True Crime Sommelier: Murder and Mayhem for Every Mood

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My interest in true crime TV began when I was young. The first chilling bars of the Unsolved Mysteries theme song would fill our living room and silence would descend. The mysteries and clues were my brain candy! Later, I enjoyed my fair share of crime dramas, Law and Order, CSI and Bones, but there is something especially captivating about a true crime documentary. I feel this pull between wanting to solve the case and to keep the same tragedy from my door. 

Sometime in the last 3 or 4 years, true crime TV shows and documentaries went prime time. All of my guilty pleasure and macabre fascination is suddenly mainstream — I guess other people are as into it as I am. Now I find there is nothing that takes the edge off a long day of momming quite like a good serial killer documentary. I wouldn’t dream of folding endless piles of laundry without Forensic Files keeping me company. 

Picking a true crime TV show is a lot like picking a wine. You need it to fit your mood. I fancy myself an expert, a true crime sommelier, if you will; serving up true crime entertainment suggestions to fit whatever mood you’re in. So next time you ask yourself “what true crime show should I watch?”, I’ve got you covered.

 

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”52″ size_format=”px” color=”#184ac7″]Our Selections[/typography]

For when your brain won’t shut up and let you sleep.

Forensic Files

enjoy true crime with forensic files

The ol’ faithful of true-crime TV show. This documentary-style television series focuses on forensic science involved in solving everything from violent murders to mysterious illnesses. Their reenactments are just shy of hokey and the narrator’s voice is like warm milk. Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime you can read more about Forensic Files in this article on Mental Floss.

For when it looked so easy on Pinterest but now your fingers are bleeding and your self-esteem is in tatters!

Evil Genius

enjoy the true crime in evil genius

This story is like falling into the true crime TV rabbit hole. There’s a man in a homemade neck bomb, another in a freezer, hoarders, and love triangles. Enjoy. Catch all four bizarre episodes on Netflix and learn more about this super weird case in Vulture’s exploration of mastermind, Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. 

For something that pairs well with a chorus of, “She hit me!”

Exhibit A

true crime is explored in Exhibit A

Tired of playing sleuth in the court of sibling rivalry? Can’t figure out “who started it?” for the 17th time in an hour? Then unwind with this true crime documentary series which explores the weaknesses in forensic science. Each episode highlights a case in which a different forensic method is brought into question and an innocent person’s life hangs in the balance. The series can be found on Netflix: read a review here.

For when you are so over being ignored. I mean are there words coming out of my mouth? 

Confession Tapes

explore true crime in the confession tapes

Commiserate in feeling unheard with this fascinating series that explores cases in which a possible false confession was obtained by the police, all while the supposed criminal is proclaiming innocence. Each episode delivers plenty of darkness while looking at true crime through a new lens. The second season is available now on Netflix and you can read more about the series in this New York Times review

For when “It Wasn’t Me” did it again.

The Innocent Man

this true crime show explores a wrongful conviction

Refreshingly, these guys admit to the crime when questioned, but alas, they are innocent. Despite this fact, they are convicted of a grisly murder and sentenced to death. After 11 years on death row, they are exonerated by DNA evidence and the film goes on to explore the effect the wrongful conviction has had on these men. The six-part Netflix series is based on the John Grisham book by the same name. 

Pairs well with smashing the patriarchy. 

The Keepers

the true crime show explores the death of sister cathy

Who killed Sister Cathy? In 1969 a young Nun is murdered and 50 years later her students are still searching for answers about what happened to their beloved teacher. This seven-episode true crime documentary series is gripping. The story, Sister Cathy, and the fight for justice are gut-wrenching and addictive. You can’t help but take up the mantle and join the fray. If you’re interested in learning more about the murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik check out this 2017 article from the Washington Post. 

For when dinner was “yucky”.

Making a Murderer

making a murder tells the story of a man who served 18 years for a crime he didn't commit

Making a Murder has made headline news in recent days and has even non-true crime lovers trying something new. This true crime TV show tells the story of Steven Avery, who served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction only to, upon his release, be again charged and convicted for a murder he claims he is innocent of. The much anticipated sequel, Convicting a Murderer, is expected to be released in October. 

For when Someone was mean to your kid and Mama Bear is Coming Out.

I Am a Killer 

I am a killer tells the stories of death row inmates

This true crime documentary series profiles death row inmates convicted of capital murder. Recounting the events that led up to their crime, the killers reveal their motivations and how they now view their actions, after time spent on death row. For articles on the murderers profiled in I am a Killer, check out crimeandinvestigation.co.uk. 

For when “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and you realize that’s you now.

Abducted in Plain Sight

You know what else I don’t get? How anyone could let their daughter fall into the same predator’s clutches not once, but twice. This documentary, as told by the Broberg family, strives to explain how they fell prey to a truly terrible man. This one sucked me in so much, I scoured the internet for further information. Enjoy further reading on this true crime documentary from both The Atlantic and Vanity Fair

For when you worked all day, came home, made dinner, did homework and bedtime. Finally, you get to sit down with a giant beverage.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Zach Efron plays ted bundy in this true crime dramatization

Zac Efron portrays Ted Bundy; serial killer and playboy in this Netflix movie that tells the true story of Ted Bundy from the perspective of his long-time girlfriend. Honestly, if Zac Efron invited me to get into his VW Bug I would have obliged. Disturbingly, I totally get how Bundy managed to convince 30 women he wasn’t a monster until it was too late. Ann Rule wrote a best seller on the subject and Crime Museum and Biography give excellent background. 

For when you’re the “Mean Mom“.

Mommy Dead and Dearest

You may feel all the mom guilt over your freak out, but Mommy Dead and Dearest will put it all into perspective. This is the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Her mother, Dee Dee, forces her to pretend to be mentally challenged, wheelchair bound, and sick with leukemia among other illnesses. Gypsy is abused, controlled and forced to undergo treatment for her “illness” even though she is completely healthy. By the time Gypsy has orchestrated her mother’s murder, we can hardly blame her. Mommy Dead and Dearest is HBO’s take on the story. There are also versions by Hulu (The Act) and Lifetime (Love You to Death)

What are your True Crime documentary suggestions? 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Thank you for this list!! I am totally into listening to True Crime Podcasts!! If anyone if interested in binge listening to some True Crime Podcasts, my favorites that I would recommend are:
    1.) Up and Vanished
    2.) Crime Junkie
    3.) Culpable
    4.) Cold

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