Prime Video has released the official trailer and key art for ‘Scarpetta’, its upcoming forensic crime thriller based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling Kay Scarpetta book series. The highly anticipated series, starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, is set to premiere globally on March 11, 2026, across more than 240 countries and territories.
According to a press release from Amazon, the series has been developed and written for television by Liz Sarnoff and marks the first on-screen adaptation of Cornwell’s iconic character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta. The novels, which debuted in 1990, have sold over 120 million copies worldwide, building decades of anticipation for the character’s transition to television.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television in association with Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects, ‘Scarpetta’ brings to life the story of a determined medical examiner who becomes the voice of victims while investigating complex crimes. The series centres on Dr. Kay Scarpetta, portrayed by Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman, as she works to unmask a serial killer while confronting unresolved questions surrounding a career-defining case from nearly three decades earlier.
Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the narrative explores not only crime-solving but also the psychological complexities of investigators and perpetrators. The story unfolds across two timelines, tracing Scarpetta’s early years as a Chief Medical Examiner in the late 1990s and her present-day return to her hometown, where she resumes her former role while probing a grisly murder.
As she pursues justice, ‘Scarpetta’ must navigate complicated personal and professional relationships, including a strained dynamic with her sister Dorothy Farinelli, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. The investigation also forces her to confront long-standing grudges and hidden secrets that threaten to unravel her life and career.
The series features an ensemble cast including Bobby Cannavale as Detective Pete Marino, Simon Baker as FBI profiler Benton Wesley, and Ariana DeBose as Scarpetta’s tech-savvy niece Lucy Farinelli Watson. Rosy McEwen, Amanda Righetti, Jake Cannavale, and Hunter Parrish portray the younger versions of key characters, adding depth to the dual timeline narrative.
Created by Emmy-nominated writer and showrunner Liz Sarnoff, known for her work on ‘Barry and Lost’, the show blends procedural storytelling with character-driven drama. David Gordon Green directed five episodes and also serves as executive producer.
‘Scarpetta’ is executive produced by Nicole Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films, Jamie Lee Curtis through Comet Pictures, Sarnoff through Sarnoff TV, and author Patricia Cornwell through P&S Projects, alongside Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber of Blumhouse Television. The series is positioned as a gripping crime drama that examines the personal cost of pursuing justice while delivering an intense and layered viewing experience.
Ficci FRAMES session discusses what makes reality TV tick
Shekhawat: India must shift from content consumer to global creator
Puneet Goenka, Gaurav Banerjee, Rahul Kanwal share views on TV ratings
Uday Shankar urges Indian M&E sector to help nation’s global narrative
At FICCI FRAMES ‘26, Vaz bats for more innovation, regulatory flexibility
India b’band base at 1.1bn in August, telecom subs cross 1.36bn
Paramount-Warner Bros. merger to become Skydance
Netflix sees YouTube as a TV rival, rules out UGC push
India-Pakistan set for Asian Games cricket final
Gautam Gulati wins the first Rise on ‘Rise and Fall’ 2
From Netflix’s Sarandos to Ben Affleck: highlights of Bloomberg event 


