The captivating notion of transforming actual crime narratives into gripping crime fiction has roots that trace back to literary greats like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, with the phenomenon gaining substantial traction during the television era, notably with the groundbreaking 1949 series Dragnet on NBC. This genre has since exploded in popularity, as real-life crime stories often contain elements so shocking that they compel writers to craft dramatized and fictionalized versions. Following the resurgence of true crime fiction on television, a plethora of crime mystery series—such as Mindhunter and Criminal Minds—have gained dedicated audiences, delving into actual cases that enthrall viewers. The bizarre and outrageous facts of these stories often inspire the best narratives, leading to a rich blend of reality and fiction. Below, we present our curated list of detective shows inspired by real-life events, showcasing the most disturbing, peculiar, and heinous incidents that have been imaginatively dramatized for the screen.

10

‘The Serpent’ (2021)

Directed by Tom Shankland and Hans Herbots

This gripping British crime drama series is intricately based on the disturbing life and heinous crimes of Charles “the Serpent” Sobhraj, a French serial killer notorious for targeting and murdering young backpackers along the hippie trail in South Asia during the mid-1970s. The series stars Tahar Rahim in the role of the titular villain, The Serpent, and portrays Sobhraj as he employs drugs to incapacitate and rob his victims, assuming their identities to traverse the globe and trade in stolen gems, all while aided by his girlfriend, Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman). Concurrently, Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle) embarks on an investigation into the murders of Dutch tourists, ultimately leading him directly to Sobhraj.

The Serpent delivers a clever and engaging retelling of Charles Sobhraj’s notorious escapades through a well-crafted, fast-paced narrative. Rahim’s portrayal of the charming yet cunning Sobhraj creates an appealing anti-hero that viewers find both intriguing and detestable. Although the storytelling occasionally veers into convoluted territory, The Serpent excels in its visual appeal, characterized by colorful characters and meticulous period details, complemented by stunning cinematography and a captivating soundtrack.

9

‘Candy’ (2022)

Created by Nick Antosca

<em>Candy</em> is a Hulu original drama series that revisits the notorious ax murder case that shook Texas in the 1980s. The story centers on Candy Montgomery, a suburban housewife implicated in the brutal killing of her neighbor, Betty Gore, after an affair with Betty’s husband, Allan. This series, rooted in actual events, delves into the intertwined lives, marriages, and friendships of Candy and Betty, leading up to the horrifying circumstances surrounding Betty’s tragic death. Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey deliver powerful performances as Candy and Betty, respectively, with strong support from Pablo Schreiber as Allan.

A highly acclaimed series, Candy is a riveting and engaging true crime narrative that captivates both fans of true crime and those who enjoy crime fiction. Despite being heavily fictionalized, the series manages to resonate as a compelling murder investigation that explores themes of second-wave feminism, as well as the failures of the political, social, legal, and justice systems during that era. With its well-paced storytelling and remarkable period aesthetics, Candy effectively captures the essential elements of a deeply horrifying crime.

8

‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ (2018)

Developed by Tom Rob Smith

Adapted from the book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History, The Assassination of Gianni Versace offers a dramatized depiction of the shocking murder of renowned fashion designer Gianni Versace, the visionary behind the globally recognized fashion house. In July 1997, Versace was tragically gunned down outside his Miami mansion by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer who ultimately took his own life. This second season of American Crime Story delves into the events leading up to Versace’s murder (Édgar Ramírez), including Cunanan’s (Darren Criss) background, his relationship with the iconic designer, and the subsequent murder investigation that ensued.

Beginning with a dramatic opening scene, The Assassination of Gianni Versace unfolds as a complex murder mystery, featuring compelling performances by Ramírez and Criss as victim and perpetrator, respectively. The series is praised for its character development, thematic depth, and innovative non-linear storytelling, establishing itself as a noteworthy installment in one of television’s finest anthology series.

7

‘Under the Bridge’ (2024)

Developed by Quinn Shephard

Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough lead this compelling crime drama that recounts a tragic real-life event that shocked British Columbia in the 1990s. The series revolves around the brutal murder of local teenager Reena Virk, who was killed by a group of six teens infamously known as the Shoreline Six. Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s 2005 book of the same name, Under the Bridge follows detective Cam Bentland (Gladstone) as she investigates Reena’s (Vritika Gupta) mysterious disappearance, with assistance from novelist Rebecca Godfrey (Keough). Their investigation unveils horrifying truths about Reena’s acquaintances, ultimately revealing the circumstances that led to her tragic demise.

Told through the dual perspectives of a detective and an investigative novelist, Under the Bridge is a dark, suspenseful crime thriller that will resonate with enthusiasts of both detective fiction and true crime. Described as a “tale of horror and wonder, of innocence, beauty, violence, and sin,” each episode of Under the Bridge leaves viewers in shock as it explores the brutal realities of adolescent violence and systemic social and legal negligence.

6

‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)

Created by Dustin Lance Black

This compelling Hulu crime drama is adapted from the non-fiction work of Jon Krakauer, which delves into the harrowing double homicide committed by brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who adhered to a radical interpretation of fundamentalist Mormonism and brutally killed their sister and her infant daughter in the name of faith. Set against the backdrop of 1984 Salt Lake City, Under the Banner of Heaven centers on detectives Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) and Bill Taba (Gil Birmingham) as they investigate the grisly murders of Brenda Wright Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her young daughter. Pyre finds his religious beliefs challenged and faces significant backlash when his inquiries lead him to the Latter-Day Saints Church.

