As someone who has always been intrigued by gripping stories that challenge my perspectives and keep me hooked till the very end, I must say these three series have certainly left a lasting impression on me.
Year after year, my anticipation for captivating true crime narratives broadens. It doesn’t matter if it’s a novel perspective on a familiar case or the exploration of an unheard-of crime, there’s always a new series emerging from real-life events. Lately, we’ve seen shows delving into topics beyond violent and gruesome acts, such as cults, scammers, conspiracies, and more. I find myself drawn to these stories just as much as the traditional ones.
2024 still has some time left on the clock, but it’s safe to say that this year has been a goldmine for true crime enthusiasts like myself! We’ve seen an impressive lineup of shows that even those who usually steer clear of the genre can appreciate. The proof is in the pudding – these programs are drawing massive viewership numbers. Whether it’s documentaries delving into recent cases or dramas bringing historical moments to life, true crime has never been more captivating. Here are my top picks for the best true crime series that 2024 has served up (so far)!
15 True Crime Story: Smugshot
In Focus: Smugshot features criminals who thought they were above the law due to their perceived intelligence or wealth, and didn’t expect to be caught or punished for their illegal activities. For instance, a pair of parents in California took matters into their own hands when it came to the PTA president at their son’s school. Similarly, fishermen who were once celebrated for their catches found themselves facing some puzzling discrepancies that require clarification.
A Lighter True Crime Series
In the series “True Crime Story: Smugshot,” some of the crimes presented are so absurd they can be quite amusing, but it’s important to remember that these topics are still serious. The third episode delved into a tragic case of fatal drunk driving, although it took unexpected turns. Even experienced true crime enthusiasts need a break now and then, and this documentary series offers just that.
Stream on AMC+
14 Catch Me a Killer
A South African Forensic Psychologist’s Journey: Catch Me a Killer is inspired by the life story of Micki Pistorius, who is both a forensic psychologist and police investigator. In the late ’90s, her contributions significantly assisted in capturing several notorious serial killers within South Africa. The series’ opening episode introduces us to the Station Strangler, a suspected murderer thought to have taken the lives of over twenty young boys. Micki Pistorius played a crucial role in this case, eventually bringing an end to this horrifying spree.
Why It’s Great
Charlotte Hope, famously recognized for her character Myranda in Game of Thrones, portrays Pistorius in this production. She effectively captures the essence of Pistorius, demonstrating her early struggles and the toughness she needed to develop to succeed in her role. Since this is a dramatization rather than a documentary, it employs fictional scenes instead of real footage, creating a separation from the gruesome events while keeping viewers informed about each crime.
Stream on Prime Video
13 Sin City Murders
The city of Las Vegas is famed for its gambling, bar scene, and the phrase “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” However, this vibrant setting provides ample opportunities for crime, as portrayed in the series Sin City Murders. Beneath the glamorous exterior of Las Vegas lies a grittier reality, with ten episodes delving into gruesome homicide investigations. Each episode examines a distinct case and showcases law enforcement’s efforts to solve it, whether that involves analyzing evidence in casinos, hotels, or the deserts bordering the strip.
A Darker Side of Vegas
Although Sin City Murders shares a similar structure with numerous true crime shows, its distinctive aspect lies in its setting. The confluence of excessive alcohol and drug abuse, coupled with numerous locations to conceal evidence, presents unique obstacles exclusive to Las Vegas. The series employs a blend of reenactments and genuine footage captured on the day of the crime, along with conversations with individuals associated with the case.
Stream on Peacock
12 Hollywood Con Queen
Occasionally, when something seems excessively advantageous, it often isn’t true. Sadly, those ensnared in the Hollywood Fraudster Saga discovered this lesson firsthand. A woman, infamously known as the Fraudster in a documentary series, preys on actors, makeup artists, photographers, and other aspiring talent in show business. The Fraudster deceives them financially, sexually abuses them, and more, all while posing as “the kindest crime you’d ever encounter.
A Case That Flew Under the Radar
Investigative journalist Scott Johnson wrote a book, The Con Queen of Hollywood: The Hunt for an Evil Genius, about this case. He also walks viewers through this three-part series, with each episode clocking in around an hour. It’s a fascinating deep dive into a case that wasn’t plastered all over the news, despite impacting people across several countries and continents. This ruthless con artist managed to find success and seemingly had no qualms about ruining people’s lives in the process. But did they get away with it? Tune into the show to find out.
Stream on Apple TV+
11 Baby Reindeer
In its Netflix debut, the dark comedy “Baby Reindeer” initially ranked fifth. However, fueled by word-of-mouth buzz, it eventually rose to the top spot. Subsequently, it amassed eleven Emmy Award nominations. This intriguing series centers around a struggling comedian and writer named Donny Dunn, portrayed by Richard Gadd. Before he achieves stardom, Donny works at a London pub where he encounters a woman named Martha. Over time, Martha develops an alarmingly intense fixation on him, stalking him both online and in person.
