"The Departed" TV Show: Untangling the Mystery and How to Watch

  

"The Departed" TV Show: Untangling the Mystery and How to Watch

When you hear "The Departed," most likely your mind goes straight to Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning 2006 crime thriller. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, this gripping film masterfully wove a tale of moles on opposite sides of the law within the Irish Mob and the Massachusetts State Police in Boston. Its critical acclaim and box office success often lead fans to wonder: "Is there a 'The Departed' TV show?"

It's a common query, and the answer is a little nuanced. While there isn't a direct, widely released television series that continues the story or directly adapts Scorsese's film with its iconic characters, there are a few related projects and similarly named shows that might be causing the confusion.

The Original Masterpiece: "The Departed" (2006 Movie)

First, let's establish the source of the legend. Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" is itself a remake of the brilliant 2002 Hong Kong film, Infernal Affairs. The American adaptation won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its place as a modern crime classic. Its intense plot, superb performances, and unforgettable ending captivated audiences worldwide.

How to Watch the Movie:

As a critically acclaimed film, "The Departed" (2006) is widely available:

• Streaming Services: It frequently appears on major streaming platforms like Max (formerly HBO Max) in regions where it's licensed. Availability can change, so check your local Max subscription.
• Digital Rental/Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie digitally on platforms such as:
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Apple TV (iTunes)
  • Google Play Movies & TV
  • YouTube Movies
  • Microsoft Store
  • Fandango At Home (Vudu)
• DVD/Blu-ray: Physical copies are readily available from online and brick-and-mortar retailers.

The Rumored (and Unreleased?) Amazon TV Series

For years, rumors circulated about a potential TV series adaptation of "The Departed." In 2016, reports surfaced that Amazon was developing a show inspired by the film's core premise: two moles, one in a criminal organization and one in law enforcement, working against each other. This proposed series was said to be set in modern-day Chicago, focusing on a Latino gang and featuring an entirely new set of characters, rather than directly continuing the movie's storyline.

However, as of today, there has been no widely released TV series titled "The Departed" that originated from this Amazon development. It's possible the project was re-titled, shelved, or remains in development hell.

Other "Departed" TV Shows (and Similar Names)

To add to the potential confusion, there are other television series with similar names:

1. "The Departed" (Russian TV Series, 2015-2018):

   • Plot: This Russian-language crime drama is an unrelated production. It follows an investigator in a quiet Soviet town who uncovers a hidden criminal underworld harboring recently released convicts.
   • How to Watch: This series is less widely available globally. In some regions, it has been found on platforms like Tubi (free with ads) or specific local streaming services. You may need to check regional availability.

2. "Departure" (Canadian TV Series, 2019-Present):

   • Plot: While not "The Departed," the similar-sounding "Departure" is a popular Canadian suspense drama. It stars Archie Panjabi as Kendra Malley, a brilliant investigator for the Transport Safety and Investigations Bureau, who is tasked with solving mysterious disappearances of planes, trains, and other transportation vehicles.
   • How to Watch:
     • Peacock (USA): Seasons of "Departure" have streamed on Peacock in the United States.
     • Global (Canada): As a Canadian production, it aired on Global in Canada.
     • Other Regions: It may be available on various international streaming services depending on local licensing agreements. Check major platforms in your country.

Conclusion: Primarily a Film, But Concepts Live On

In summary, while the iconic "The Departed" is a beloved film, a direct TV series adaptation with its original cast and storyline has not materialized. However, the compelling premise of infiltrators on both sides of the law continues to inspire storytelling, as seen in the rumored Amazon project and the existence of similarly titled or themed shows.

If you're looking for the intense, gritty crime drama experience, start with Scorsese's cinematic masterpiece. If you're interested in unrelated shows with similar names or concepts, explore the details provided above and always verify availability in your specific region!