Nicole Kidman leads the new crime thriller Scarpetta, a television adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels about forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta. The series follows Scarpetta as she investigates a murder case that echoes a crime that shaped her career decades earlier.
Set in the world of modern forensic science, the show mixes investigative drama with a closer look at the emotional toll that crime-solving can take on both investigators and victims. The story moves between present-day events and flashbacks, which is why two actors portray several characters.
Scarpetta Release Date
Scarpetta premiered on March 11, 2026.
Prime Video released all episodes on the same day, allowing viewers to watch the full season at their own pace.
Where to Watch
The series is available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Anyone with an Amazon Prime membership can stream the show. New users can also access it through the 30 day Amazon Prime free trial. After the trial period, the service costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
Episodes
The first season of Scarpetta consists of eight episodes.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridge of Time, Part One | David Gordon Green | Liz Sarnoff | March 11, 2026 |
| 2 | Kay | David Gordon Green | Liz Sarnoff | March 11, 2026 |
| 3 | Dot | Charlotte Brändström | Iturri Sosa | March 11, 2026 |
| 4 | Pete | Charlotte Brändström | Ahmadu Garba | March 11, 2026 |
| 5 | Hello from Space, My Dear | Charlotte Brändström, David Gordon Green | Matthew Zucker | March 11, 2026 |
| 6 | Benton | David Gordon Green | Maisha Closson | March 11, 2026 |
| 7 | L + J | Ellen Kuras | Alison Balian | March 11, 2026 |
| 8 | Bridge of Time, Part Two | David Gordon Green | Liz Sarnoff | March 11, 2026 |
Cast
Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta
Nicole Kidman plays Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the brilliant forensic pathologist at the center of the series. Scarpetta uses advanced forensic techniques to investigate violent crimes and uncover the truth behind complex murder cases.
Kidman has been one of Hollywood’s most respected actors for decades. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Hours and has received multiple Golden Globe and Emmy awards. Her television work includes acclaimed series such as Big Little Lies, The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers. She has also starred in major films including Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge and The Others.
Rosy McEwen as Young Kay Scarpetta
Rosy McEwen portrays the younger version of Kay Scarpetta in flashback scenes. These sequences explore the events that shaped Scarpetta earlier in her career.
McEwen is known for appearing in the film Blue Jean, which earned critical praise and several award nominations. Her work in historical and character driven dramas has made her a rising talent in British cinema.
Jamie Lee Curtis as Dorothy Scarpetta
Jamie Lee Curtis plays Dorothy Scarpetta, Kay’s older sister. Dorothy has a complicated relationship with Kay and becomes an important part of the emotional story surrounding the central investigation.
Curtis is an Academy Award-winning actor who gained fame through the Halloween horror franchise. Over the years, she has appeared in a wide range of films, including True Lies, Knives Out, and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her career spans several decades across horror, comedy, and drama.
Amanda Righetti as Young Dorothy
Amanda Righetti portrays the younger version of Dorothy in the show’s flashback storyline.
She is widely recognized for her role as Grace Van Pelt in the long running crime drama The Mentalist. She has also appeared in the television series Colony and films such as Friday the 13th.
Ariana DeBose as Lucy Farinelli Watson
Ariana DeBose plays Lucy Farinelli Watson, Dorothy’s daughter. Lucy is a key character connected to Scarpetta’s personal life and becomes involved in the unfolding investigation.
DeBose rose to global fame after starring as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in films such as Wish and Kraven the Hunter.
Savannah Lumar as Young Lucy
Savannah Lumar portrays Lucy during earlier points in the timeline. Her role helps show how the character’s past influences the present story.
Lumar is an emerging actor whose appearance in Scarpetta introduces her to a wider audience.
Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino
Bobby Cannavale plays Pete Marino, a former detective and close ally of Scarpetta. The character is known for his blunt personality and investigative instincts.
Cannavale has appeared in numerous television series and films. He won an Emmy Award for his role in Boardwalk Empire and is also known for appearing in Will & Grace, Ant Man, Vinyl and Nine Perfect Strangers. His experience playing law enforcement characters makes him a natural fit for the role.
Jake Cannavale as Young Pete Marino
Jake Cannavale plays a younger version of Pete Marino. He shares several scenes that explore Marino’s earlier life and connection to Scarpetta.
Jake Cannavale is also the real life son of Bobby Cannavale. He has appeared in television series such as The Offer and Nurse Jackie.
Simon Baker as Benton Wesley
Simon Baker plays Benton Wesley, an FBI profiler who works closely with Scarpetta during investigations. In the books, Benton also becomes Scarpetta’s romantic partner.
Baker is best known for starring in the long-running CBS crime drama The Mentalist. His performance in the show earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He has also appeared in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Margin Call and the Oscar-winning crime drama L.A. Confidential.
FAQs
When did Scarpetta release on Prime Video?
Scarpetta premiered on March 11, 2026. All eight episodes were released on the same day on Amazon Prime Video.
Where can you watch Scarpetta
The series is available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers need an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription to stream the show.
How many episodes are in Scarpetta
The first season contains eight episodes, all released together on March 11, 2026.
Who plays Kay Scarpetta in the series
Nicole Kidman plays Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the forensic pathologist at the center of the story.
Who else stars in Scarpetta
The cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis as Dorothy Scarpetta, Ariana DeBose as Lucy Farinelli Watson, Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino and Simon Baker as FBI profiler Benton Wesley.
Is Scarpetta based on a book
Yes. The series is based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling crime novels featuring forensic investigator Kay Scarpetta. The books have been popular for decades and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
