Why are true crime series so popular? From "Making a Murderer" to "Mindhunter," these series have captivated millions of viewers around the world. But what is it that makes these stories based on true events so attractive?
There are several reasons that make us understand the fascination we have for these television series, first of all, true crime series allow us to learn the truth behind some of the most shocking cases in history.
Often these stories are complex and difficult to understand, but the series allows us to see them up close, learn the details and explore all facets of the case. From investigation to trial to verdict, true crime series give us a complete, unfiltered look at what really happened.
In addition, these series are addictive because they allow us to immerse ourselves in the minds of criminals. Why did they commit these horrible acts? What motivated them? How did they manage to evade justice for so long? We can better understand these complex characters and try to understand what led them to do what they did.
True crime series are also appealing because they allow us to feel a range of intense emotions, including empathy, anger, fear, and sadness. We are moved by the victims and their families, enraged by the injustice, and terrified that something like this could happen to any of us.
Additionally, these series offer us a sense of resolution and closure, something we often don't find in real life. Through the series, we can see how the cases are resolved and those responsible are brought to justice. This gives us a sense of justice and relief, something we often can't find in real life.
What true crime series should I watch?
There are a large number of true crime series that we can watch through the different streaming platforms, below we will give you a list of those that we consider some of the best and deserve to be given a chance.
Mindhunter - Netflix
This television series takes place in the 1970s and early 1980s. The plot follows two FBI agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, who work to develop a new technique for profiling serial killers. To do so, they interview incarcerated serial killers and study their behavior patterns.
The series is a work of fiction, but it is based on the true efforts of the FBI to develop the technique of profiling serial killers. Additionally, many of the serial killers mentioned in the series are actual characters, such as Ed Kemper, Jerry Brudos, and Richard Speck.
The Dropout - Star+
This series follows the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and former CEO of the medical technology company Theranos.
The series is based on the ABC News podcast of the same name, which explores how Holmes, once considered one of the richest and most powerful women in business, came to be accused of massive fraud. Theranos promised to revolutionize the blood testing industry with its innovative technology, but it was eventually discovered that the technology did not work and that the company had misled investors and patients.
WeCrashed + Apple TV+
The series is based on Wondery's podcast of the same name, which explores how Neumann managed to turn WeWork into one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market value of more than $47 billion. However, as the story behind WeWork's success unraveled, financial irregularities, conflicts of interest and erratic behavior on Neumann's part were uncovered, ultimately leading to the company's downfall and the loss of thousands of jobs. .
Gaslit - Lionsgate+
The series is based on Leon Neyfakh's "Slow Burn" podcast and follows journalist Martha Mitchell and her husband, United States Attorney General John Mitchell, as they become embroiled in the political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Martha Mitchell was a major figure in the Watergate scandal, and her role in the story has often been overlooked.
Inventing Anna - Netflix
The series is based on journalist Jessica Pressler's article "How Anna Delvey Tricked New York's Party People" and follows the story of a young Russian woman who poses as a wealthy German heiress in New York. Anna Delvey (real name Anna Sorokin) became a prominent figure on the New York social scene, conning various businessmen and socialites into providing her with accommodation, travel, and other luxuries. Her story captured the public's attention and became a social media phenomenon.
When They See Us - Netflix
This television series is based on the true events surrounding the case of the five Harlem youths falsely accused of rape in Central Park in 1989.
The series was created, written and directed by Ava DuVernay, and premiered on Netflix in 2019. The series follows the five black and Latino youths who were wrongly convicted of the rape and assault of a woman in Central Park, and how their innocence it was finally proven after spending years in prison. The series also explores how police and prosecutors were able to extract false confessions from the youths, as well as the impact the wrongful conviction had on their lives and families.
American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson - Star+
This series dramatizes the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, the former football player and actor who was charged and later acquitted with the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and his friend Ron Goldman.
The series was produced by Ryan Murphy and aired on FX in 2016. The series' cast includes Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson, Sarah Paulson as lead prosecutor Marcia Clark, and John Travolta as defense attorney Robert Shapiro.
