Long Bright River

Long Bright River follows Mickey Fitzpatrick, a Philadelphia police officer who keeps watch over a city neighborhood scarred by the opioid crisis. When a string of killings rocks the community, she digs into the case while juggling her own complicated ties to the area. The investigation presses against memories from her past, including family and friendships shaped by poverty, addiction, and loss. As the clues accumulate, Mickey must decide how much of her personal history she can bring to the surface without jeopardizing the people she serves and the fragile trust that holds her life together. The tension comes from what she might uncover about herself, and the city itself feels thick with secrets. The pace stays brisk and intimate.

Based on Liz Moore's acclaimed novel Long Bright River, the series is created by Liz Moore and Nikki Toscano. It premiered in 2025 with Amanda Seyfried starring as Mickey, supported by a strong ensemble, and the production emphasizes Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

While new, the show has sparked conversations about the opioid epidemic and its toll on urban neighborhoods, and Seyfried's performance has drawn praise for depth and resilience. The Philadelphia setting adds texture and realism to a crime drama that centers community voices, nodding to the realities of addiction and policing.

Reception skews mid-range with a 6.976/10 average from 84 votes, signaling steady interest rather than overwhelming praise. The series tackles memory, trauma, and the moral complexities of policing while mixing procedural beats with intimate family drama, creating a layered, character driven mystery. Its tone hovers between grit and hope.

Awards: As of now the show has not announced any major award nominations. The performances, particularly Seyfried's portrayal of Mickey, and the adaptation of the source material have earned positive notices, but recognition from major awards bodies has not yet materialized.