Every day there’s a new show, podcast or a book that is connected to crime. The genre of true crime is huge and gives one a glimpse into the minds of those who’ve committed a crime. A wrongful conviction, a murder mystery or a bank heist, the attempt to solve an unsolved crime can be quite exhilarating. Here are some of the top true crime series streaming online.
The Staircase
The mysterious death of Michael Peterson’s wife in 2001, unveiled a horrible truth and offers a riveting portrayal of the legal system. Kathleen was found soaked in a pool of blood at the bottom of the staircase with cuts on her head and the conditions of her death were argued upon in court. Each episode in the show unleashes a new turn and keeps the viewer captivated, questioning and testing every notion and allegiance. Considered the ‘Godfather of True Crime’, this documentary highlights the failings of the American justice system and presents the blatant truth of justice delayed and denied even after 15 years both for the victim and the accused.
Captive
A spin on true crime frenzy, Captive is a docu series streaming online on Netflix which narrates different hostage crisis from across the globe with high stake negotiations with dramatic cases of extortion and kidnapping. Each of the 8 episodes in the documentary series presents a combination of interviews, archival recordings and clever recreations. A gripping series also shares the stark reality of economic tension and racial disparity amidst horrible life situations.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
Considered one of the most watched shows in the US, the provocative mini-series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness presents a horrid depiction of the human race. A story about animal enthusiasts and narcissists wedged in a nasty battle to outdo one another in the exotic animal market. The series shadows Joe Exotic, an eccentric sociopath, deeply conceited who can manipulate the young and weak in the blink of an eye. Kindled by a feud between big cat environmentalist Carol Baskin and Joe Exotic, the series takes an odd nose-dive into America’s dark reality where the quest for power and wealth lead to ecological suppression. The documentary brings to light the power frenzy as exercised by the Tiger King both over humans and beasts.
Confessions with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
A gripping portrait of a charismatic psychopath, Joe Berlinger’s Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes delves deep into the records, but does not present any ‘blunder in justice’ angle or insights into the intricacies of an evolving investigation. The confession tapes are the USP of this 4-part series which reveal the accused’s personal thoughts which are as intense and brutal as his homicidal intentions. The documentary discloses crime scene footage and heartfelt emotions of victims’ grieving families.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
The docuseries, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez speaks about the tragic tale of the former football star’s tragic end and all incidents leading up to it. A significant story, which introduces bold accusations against the NFL and the society surrounding it, the documentary talks about Aaron’s conviction in the murder Odin Lloyd in 2013 and his subsequent jail sentence in 2015. The series makes an influential case by way of its narration presenting Aaron’s life history, right from childhood to his death and makes it simple for the viewer to understand the accused and the sport from a layman’s perspective, not to mention present an empathetic, informative and engaging show.
