Tonight USA Network kicks off the new mystery/thriller The Sinner. Cora (Jessica Biel, 7th Heaven) and Mason Tannetti (Christopher Abbott, Girls) have been happily married for three years and have an infant son. However, lately Cora seems a bit off or depressed. One day the couple is enjoying some leisurely time at the local beach when Cora suddenly snaps and commits a violent crime. In the moment she doesn’t seem quite herself, and afterwards, she doesn’t have any recollection or explanation for her actions. Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman, Independence Day), the detective assigned to the case, quickly becomes obsessed with solving the puzzle of why Cora did what she did, and discovering if there is more to the situation than she is letting on. The eight-episode series is based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr.

Tonight’s premiere slowly introduces viewers to the characters, the town they live in, and the life-changing incident in question. The show slowly builds the tension as pieces of the mystery of Cora’s past and the motivations for her actions are revealed. The series kind of reminds me of a cross between Big Little Lies and Broadchurch. I really enjoyed the creepy atmosphere, drama and performances, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of this mystery unfolds over the course of the season.

I’ll also be watching/recording Big Brother, The Carmichael Show, MasterChef, The Lowe Files, Blood Drive, I’m Sorry, Younger, and Kingdom.