Although originally filmed for Showtime, Ripley was later sold to Netflix, who have now released the show on their platform. But is this a one and done, or could a second season be in the works?
Ripley is easily one of the best Netflix releases from April 2024. It's based of course on the fantastic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, and besides the decision to release the show in black and white (which feels like a trite attempt to lend the show seriousness), the production and performances in the first season were first-class.
But is that it? Or, will we get another season of Ripley?
We've been feeling the same, and recently went searching for new platforms and better options. There are still no services that rival that sheer volume of content you get on Netflix, but we've been particularly impressed by the quality of Disney+ releases in April. We're also hyped for Amazon Prime's upcoming Fallout show.
Will Netflix Make A Ripley Season 2?
No, we will not get another season of Ripley, because Netflix have already officially categorized the show as a "limited series". This means the show is going to tell a whole story arc in a single run of episodes and will not be continued in subsequent seasons.
Producers have to declare whether a show is a limited series or not for the purpose of awards. If a show is submitted as a limited series, then it doesn't have to compete in the more competitive awards category "Drama Series", and instead only has to go up against other limited series and anthology series.
We could see a spinoff show of Ripley from director Steven Zaillian and lead actor Andrew Scott. After all, the author of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith, wrote several spinoff novels featuring the same protagonist. But we have not yet heard any leaks or rumors that suggest this is the case.
If you want to read the original novels about Tom Ripley, there are five to enjoy:
- The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955)
- Ripley Under Ground (1970)
- Ripley's Game (1974)
- The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1981)
- Ripley Under Water (1991)
Other Shows Like Ripley
If you enjoyed the thrilling adventures of Tom Ripley (and who didn't? Especially against the romantic backdrop of 60s Italy) then we think you are quite likely to also enjoy the following shows.
The Night Manager
The BBC's excellent adaption of John le Carré's masterpiece is an obvious choice for those who enjoyed Ripley. It also does a great job of toeing the line between slow, tension-building and explosive moments of action, but the writing is much stronger, and I daresay Hugh Laurie is the better lead.
The Night Manager is not currently available on any major streaming platform, but can be purchased or rented on Prime and YouTube.
Lupin
If you love watching rogues get the better of their marks, Lupin is also certain to not disappoint. And, like Ripley, the show is also set in a beautiful and historic European city, Paris. Lupin is definitely faster-paced and less cerebral than Ripley, but it's not some kind of Guy Ritchie affair.
Lupin is currently available globally on Netflix.
Catch Me If You Can
My final recommendation is not a TV show but rather a film, Catch Me If You Can featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. It tells the real story of Frank William Abagnale Jr., an infamous conman who was able to evade the authorities for decades. He's certainly less of a gentleman than Tom Ripley, but no less cunning.
Catch Me If You Can is available on Netflix in certain regions, and can always be purchased or rented on Prime and YouTube.
Hopefully you enjoy some of the recommendations above. Let us know if you think any other shows would appeal to fans of Ripley, and we will include them in the list.