Real-Life Consequences
The tale is drawn from Gadd’s personal encounters with a fan. Although it may seem ordinary at first glance, the extraordinary antics of Martha and Donny’s prior experiences lift this narrative above the commonplace. This series didn’t debut without stirring up some controversy. Audience members were intrigued to uncover the identities of Martha and other suspicious characters, which led to investigations by the police and legal disputes involving those believed to have served as inspiration for these characters.
Stream on Netflix
10 Manhunt
True crime is not only a thing of the present, as evidenced by the historical drama Manhunt, which revolves around the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. In the show, Lincoln’s friend and secretary of war Edwin Stanton leads the charge to apprehend the man responsible. The search takes him across the United States and even to Canada. But even when he draws closer to the suspected culprit, John Wilkes Booth, more questions arise that form a tangled web of conspiracy.
A Sweeping Historical Drama
A significant portion of Manhunt is based on real events, yet certain alterations have been made for narrative convenience. Some scholars argue that Edwin Stanton may not have played as pivotal a role in the investigation as portrayed on screen. Given the numerous conspiracy theories at the heart of this tale, it’s reasonable to assume some are untrustworthy. However, its exceptional cinematography and acting make it an engaging watch for history enthusiasts and true crime aficionados alike.
Stream on Apple TV+
9 Daughters of the Cult
“Inside the Fold of a Polygamist Sect” is my take on the extraordinary lives of Anna and Celia LeBaron, daughters to the notorious cult leader Ervil LeBaron. Ervil was the head of a Mormon fundamentalist sect known as the Church of the First Born Lamb of God. He had thirteen wives and instructed his followers to commit heinous acts in the name of their faith. As children, Anna and Celia were prepared by older men for future marriages before they reached double digits, and they bore witness to countless disturbing practices. Over five captivating episodes, I delve deeper into Ervil’s character, explore the lives of his daughters within this cult, and chronicle their daring escape.
Growing Up in a Nightmare
Whenever child abuse is featured in a narrative, it undeniably makes for difficult viewing. The harrowing tale of Anna and Celia’s upbringing under their father’s rule appears to be a real-life horror story. The accompanying visual evidence, such as photos and videos, serves as proof for some of their allegations and is nothing short of distressing.
Few people are familiar with this particular tale, yet it deserves to be shared. If these occurrences had been depicted in a horror film, some might argue they were excessively implausible. However, since they are actual events, their eerie quality becomes even more unsettling.
Stream on Hulu
8 Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer
People who are interested in true crime may be familiar with Ann Burgess, a researcher who collaborated with the FBI in their Behavioral Science Unit. However, her professional journey didn’t begin there. Prior to her work with the FBI, Burgess was a nurse, professor, and mother. It wasn’t until the FBI sought her assistance in understanding the minds of serial killers that she shifted gears. A significant portion of her research revolved around trauma, particularly in relation to sexual assault. While the criminals she analyzed are well-known, this discussion primarily highlights Burgess and her pioneering contributions.
A Woman Everyone Should Know
Actresses Elle and Dakota Fanning took on executive producer roles for this three-part series. Critics and enthusiasts from the true crime genre are urging for more productions that focus less on the offenders and more on other aspects of these stories. Although understanding killers is essential to the concept of Mastermind: To Think Like a Psychopath, it in no way glorifies or romanticizes them. The series also sheds light on cases that have been overlooked by mainstream media.
Stream on Hulu
7 Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini
2016 saw one of the most baffling true crime mysteries unfold – the kidnapping of Sherri Papini during a jog in her neighborhood. When she didn’t return home, her husband Keith grew worried and began tracking her phone to a nearby street where it was left along with her earphones. Authorities launched a search, and Keith made heartfelt appeals for the safe return of his wife and mother of two young children.
Stranger Than Fiction
A while later, during Thanksgiving, she came back with a peculiar tale about the events that transpired. The documentary Perfect Wife: The Sherri Papini Mystery delves into the case and its subsequent impact, featuring interviews from Keith many years on. Even if you’ve listened to numerous podcasts or YouTube investigations on this story, this docuseries might still uncover fresh details for you. It was exceptionally well-made, setting new records at Hulu and earning widespread acclaim.
Stream on Hulu
6 The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping
The focus has been brought upon the controversial “troubled teen industry” and its potential for cultivating cult-like and abusive practices. Paris Hilton initially drew attention to this often overlooked social circle with her memoir and subsequent documentary. The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping expands on the discourse by zeroing in on a behavioral correction facility situated in upstate New York called Ivy Ridge Academy.
Brainwashing on All Sides
This location disguises itself as a boarding school, but it’s far from just that. As Katherine Kubler and other ex-residents attest, there was much more to it.
