Top of the Lake (2013)
A haunting, award-winning crime drama from filmmaker Jane Campion, starring Elisabeth Moss as a detective confronting dark truths in remote landscapes.
Top of the Lake - Series Information
- Original Title: Top of the Lake
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Jane Campion, Gerard Lee
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 18, 2013 (United States - TV-MA), March 18, 2013 (Canada - 18+), March 18, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), March 18, 2013 (Germany - 16), March 18, 2013 (France - 18), March 18, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+), March 18, 2013 (Brazil - 16), March 18, 2013 (Mexico - C), March 18, 2013 (Spain - 16), March 18, 2013 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: SundanceTV, BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: 迷湖劫 (CN), Το Μυστικό της Λίμνης (GR), Top of the Lake: China Girl (US)
- Production Companies: Screen Australia, See-Saw Films, Escapade Pictures, BBC, UKTV, Sundance Channel
- Production Countries: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America
Top of the Lake - Plot
A woman haunted by her past, Detective Robin Griffin, investigates complex and unsettling cases.
Top of the Lake - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the series' brooding atmosphere and gripping tension.
No ordinary place. No ordinary crime.
Where to Watch Top of the Lake
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Top of the Lake - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jane Campion
- Gerard Lee
Main Cast
- Elisabeth Moss
- David Wenham
- Peter Mullan
- Holly Hunter
- Lucy Lawless
- Thomas M. Wright
- Skye Wansey
- Geneviève Lemon
- Robyn Malcolm
- Eddie Campbell
Writers
- Gerard Lee
- Jane Campion
Executive Producers
- Iain Canning
- Emile Sherman
- Jane Campion
Top of the Lake - FAQs
What makes Top of the Lake worth watching?
Top of the Lake is a rare crime drama that prioritises atmosphere and character over procedural formula. Jane Campion's direction is visually stunning, and Elisabeth Moss delivers a raw, unforgettable performance. The series earned widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching exploration of trauma, power, and gender in remote, breathtaking landscapes.
What is Top of the Lake about?
The series follows Detective Robin Griffin, a woman carrying deep personal wounds, as she investigates disturbing cases in isolated communities. Season 1 centres on a missing pregnant girl in New Zealand's wilderness, while Season 2 — subtitled China Girl — shifts to Sydney and a body found on a beach.
Where can you stream Top of the Lake?
Top of the Lake is available to stream on Hulu. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.
Is Top of the Lake based on a true story?
Top of the Lake is not based on a specific true story. Jane Campion and Gerard Lee crafted an original narrative, though the series draws on real social issues — including sexual abuse, exploitation of women, and the dynamics of isolated communities — to give its fiction a deeply unsettling authenticity.
Who plays Detective Robin Griffin in Top of the Lake?
Elisabeth Moss plays Detective Robin Griffin across both seasons. Her portrayal of a survivor navigating trauma while pursuing justice earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie for Season 1, cementing the role as one of her most celebrated performances.
Did Top of the Lake win any major awards?
The series earned significant recognition, including a Golden Globe for Elisabeth Moss and a BAFTA for Jane Campion as director. It was also nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. Critics praised both seasons, with Season 1 in particular celebrated as a landmark work in prestige television drama.
What is different about Season 2 of Top of the Lake?
Season 2, subtitled China Girl, relocates Robin Griffin from New Zealand's rugged wilderness to Sydney, Australia. The case involves the body of an Asian woman found on Bondi Beach. The season also introduces new cast members, including Nicole Kidman and Gwendoline Christie, and deepens Robin's personal storyline considerably.
What are similar shows to Top of the Lake?
If Top of the Lake resonated with you, try The Missing, a similarly atmospheric missing-persons drama, or Prime Suspect for another landmark female-led crime series. Vera and The Brokenwood Mysteries offer comparable regional crime drama, while Law & Order: SVU provides a more procedural take on similar themes.
More About Top of the Lake
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.