Long Bright River is a gripping American crime drama miniseries released in 2025, adapted from the bestselling novel by Liz Moore. This emotional and intense story follows Mickey Fitzpatrick, a police officer working the dangerous streets of Kensington, Philadelphia, a neighborhood plagued by poverty, addiction and crime. As a string of murders targets vulnerable women in the area, Mickey’s personal and professional lives collide when her own estranged sister Kacey goes missing.
Amanda Seyfried delivers a raw and committed performance as Mickey, portraying a woman haunted by family trauma, burdened by duty and driven by a desperate need to find her sister. The series explores complex themes such as the opioid crisis, broken families, grief and redemption. Nicholas Pinnock plays Truman Dawes, Mickey’s former partner, while Ashleigh Cummings portrays Kacey, whose disappearance sparks Mickey’s relentless search.
The series is directed by several talented filmmakers, including Hagar Ben Asher, Gwyneth Horder Payton and Mona Fastvold. Each episode captures the bleak yet authentic atmosphere of Philadelphia’s underbelly, painting a portrait of a community struggling to survive amidst systemic decay. Amanda Seyfried also served as executive producer, contributing to the project’s authenticity through extensive research and preparation, including ride-alongs with local law enforcement.
Long Bright River has been praised for its strong performances, especially from Seyfried, and its unflinching portrayal of addiction and trauma. While some critics noted the show’s pacing could be slow at times, its emotional depth and realism make it stand out as a thoughtful and impactful crime story.
Ultimately, Long Bright River is not just a police thriller but a deeply human drama about family, resilience and the long road to forgiveness. It offers viewers both suspense and reflection through its somber, gripping narrative.