As the field of forensics advances, a new craze has emerged: true crime TV shows. With the perfect combination of science and suspense, this genre has captivated me for years, and I have spent years binge-watching series after thrilling series. To help you decide which true crime shows to watch, here are some of my top recommendations:
1. Forensic Files
Format: TV show on Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime
Rating: 9/10
Summary: Each episode contains one case. Each case takes the audience through the process of the investigation and is jam-packed with information about forensic technology.
My Thoughts: This is my favorite forensics show, and for many good reasons. The narrator’s voice strikes deep suspense, and the format of the show allows the audience to step right into the investigators’ shoes. The show never reveals the perpetrator until the very end, and with each piece of evidence provided, the audience can make their own conclusions alongside the experts. However, it should be noted this documentary is more than ten years old, and many of the forensic techniques used may be outdated. Recently, HBO released a reboot of the series, titled Forensic Files II. After watching it, I personally believe the original is better in terms of narrator and the science provided. I recommend watching the reboot to learn about more recent forensic technologies.
2. Unabomber: In His Own Words
Format: TV show on Netflix
Rating: 8/10
Summary: The series is a progressive deep-dive into the life of unabomber Ted Kaczynski, with each episode providing more and more information from Kaczynski’s only interview and information from family and friends.
My Thoughts: This was a riveting documentary series, and I was captivated from the start. Packed with unique anecdotes from the unabomber's brother and friends, the show provides ample information about Kaczynski’s background and possible reasons for his violent shift later in life. Pictures of Kaczynski at various stages in his life supplement the timeline that the narrator describes. Other interesting parts of this series are the plethora of scientific information about building bombs and the tedious processes Kaczynski went through to inflict damage on others.
3. Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner
Format: TV show on HBO Max, Youtube, Amazon Prime
Rating: 8/10
Summary: Each episode describes a case that Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist, once received. The show goes through the background of each case and the process of determining what occurred in an unnatural death.
My Thoughts: This documentary series is fascinating, and definitely more medical-heavy than most documentaries I watch. Some of the pictures provided are extremely graphic, but supplement Dr. Baden’s audio about the case well. This TV show is unique in the fact that it is told from a forensic pathologist’s perspective, and I recommend watching it if you want to enter this career. However, it should be noted that this series is more than ten years old, and some of the technologies mentioned may be outdated.
4. Nurses Who Kill
Format: TV show on Netflix
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Each episode contains a case about a nurse who killed their patients. The show goes through the background of each case, and delves into the science of how the nurses perpetrate their crimes.
My Thoughts: This series was interesting, especially in terms of the psychological profile of the killer nurses. The thought that a healthcare professional, whose job is to protect people, could kill someone is chilling. This documentary gives you a clearer sense of what makes a person commit murder. The series is based upon eyewitness testimony and some science. However, it uses too much fluff and music in an attempt to be more suspenseful.
5. Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Format: TV show on Netflix
Rating: 7/10
Summary: This docuseries goes through Bundy’s more than thirty murders and his opinion on them.
My Thoughts: This documentary is unique because it delves into what a criminal thinks about their own actions: their remorse, their guilt, their twisted pride. It was interesting to see Bundy’s narcissistic attitude and the way he disturbingly provoked the investigators. The innocent looking pictures and audio recording supplement Bundy’s harrowing account of the events. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in psychology or famous criminal cases.
Sources:
- 'Forensic files' serves up a never-ending Casebook. (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/327675/forensic-files-serves-up-a-never-ending-casebook.html
- Unabomber: In his own words. (2020, February 22). Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11833494/