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While we may be in the midst of the summer doldrums, crime doesn’t take a break, and neither do true crime shows. Even with TV and film writers and actors on strike, boycotting streaming platforms like Netflix is not the way to show support. (It’s worth noting that HuffPost’s writers are represented by the Writers Guild of America, East.)
So why not sit back and indulge in some of the best true crime shows of the year, listed below in no particular order. And if you’ve been following the Gilgo Beach serial killings, we’ve also included a guide to the shows and podcasts that have shed light on this chilling case for over a decade.
1. “Age of Influence” (Hulu)
In this six-part series, five episodes focus on different con artists who used social media in their scams. The sixth episode delves into a feud between two influencers and the legal battles surrounding them. While there may not be any murders, be warned that the fifth episode, “The Bad Momfluencer,” tells the shocking story of child abuse inflicted by an adoptive mother who forced her seven children to perform for a popular YouTube channel. Interviews with victims, family members, and even some grifters themselves, including the infamous Anna Delvey, provide a captivating narrative. Filmmakers had a wealth of YouTube videos, social media posts, and direct messages from the influencers themselves to draw from. The audacity of the con artists’ schemes is jaw-dropping, but you can’t help but empathize with those who fell for their tricks and marvel at the power of content creators.
2. “American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing” (Netflix)
Released on the 10-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Boston Marathon finish line, this three-part series includes heartwarming interviews with victims and their families, along with behind-the-scenes revelations from investigators. One unexpected hero emerges from the story: Danny Meng. When Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his brother Dzhokhar carjacked Meng’s Mercedes SUV, he made a daring escape and alerted the police. However, critics argue that the series tilts towards the police perspective, allowing Boston Police Department Commissioner Ed Davis to take center stage and failing to mention that a transit police officer’s injuries may have been caused by a fellow officer.
3. “Jared From Subway: Catching a Monster” (Investigative Discovery / Max)
This three-part docuseries offers a chilling look into the life of Jared Fogle, the former Subway spokesperson who is now serving a 15-year prison sentence for child sexual assault and the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse images. Fogle gained fame by claiming to have lost nearly 250 pounds through a Subway diet, making him a celebrity spokesperson and a motivational speaker on childhood obesity. The series includes interviews with the journalist who went undercover as Fogle’s friend to expose him, as well as the children of Fogle’s co-conspirators, Angela Baldwin and her then-husband Russell Taylor, who were sentenced to decades in prison for their involvement in producing, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material. Their shocking crimes include secretly filming Angela Baldwin’s own daughters.
4. “Shiny Happy People” (Amazon Prime)
“Shiny Happy People” takes a deep dive into the seemingly idyllic Duggar family, known for their wholesome reality TV image and strong commitment to family, parenting, and faith. Jill Duggar Dillard, the only family member to participate in this four-part docuseries, shares her experiences growing up in a patriarchal family and the sacrifices she made to protect them, at great personal cost. The series not only explores the drama and crimes within the Duggar family but also examines their fundamentalist religious beliefs through the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP), which has drawn comparisons to a cult. IBLP founder Bill Gothard has faced accusations of sexual harassment and propagated the belief that women should be submissive to the men in their family, perpetuating cycles of abuse.
5. “Take Care of Maya” (Netflix)
The case of Beata Kowalski and her daughter Maya presents a complex narrative, leaving viewers to decide whether it is a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy or a family caught in an overzealous social services system and dubious medical practices. Beata, a nurse, becomes consumed with treating Maya’s mysterious illness and meticulously documents every aspect of her daughter’s treatment. Maya suffers from debilitating pain and loss of function in her extremities. Following the recommendation of an unconventional specialist, Maya and her family travel to Mexico, where she undergoes a high-dose ketamine treatment and is intentionally placed in a coma. Although the treatment initially improves Maya’s symptoms, she ends up in the hospital, and child protective services become involved, cutting off her family from her. Despite this drastic measure, Maya’s condition seems to improve when separated from her family. The series raises intriguing questions about who was truly taking care of Maya.
6. “Loch Henry” (“Streamberry”)
“Loch Henry” follows aspiring filmmakers Davis and Pia, who venture to Scotland to create a documentary about a conservationist who protects rare eggs. However, Pia discovers that a serial killer had targeted tourists in Davis’ hometown and convinces him to shift their focus to true crime. Little do they know that they will become unwitting subjects in their own documentary. The film receives critical acclaim, winning a BAFTA and even securing a deal for a docudrama. Yet, success comes at a terrible cost.
7. “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” (Investigation Discovery)
This six-part docuseries delves into the controversial case of Natalia Grace, an adopted Ukrainian girl who Kristine and Michael Barnett claimed was actually an adult posing as a child. A judge sided with the Barnetts, resulting in Natalia’s birth certificate being changed to reflect an older age. The Barnetts then left Natalia in an apartment in Canada while they relocated with their other children. It’s important to note that Natalia and Kristine Barnett are not interviewed in the series, leading to a one-sided portrayal of this complex story. Although intriguing, it is advised to approach this series with reservations, as it includes interviews with the insufferable Michael Barnett and may leave viewers dissatisfied with its conclusion.
8. “Murdaugh Murders” (Netflix)
In the wake of the highly publicized murders of Paul Murdaugh and his mother, allegedly at the hands of his father Alex Murdaugh, this three-episode series titled “Southern Scandal” offers a unique perspective on the case. The series features countless photos and videos of Paul, along with extensive interviews with his friends and longtime girlfriend, Morgan Doughty. Doughty was in the boat with Paul when it crashed into a bridge, resulting in the death of Mallory Beach. Paul faced charges related to her death and the injuries of two others, including Doughty herself. Prosecutors argue that a pending lawsuit may have played a role in Alex’s alleged decision to…
So there you have it—the must-watch true crime shows of the year so far. Keep your curiosity and intrigue fueled by diving into these captivating stories.
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