The series focuses on Simpson's trial from its inception to his verdict, exploring the tactics and strategies of both legal teams and the media coverage of the trial. It also examines broader issues such as racial profiling, fame, corruption, and Simpson's relationship with his ex-wife.
Unbelievable - Netflix
The series follows two detectives' investigation into a series of serial rapes in Washington state and how a lack of support and credibility from the victims led to the late resolution of the case.
The series centers on the character of Dever, a young woman who reports a rape and is later accused of lying by the detectives in charge of the case. As the case progresses, the detectives played by Collette and Wever begin to discover similarities to other rape cases in the region and realize that there is a serial rapist in the area.
The Serpent - Netflix
This television series is based on the true story of serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who was responsible for the deaths of several Western tourists in Southeast Asia in the 1970s.
The series was produced by the BBC and aired on Netflix in 2021. The cast of the series includes Tahar Rahim as Sobhraj and Jenna Coleman as his accomplice Marie-Andrée Leclerc.
The series focuses on the hunt for Sobhraj by a Dutch diplomat and a local police officer in Thailand and how they managed to arrest him and put him on trial. The series also explores Sobhraj's psychological complexity and how he managed to manipulate and deceive his victims and accomplices.
Manhunt: Unabomber - Netflix
The series is based on the search and capture of the notorious serial killer Ted Kaczynski, also known as the "Unabomber."
The series focuses on the FBI's investigation into a series of bombing attacks across the country and how they managed to connect them to the Unabomber. The series also explores the personality and motivation of Kaczynski, who became a hermit in Montana after the attacks.
Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story - Netflix
The series focuses on the life and crimes of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who was accused of murdering more than a dozen people, including children, in Milwaukee and Ohio between 1978 and 1991. The series explores Dahmer's difficult childhood and adolescence. Dahmer, in a home without affection and with a history that led him to develop a strange fondness for lifeless bodies.
Despite being nearly discovered by the police in his first murder in 1978, Dahmer managed to continue his murder for four more years, eventually killing 16 people. The series shows how the ruthless serial killer was on the verge of getting caught multiple times due to victims' complaints about him and how he managed to escape detection by the police for so long.
The series focuses on the most disturbing details of Dahmer's crimes, including his necrophilia and cannibalism.
Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer - Netflix
This documentary miniseries tells the true story of a serial killer who posted videos online of himself killing cats. The series follows the online manhunt of a group of people trying to find the killer before he kills someone.
The plot of the series is shocking and shows the power of the Internet for good and bad. The series also explores the psychology of the killer and how his personality developed.
The Vow - HBO Max
This documentary series follows the story of the self-help and personal development organization NXIVM and its leader, Keith Raniere.
The series focuses on the testimony of former members of the organization, including Smallville actress Allison Mack, as they discuss how they were drawn into the organization, the methods of manipulation used by its leaders, and the shocking revelations about its internal practices. , including the brand of slavery, physical and sexual abuse, and coercion.
The series also covers the arrest and trial of Raniere and his followers on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and extortion.
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst - HBO Max
It is a documentary series that follows the life of millionaire Robert Durst, who is suspected of being connected to various cases of missing and murdered persons. Durst was arrested in March 2015 in New Orleans in connection with the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman.
One of the keys to the show's success was its shocking ending, where Durst apparently confesses to the murder of three people at a time when he believed the microphones were not recording.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story - Star+
The series is based on the murder of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace in Miami Beach in 1997 by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
The series tells the story of Cunanan and his previous murders, and how he managed to escape the police for so long before finally being captured.
This series also examines issues such as homophobia, classism, and celebrity culture, and how these issues affected both Versace and Cunanan.
Making a Murderer - Netflix
This documentary serue tells the story of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was convicted of a murder he claims he did not commit. The series examines the details of the case and the circumstances surrounding Avery's conviction, including the use of forensic evidence and witness testimony.
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