Summary (tl;dr)

Patrick Dempsey is currently trending due to the recent premiere of his new psychological thriller series, "Memory of a Killer," in which he stars as a hitman grappling with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Essential Background

Patrick Dempsey is widely recognized for his iconic role as Dr. Derek Shepherd, affectionately known as "McDreamy," on the long-running medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." His portrayal as a beloved neurosurgeon cemented his image in mainstream television for many years.

The Full Story

The new drama series "Memory of a Killer," starring Patrick Dempsey, debuted with a two-night premiere on January 25, 2026, on Fox, with episodes also available for streaming on Hulu. In this series, Dempsey takes on the lead role of Angelo Doyle, a professional hitman who leads a double life but faces increasing challenges when he begins to show symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's, a condition that threatens to expose his dangerous secret. The show is an adaptation of the 2003 Belgian film "De Zaak Alzheimer" and a novel by Jef Geeraerts. The cast also includes Michael Imperioli as Dutch, Angelo's friend and associate in his criminal activities, and Gina Torres as Special Agent Linda Grant. The public's interest is reflected in trending searches for the "Memory of a Killer cast," details about "patrick dempsey new show," "memory of a killer episodes," and "memory of a killer where to watch."

Why It Matters

The trend highlights significant audience engagement with Patrick Dempsey's return to a major network television role, particularly given the stark contrast to his previous beloved character on "Grey's Anatomy." Viewers are intrigued by the series' premise, which combines a gritty crime thriller with the poignant theme of a deteriorating memory, leading to widespread interest in Dempsey's performance in this darker, more intricate role. The availability of the series on Fox and Hulu also contributes to the heightened search activity for viewing options and information.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (setting for the hitman's operations in "Memory of a Killer")
• United States (premiere of "Memory of a Killer" on Fox and Hulu)
• Belgium (origin of the film "De Zaak Alzheimer" which inspired the series)