Gone are the times when Netflix was simply a DVD rental service that offered the latest television shows and films to subscribers. Today, it stands renowned for its unique portfolio of original programs that span a spectrum of genres, with true crime documentaries being one of its main draws. Netflix has been instrumental in promoting the proliferation of the true crime genre in the past years, releasing a string of original documentary series. These delve into some of the most publicized, unusual, and gruesome crimes worldwide, ensuring a thorough exploration of the crime as well as creating a voice for the victims and their kin.
Among the true crime docuseries from Netflix, six have made a significant impact (though fair warning: all of them explore deeply unsettling content that might be challenging to endure). One can’t overlook Making a Murderer when talking about Netflix’s foray into true crime. Despite certain controversies surrounding this docuseries since its release over ten years ago, its role in solidifying Netflix’s place in the world of true crime entertainment is undeniable.
Making a Murderer was launched in December 2015, during the early epoch of Netflix’s endeavor into original content creation, followed by a sequel in October 2018. The narrative of the documentary revolves around Steven Avery, a man sentenced to another term in prison for the murder of Teresa Halbach shortly after being absolved from an earlier, nearly two-decade-long sentence. The series commanded instant attention and has often been quoted as a contributor to the rise of the true crime genre.
Unsolved Mysteries is another Netflix true crime docuseries that amplifies the beneficial effect of the genre by bringing more obscure and unresolved cases into the limelight. Its contribution in providing closure to the victims’ families is also significant. This revamped version of the historic show, aired between 1987 and 2010, reveals stories about the paranormal, disappearances, murders, and more. The series saw a resurrection on Netflix in 2018, and since then, it is said to have assisted in solving at least one of the presented cases.
Another noteworthy Netflix docuseries is The Staircase, a true crime narrative that unfolds over ten years. The focus of this series is Michael Peterson, a crime author found guilty of murdering his second wife, Kathleen Peterson. Kathleen was discovered dead at the bottom of their house’s staircase in Durham, North Carolina, in December 2001. The unanticipated death sparked debate among acquaintances about whether it was an accident or a premeditated act. The 13-episode miniseries documents the resulting 16-year-long legal skirmish.
The American Murder series from Netflix adopts an in-depth approach to scrutinizing high-profile murder cases that have held national attention. The series features a variety of material, from interrogation footage and social media posts to law enforcement recordings and unseen home videos. Direct interviews with the individuals closely associated with the cases are also included. The series commenced in 2020 with American Murder: The Family Next Door, which threw light on the devastating tale of the 2018 murders of Shanann Watts and her two children. Two more parts have since been added to the series.
Arriving at the height of the lockdown phase of the pandemic, Tiger King seized global attention rapidly. The eight-part series explores the feud between Joseph Maldonado-Passage, more famously known as Joe Exotic, and Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue. The series delves into the controversial world of the tiger trade in the U.S., highlighting the disputes, animal maltreatment, and alleged murder attempts that are part of it.
Finally, Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer serves as an unusual and riveting entry in Netflix’s true crime roster. This documentary narrates the tale of how a group of amateur online detectives launched a manhunt for Luka Magnotta. Launching in December 2019, the series tracks Magnotta, who first appeared on the radar of online detectives because of the unsettling animal abuse videos he had posted. Spurred on by his increasing infamy, Magnotta later posted a final video where he brutally murdered Chinese student Jun Lin.
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