The Serpent (2021)
A gripping true crime drama tracing the relentless hunt for Charles Sobhraj, one of history's most elusive and dangerous serial killers.
The Serpent - Series Information
- Original Title: The Serpent
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Richard Warlow, Toby Finlay
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Dutch, English, French, Thai
- First Air Date: January 1, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), January 1, 2021 (Germany - 16), January 1, 2021 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: Mammoth Screen
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: 蛇惑 (CN), La Serpiente (CO)
The Serpent - Plot
The remarkable story of how murderer Charles Sobhraj was captured. As the chief suspect in unsolved murders of young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal's 'Hippie Trail' in 1975 and 1976, Sobhraj had repeatedly slipped from the grasp of authorities worldwide to become Interpol's most wanted man, with arrest warrants on three different continents.
The Serpent - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the manhunt for Charles Sobhraj unfold:
What does it take to catch a killer?
Where to Watch The Serpent
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The Serpent - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Warlow
- Toby Finlay
Main Cast
- Tahar Rahim
- Jenna Coleman
- Billy Howle
- Ellie Bamber
- Mathilde Warnier
- Grégoire Isvarine
- Tim McInnerny
- Amesh Edireweera
- Apasiri Kulthanan
- William Brand
Writers
- Richard Warlow
- Toby Finlay
The Serpent - FAQs
Is The Serpent based on a true story?
The Serpent is rooted entirely in real events. Charles Sobhraj was a genuine serial killer who preyed on young Western travellers along the 1970s Hippie Trail across India, Thailand, and Nepal. The series draws closely from documented investigations, real victims, and the diplomatic efforts that ultimately led to his capture.
Who plays Charles Sobhraj in The Serpent?
French-Algerian actor Tahar Rahim portrays Charles Sobhraj, delivering a chilling and magnetic performance that earned widespread critical praise. Rahim captures Sobhraj's seductive charm and cold ruthlessness with remarkable precision, making the character both fascinating and deeply unsettling throughout the series.
Is The Serpent worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. The Serpent is a taut, atmospheric true crime thriller elevated by exceptional performances from Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman. Its non-linear storytelling, lush 1970s period detail, and the genuine tension of a real manhunt combine to make it one of the most compelling BBC crime dramas in recent years.
Where can you stream The Serpent?
The Serpent is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options give you access to all eight episodes of the series. For a full breakdown of viewing options available in your region, check JustWatch for the latest streaming availability.
How did Herman Knippenberg help catch Charles Sobhraj?
Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, portrayed by Billy Howle, became obsessed with connecting a string of unsolved murders along the Hippie Trail to Sobhraj. Working largely outside official channels alongside his wife Angela, Knippenberg gathered evidence and pressured authorities across multiple countries, proving instrumental in building the case that eventually cornered Sobhraj.
How was The Serpent received by critics?
The Serpent earned strong critical acclaim upon its BBC One debut, with reviewers praising Tahar Rahim's mesmerising central performance and the series' stylish period atmosphere. Critics highlighted its clever non-linear structure and the moral complexity it brings to the true crime genre, distinguishing it from more conventional dramatisations.
Who created The Serpent TV series?
The Serpent was created and written by Richard Warlow and Toby Finlay for BBC One, produced by Mammoth Screen. The series was later acquired by Netflix, significantly expanding its international audience beyond its original UK broadcast and introducing Sobhraj's story to viewers worldwide.
What are similar shows to The Serpent?
If The Serpent gripped you, try Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes for another chilling true crime deep dive, or Luther for a stylish British crime thriller with a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic. The Fall is also an excellent choice, offering a similarly atmospheric and character-driven approach to serial killer drama.
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