5 Great True Crime TV Shows (#2 Is a Genuine Masterpiece)

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True crime is a hugely popular TV genre, and for a while it felt like everyone was watching it. But because these shows deal with real people and tragic events, how these stories are told is often debated. Many true crime series don’t deserve the attention they receive, falling short of genuine investigation or relying too much on sensationalism. It can be hard to find the ones that truly stand out. Recently, some shows have been notable for their storytelling, their influence on culture, or the discussions they’ve started. While none are perfect, each one offers a glimpse into how the true crime genre is changing.

Looking for a good true crime show? Here are 5 that stand out. This isn’t about finding the most sensational cases, but about how well each show is made. We’re looking at things like interesting storytelling, how respectfully they handle the real people involved, and whether they keep you hooked without being condescending.

5) Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

The Netflix series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story leaves you with complicated emotions, and that’s not always a good thing. It retells the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and his decade-long series of murders, showing his everyday life, his relationships, and how systemic failures allowed him to continue. While the show aims to highlight the breakdowns in institutions and the impact of these crimes, it often focuses too much on Dahmer’s perspective. Despite this, Monster isn’t a poorly made show.

Evan Peters gives a powerfully unsettling and nuanced performance, avoiding sensationalism and grounding the story’s emotional impact. The series effectively points to issues like police failures, systemic racism, and homophobia as crucial reasons Dahmer was able to avoid capture for so long. True to Ryan Murphy’s style, it’s well-made, visually cohesive, and doesn’t shy away from disturbing content. While its controversial nature might not appeal to all viewers, it ultimately delivers a compelling and well-executed true crime story.

4) The Act

This story seems unbelievable, but it’s based on the true and shocking case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. The series, The Act, shows how Gypsy was controlled and abused by her mother, Dee Dee, who falsely claimed Gypsy was seriously ill. It explores the deeply unhealthy dynamic between them and how it eventually led to a crime that continues to surprise and disturb people – not just for the act itself, but because of the extreme circumstances surrounding it.

As a film buff, what struck me most about The Act is its unflinching honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated truth, and avoids easy answers or simple characterizations. Everything feels incredibly layered and uncomfortable, which is actually a good thing. Joey King and Patricia Arquette deliver phenomenal performances, adding real emotional depth without ever feeling exploitative. The show wisely focuses on the long-term effects of abuse, rather than sensationalizing the crime itself. It’s a tough watch, definitely, but that discomfort is precisely what makes it so powerful and helps you truly understand the full story.

3) American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Ryan Murphy has worked on many projects, and Monster isn’t his only foray into true crime. He also tackled the genre with the American Crime Story series, and the season focusing on The Assassination of Gianni Versace is particularly notable. Unlike typical crime dramas, it doesn’t try to build suspense around who committed the crime, because everyone already knows the outcome. Instead, the series delves into the story of Andrew Cunanan, the killer, and explores how he was able to blend into different communities before being apprehended. While centered on the 1997 murder, the show is more interested in understanding the circumstances that allowed it to happen.

The series is at its best when it focuses on the mistakes made during the investigation and the lasting harm caused by Andrew Cunanan. Darren Criss gives a particularly disturbing performance, avoiding any tendency to make Cunanan seem charming – which is crucial to the show’s serious and thoughtful approach. In a landscape of often overly-stylized true crime dramas, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace feels remarkably realistic, successfully blending a captivating story with a sensitive and responsible portrayal of a high-profile crime.

2) Mindhunter

Sometimes a truly great show gets canceled before its time, and that’s what happened with Mindhunter. It stands out because it avoids the typical, simplistic approach to true crime. Set in the late 1970s, the series follows FBI agents as they pioneer the practice of criminal profiling by interviewing incarcerated serial killers. Instead of focusing on solving a new crime each episode, Mindhunter excels at exploring the complex conversations, unsettling details, and the challenge of understanding why people commit horrific acts.

What makes Mindhunter so effective? It respects its viewers. The show avoids excessive gore and cheap thrills, instead creating suspense through conversations. It also thoughtfully explores the psychological impact of dealing with violent criminals on the investigators themselves, adding another layer of depth. It’s a remarkably intelligent show that never feels snobby or overdone, confidently delivering a captivating experience without relying on sensationalism—which is unusual for this type of series. Ultimately, Mindhunter isn’t just a good true crime drama; it’s truly exceptional.

1) When They See Us

The miniseries When They See Us aims to show that true crime stories should focus on justice, not just sensationalism. It retells the story of the Central Park Five – five young Black and Latino men wrongly accused of a crime in 1989 – from the harsh interrogations they faced to the decades of hardship caused by their false imprisonment. While many people know the basic facts of the case, the series powerfully emphasizes the devastating human impact of these failures and the long-lasting consequences of unjust decisions. What truly makes this series stand out is its strong and unwavering perspective.

As a movie buff, I have to say When They See Us really hit me hard. It doesn’t pull any punches or try to present both sides when there clearly wasn’t one. It’s a tough, unflinching show that stays focused on the kids, their families, and just how broken the system is. The acting is incredible – so real and vulnerable, it doesn’t feel like acting, and it pulls you right into the heart of everything. This isn’t just something to watch for fun; it’s emotionally powerful because it’s so honest. It’s a true crime story that doesn’t just tell you what happened, it genuinely disturbs you, because it understands the pain and why it needs to be seen. That’s what makes it absolutely essential viewing, in my opinion.

Enjoying any of these shows? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-11 21:12