Based on the 1996 book 'Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit', by former special agent John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, "Mindhunter" tells about some of his highest-profile cases, including the man who hunted prostitutes in Alaska, the Atlanta child murderer, and Seattle's Green River killer.

Set in 1979, the series centers on the inquisitive and skilled FBI Agent Bill Tench (McCallany). Along with fellow serial killer investigator in the behavioral science unit, FBI agent Holden Ford (Groff), Tench interviews serial killers to help them solve current murders.