Beyond its basis in true crime, Under the Banner of Heaven evolves into a gripping psychological crime drama that explores the detective’s struggle to reconcile faith with the pursuit of truth. Despite facing controversies and criticisms, the series is bolstered by Andrew Garfield’s excellent portrayal of a conflicted truth-seeker, supported by equally impressive performances from Edgar-Jones and Birmingham.

5

‘Manhunt: Unabomber’ (2017)

Created by Andrew Sodroski, Jim Clemente, and Tony Gittelson

The inaugural season of Manhunt, titled Manhunt: Unabomber, dramatizes the extensive investigation by the FBI into the notorious domestic terrorist, Ted Kaczynski, infamously known as the Unabomber. Operating between the late 1970s and the late 1990s, Kaczynski was responsible for a series of bombings that resulted in numerous fatalities, prompting a nationwide manhunt to capture him and bring him to justice. In the series, Sam Worthington plays Jim Fitzgerald, an elite FBI profiler tasked with analyzing Kaczynski’s psychological profile and predicting his next moves.

Manhunt: Unabomber is a dramatized yet compelling interpretation of actual events, presenting a gripping narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth. It stands out as a must-watch modern anthology series, showcasing innovative investigative techniques employed by the FBI during the era. The series delves into psychological profiling and behavioral analysis, adding a dark psychological thriller dimension to the plot. Manhunt: Unabomber excels with its non-linear storytelling, high production quality, and Bettany’s captivating portrayal of a cunning killer.

4

‘The Staircase’ (2022)

Created by Antonio Campos

In the early 2000s, novelist-turned-aspiring politician Michael Peterson was found guilty of murdering his wife, Kathleen. His trial was meticulously documented by a French filmmaker, capturing the intricacies of the case that featured Peterson himself. Two decades later, Antonio Campos adapts this gripping true story into a dramatized series featuring the talents of Colin Firth and Toni Collette portraying the Peterson duo. The Staircase meticulously examines the circumstances surrounding Kathleen Peterson’s mysterious death after she was discovered lifeless in their home. As a comprehensive investigation is launched by state authorities, it uncovers the family’s hidden secrets and complex history, testing their relationships, all while a team of French filmmakers documents the trial, offering fresh perspectives on Michael’s case.

The Staircase is a masterfully crafted adaptation of real events, engaging and psychologically thrilling. The show’s narrative, which intricately blends psychological crime elements, elevates the suspense beyond mere reality, showcasing the incredible and award-winning performances of Firth and Collette.

3

‘Des’ (2020)

Created by Lewis Arnold and Luke Neal

David Tennant has taken on numerous eclectic roles, but his portrayal of the chilling serial killer Dennis Nilsen in ITV’s Des stands out as one of his most captivating performances. Nilsen, a Scottish serial killer and necrophile, was responsible for the deaths of several young men between 1978 and 1982, which forms the basis of the show. Des intricately narrates how Scotland Yard came to a shocking realization after human remains were discovered in a sewer near Nilsen’s residence. However, the case takes an unexpected turn when Nilsen openly confesses to his crimes. Additionally, biographer Brian Masters (Jason Watkins) becomes fixated on uncovering Nilsen’s motives and understanding the mind of a psychopathic killer.

Des is a haunting crime thriller that is brilliantly executed through Tennant’s chilling embodiment of a monstrous killer. The series meticulously details the investigation into Nilsen and the subsequent trial, all wrapped in a darkly dramatic narrative supported by an intelligent script, suspenseful moments, and a sensitive approach to the macabre subject matter.

2

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

Created by Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning news feature by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, along with their book A False Report, Unbelievable recounts the harrowing true story of Marie Adler, an 18-year-old girl who reports a brutal rape but is instead accused of fabricating the incident, leading her to retract her statement. This Netflix original miniseries explores Marie’s traumatic journey through the police and legal systems, highlighting how her life spirals into chaos. Concurrently, Detectives Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever) reinvestigate the evidence, striving to uncover the truth and provide justice for Marie.

Unbelievable delivers a poignant and powerful narrative about the experiences of abuse victims, adeptly addressing real-life issues with sensitivity and depth, while shining a spotlight on the flaws within the legal and justice systems. Kaitlyn Dever’s performance as Marie is outstanding, garnering critical acclaim and recognition for her talent.

1

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Created by Joe Penhall

Based on the book Mindhunter: Inside The FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit authored by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, Mindhunter probes into the chilling realities of serial killers. Set in the 1970s, it chronicles the inception of the Behavioral Analysis Unit at the FBI and the dawn of criminal profiling, focusing on agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), alongside psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv). By interviewing incarcerated serial killers to gain insights into their minds, the team endeavors to apply their findings to solve ongoing investigations.

By delving into the psyche of murderers and infamous criminals, showrunner David Fincher infuses a dark psychological element into this crime thriller series. Mindhunter delivers a spine-chilling, thrilling experience that intertwines shocking true events with a captivating narrative, marked by meticulous attention to detail. With stunning cinematic visuals and strong performances from the cast, Mindhunter captivates and disturbs, establishing itself as one of Netflix’s premier true-crime series worthy of binge-watching.