Memory of a Killer just hit a major speed bump. Fox‘s upcoming thriller starring Patrick Dempsey has swapped showrunners. Aaron Zelman and Glenn Kessler take creative control for Season 1. The controversial move happened on November 10, just weeks before the January 2026 premiere.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- New showrunners: Aaron Zelman and Glenn Kessler replace original team
- Original trio: Ed Whitmore, Tracey Malone, and David Schulner stepped down
- Production status: Currently filming Episode 6 of 10 total episodes
- Premiere locked: January 2026 on Fox remains on schedule
- Zelman connection: Brother Daniel Zelman co-created Damages with Glenn Kessler
Creative Shake-Up Takes Shape Behind the Scenes
Fox made the showrunner swap official in early November 2025. Zelman previously worked on Lucky Hank with Bob Odenkirk. Kessler developed acclaimed shows Damages and Bloodline. Both bring serious pedigree to Memory of a Killer.
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Kessler joined as consulting producer in early October. He worked closely with Dempsey on character development. When Zelman was approached for showrunner duties, he asked to share responsibilities with Kessler. Kessler then earned promotion to executive producer.
“There is a change at the helm of Fox’s Memory of a Killer. Aaron Zelman and Glenn Kessler have been named new co-showrunners.”
Why This Matters for Patrick Dempsey’s Big Return
Dempsey is making his major broadcast comeback here. Grey’s Anatomy fans waited years for his return to television. Memory of a Killer offers something completely different—dark, psychological thriller territory.
The production already paused filming to catch scripts. Showrunner transitions right before launch raise questions about creative direction. But Fox insists the January premiere remains locked in. Additional scenes are being written for completed episodes.
For Dempsey, this means his executive producer role gets tested early. The star has creative input on direction. Kessler and Zelman bring experience rescuing troubled productions. Their working relationship spans two decades of Emmy-nominated work.
The Production Details and Cast Overview
Memory of a Killer adapts the 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer. The story follows Angelo Ledda, a NYC hitman living a secret life. By day, he works as a photocopier salesman in upstate Cooperstown. His darkest secret? Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
| Role | Actor | Character Details |
| Lead Protagonist | Patrick Dempsey | Angelo Ledda – hitman with dual identities |
| Angelo’s Friend | Michael Imperioli | Dutch – chef and criminal enterprise front |
| Fellow Hitman | Richard Harmon | Joe – professional assassin |
| Angelo’s Daughter | Odeya Rush | Maria – married young, complicated family |
| Maria’s Husband | Daniel David Stewart | Jeff – family man caught in darkness |
| Police Detective | Peter Gadiot | Dave – local law enforcement |
| Special Agent | Gina Torres | Linda Grant – federal investigation |
The show orders 10 episodes total for the first season. Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment produce. Dempsey, Cathy Schulman, and others serve as executive producers.
What’s Next for Fans Waiting for January
- Episode 6 filming continues this week in Toronto
- Additional reshoots for earlier episodes happening soon
- Official trailer already released and gathering views
- Fox promoting heavily during sports broadcasts
- Cast interviews ramping up before January launch
Zelman recently worked on HBO‘s Silicon Valley as writer-producer. Kessler produced Apple TV+‘s The Last Frontier. Both bring credibility to high-stakes drama production.
Can New Leadership Save a Troubled Production?
Straight-to-series orders often face growing pains. CBS‘s CIA spinoff just replaced its showrunner too. Production halts to fix scripts aren’t uncommon before launch.
Zelman and Kessler‘s shared history helps. Zelman‘s brother Daniel co-created Damages with Kessler. Both worked on that Emmy-nominated series. History together matters when fixing a show mid-production.
Will Memory of a Killer debut as planned? insiders say yes. January 2026 remains firm. Dempsey fans finally get their thriller fix. But the creative drama behind the scenes might prove as gripping as the story itself.
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Exclusive reporting on showrunner change announcement
- TheWrap – Cast and production details confirmation
- Fox Corporation – Official series description and cast list
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.