-filled narrative and strong performances make it a must-watch for fans of Top of the Lake.
5. Happy Valley: Set in a small town in Yorkshire, Happy Valley follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she navigates the aftermath of her daughter’s suicide and the abduction of a young girl. The show tackles themes of grief, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit, much like Top of the Lake.
Now, let’s dive into some unique facts about Top of the Lake:
1. Jane Campion, the creator of the show, is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for her critically acclaimed films such as The Piano and Bright Star.
2. Top of the Lake was not only filmed in New Zealand but also co-produced by the country’s national television network, TVNZ.
3. The show’s breathtaking cinematography was the result of Jane Campion’s collaboration with renowned cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, who later worked on acclaimed series like True Detective and Sharp Objects.
4. Elisabeth Moss, who portrays Detective Robin Griffin in the series, won a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
5. Top of the Lake received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
FAQs:
1. Is Top of the Lake based on a true story?
No, Top of the Lake is a fictional crime drama series created by Jane Campion.
2. How many seasons of Top of the Lake are there?
There are two seasons of Top of the Lake, with each season telling a separate story.
3. Is Top of the Lake available on any streaming platforms?
Yes, Top of the Lake is available for streaming on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
4. Does each season of Top of the Lake have a different cast?
While some characters carry over to the second season, each season of Top of the Lake features a different primary storyline and cast of characters.
5. Are there plans for a third season of Top of the Lake?
As of now, there are no official plans for a third season of Top of the Lake.
6. Can I watch Top of the Lake if I haven’t seen the first season?
Yes, each season of Top of the Lake tells a self-contained story, so you can start with either season.
7. Is Top of the Lake suitable for all audiences?
Top of the Lake deals with mature themes and contains explicit content, so it may not be suitable for younger viewers.
8. Are there any strong female characters in Top of the Lake?
Yes, the show is known for its strong female characters, particularly the protagonist Detective Robin Griffin.
9. Does Top of the Lake have a satisfying conclusion?
Each season of Top of the Lake offers a satisfying conclusion to its respective storyline.
10. Is Top of the Lake primarily a crime drama or a character study?
Top of the Lake is a unique blend of both, focusing on the investigation of crimes while delving deep into the psychological complexities of its characters.
11. How long are the episodes of Top of the Lake?
The episodes of Top of the Lake range from around 50 minutes to an hour.
12. Are there any connections between the two seasons of Top of the Lake?
Apart from some recurring characters, the two seasons of Top of the Lake are largely independent of each other.
13. Can I watch Top of the Lake if I’m not a fan of crime dramas?
Yes, Top of the Lake offers more than just a typical crime drama, with its emphasis on character development and exploration of complex themes.
14. Is Top of the Lake set in a real location?
While the show is set in a fictional town called Laketop, the stunning landscapes featured in the series were shot in real locations in New Zealand.
15. Are there any plans for a spin-off or related series to Top of the Lake?
As of now, there are no plans for a spin-off or related series to Top of the Lake.
