Killer Content: Unpacking The Love for True Crime
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Dahmer, Bundy, Manson; what do these killers have in common? Well, for starters, they’ve all had at least one Netflix show made about them. True crime has become increasingly popular over the years, with over 23,000 podcasts and over 60 shows to date. It has become just another genre, like thrillers or adventure. It makes you think about whether or not we’ve become desensitized to these tragedies, and why we seem to love true crime so much.
Think about it like playing Clue. There’s been a murder, and it’s up to you to solve it. You have evidence, alibis, mysterious disappearances, and dead ends. As the viewer, you watch these stories unfold while diving into the killer's mind, learning their motivations, pasts, and methods. Perhaps the case is unsolved, leaving you speculating who the killer was. Media plays a crucial role in shaping how we perceive crime and justice. True crime shows and documentaries often blur the line between entertainment and education, sensationalizing horrific events while also raising awareness about systemic failures in law enforcement and the legal system. The rise in true crime content reflects our society's obsession with justice and the desire to make sense of the senseless, but true crime is so much deeper than that.
True crime creates tight-knit communities. From online forums to social media groups, these stories unite people who share a fascination with solving mysteries, discussing theories, and analyzing every detail. The Netflix documentary Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is a perfect example of this. In the show, they tell a story of a Facebook group that tracks down a man responsible for posting disturbing videos online. The series starts with a viral video of a man killing two kittens, sparking outrage and leading the group to investigate and eventually find him. The investigation exemplifies how viewers are active participants in unraveling these dark narratives. It’s a coveted shared experience—watching a series or listening to a podcast and then partaking in conversations with others equally invested in the case.
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People are allured to the entertainment and escapism that transpires within these shows. Shock value plays a massive role in this phenomenon—there’s something exhilarating about facing a dangerous situation when it isn’t real, except it is. So, let me ask you: how ethical is true crime?
Image Courtesy: Variety
While true crime has become increasingly mainstream in film, television, and other media, it remains a sensitive and often debated topic. The controversy stems from concerns about the discussion of these stories, particularly the treatment of death and the glorification of criminals. Take the newly released Netflix show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which deals with the case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents. This show has sparked controversy due to the portrayal of the brothers, even prompting the actual Menendez siblings and family members to speak out. It seems as though TV shows often prompt people to forget that these stories are about real people outside of the internet. As said in the name, true crime focuses on real people in real places. Who would have thought? So, by treating these stories like pure fiction, we can create hurtful repercussions for the people involved in the crimes. For example, Ryan Murphy's Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. While the show was a hit, many of the victims' families were horrified by the portrayal of their personal tragedies, claiming they weren’t consulted or warned. By dramatizing these events for entertainment, shows like this often reduce real suffering to a plot point, desensitizing audiences and retraumatizing those directly affected. The fascination with killers can overshadow the real pain of victims and their families, leading to controversy and accusations of exploitation. True crime may entertain, but it has real-world consequences that shouldn’t be ignored.
Ultimately, people like to feel a sense of justice. People relish getting scared and observing the dark corners of others' minds, whether it originates from morbid curiosity or a need to feel fictionally prepared for what might affect us. True crime taps into our primal curiosity, fear, and desire for justice. There are no repercussions—you get to watch a fun show and return to living your life consequence-free. Whether we consume it for entertainment, escapism, or understanding, it's clear that the genre will not lose popularity any time soon. But, as it continues to grow, so should our awareness of its impact—not just on us as consumers, but on the real people whose stories are being told.
Strike Out,
Writer: Daniela Mendoza
Editor: Dani Hernandez
Graphic Designer: Sarah Paskiewicz
Tallahassee