Kubler additionally held positions as director and executive producer for this three-part documentary series. This series delves into the exorbitant tuition costs that preyed upon parents’ deepest anxieties, exploitation of family ties, severe disciplinary actions, and cult-like mind control tactics. It is evident that former students continue to grapple with the aftermath of their experiences at this institution.
Stream on Netflix
5 Lethally Blonde
Holly Madison, known for her stint in reality TV and podcast hosting, took on the role of executive producer and host for the true crime series titled “Lethally Blonde”. This show delves into crimes committed by individuals seeking beauty and fame, a topic not too dissimilar from her previous work. With her history tied to Playboy through shows like “The Girls Next Door”, this move aligns well with her brand. Additionally, in 2023, she teamed up as a co-host for “The Playboy Murders”. Each of the six episodes in this series explores a new case, focusing on victims such as social media influencers, exotic dancers, models, and others who fell prey to heinous crimes.
Why You Should Give It a Chance
Some individuals who are not acquainted with Madison have expressed concerns about her ability to host events. Despite some imperfections, the series effectively brings attention to victims whose circumstances might otherwise be overlooked due to their involvement in “risky” activities. The intersection of celebrity and crime often draws large audiences, but it’s evident that Madison shows compassion for the victims and their loved ones, and she keeps in mind that each narrative revolves around real human beings.
Stream on Max
4 American Nightmare
The story American Nightmare revolves around the 2015 abduction of Denise Huskins from her residence in Vallejo, California. She shared her life with her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, who was also affected by this incident. When he dialed 911 the next day to report his girlfriend’s kidnapping the previous night, the operator logically wondered why there was a delay in the call. He explained that he had been bound. The account of their encounter with law enforcement, as depicted in footage, paints a harrowing picture. It may even seem somewhat implausible.
What’s the Truth?
As a cinephile, it didn’t take long before I found myself under scrutiny – both from the authorities and the media – regarding my tale of kidnapping. The plot twists began to echo the intricacies of ‘Gone Girl’, leading many to speculate that Denise and I had orchestrated the whole affair for the limelight. Yet, there were parts of the story that just didn’t add up, but the authenticity of the crime scene and my unwavering stance added an element of intrigue.
In this captivating series, even those new to the story find themselves swept up in its intricate web of turns. The plot will make viewers swap allegiances between the police and the couple, as their sympathies shift multiple times.
3 Griselda
If people think about a famous Colombian drug lord, Griselda Blanco may not be the first to come to mind. But after the Sofia Vergara miniseries Griselda, that has changed. The real Griselda had her hands in the drug trade in Miami, Florida, and also had ties to the Medellín Cartel. The series starts with Griselda leaving Colombia for the States with her children, hoping for a new start in life. But she’ll soon discover that getting a clean break from her past life is easier said than done.
A Different Side of Vergara
As a movie enthusiast, I found it refreshing to witness Vergara stepping out of her comedic comfort zone into a dramatic role. At first glance, Griselda may not be particularly endearing, yet her predicament resonates – she’s struggling to adapt in an unfamiliar environment, and it appears that unlawful activities offer the most expedient path towards stability. However, as she makes increasingly questionable decisions, it becomes progressively challenging to empathize with her, making for a gripping viewing experience.
Originally, her real-life son found problems with the way his deceased mom was depicted in the TV series, leading to a lawsuit (which has since been dropped). Regardless of the family’s disagreement, the show garnered a large audience and quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular shows when it first premiered.
2 Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV
“Silence on Set: Unveiling Child TV Stars’ Struggles
Not Good Nostalgia
What shocked many people was the boldness in Quiet on Set. Several alleged abusers weren’t simply alluded to, they were named. Notable names came out and claimed they were victimized. Nickelodeon and producer Dan Schneider (behind series like All That, Kenan & Kel, iCarly, Zoey 101, and more) were particularly highlighted as bad players. This series changed the way millions see their favorite childhood shows, but it’s a conversation that needed to happen.
Stream on Max
1 Under the Bridge
1997 marked a chilling moment in my hometown, British Columbia, Canada, when a young girl named Reena Virk was tragically taken from us. The gruesome details of her murder, as the perpetrators were eventually unveiled, sent shockwaves not just across our nation but around the world. Under the Bridge, as a cinema enthusiast, is my way of diving deep into Reena’s tumultuous life and seeking to understand what could have led her killers down this dark path.
Tragedy Handled with Care
In a different rendition, Riley Keough portrays Rebecca Godfrey, a journalist who wrote a book based on a particular case. Alongside Officer Cam Bentland, played by Lily Gladstone, they delve into the investigation, tackling tasks that others shy away from.
Regardless of how much true-crime enthusiasts think they already know about this case, it’s still an engaging watch. Unlike many other true crime narratives that prioritize sensationalism over sensitivity towards victims, this series approaches its subject matter with compassion. Reena’s story serves as the core narrative, but the show also seeks to shed light on the broader issues arising from a flawed legal system.
Stream on Hulu
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2024-09-08 04:32