Both on the Sundance Channel.

The first one is “Rectified”, this is a story of a guy who was convicted of Capital rape/murder when he was 18 and has spent the last 19 years on death row.

He is released based on dna evidence in spite of the fact that he confessed to the murder at the time.

The story focuses on the isolation he experienced on death row and the mental and physical abuse associated. As a viewer we don’t know if he is guilty or not and the locals fully intend to retry the case. The stark reality of death row confinement is revealed in ways that most of us have never considered. The account of his incarceration is, of course, fictional but they do a good job of suspending any disbelief within the confines of the story

The cast and the acting is superb and in spite of my bland description the story is riveting. It is conceived and produced by the same guys that gave us “Breaking Bad”

The other is “Top Of The Lake”, a seven part mini-series that takes place in New Zealand. The story is about a missing, pregnant, 13 year old girl and the efforts of a young female detective to find her. Again, the cast and the acting is outstanding. The story line is okay but for me it is the fascinating cultural differences that captivate me. Not as good as “Rectified”, but worth watching vs the normal network TV offerings.

Look them up and check them out. They both are probably available streaming as well as by way of the satellite and cable companies. Enjoy.