Best True Crime Shows: The Complete Guide
From classic forensics series to prestige drama, true crime shows have evolved into one of television's most popular genres. Here's your complete guide to the best true crime shows across every platform.
Explore our complete True Crime collection →
Classic True Crime Series
Forensic Files (1996-2011, 2021-present)
The gold standard. Short episodes focusing on the science that solved crimes. Perfect for background watching or dedicated viewing. The reboot maintains the original's quality.
Unsolved Mysteries (1987-present)
Robert Stack's original created a template that still works today. Netflix's reboot maintains the eerie atmosphere that made the show iconic.
The First 48 (2004-present)
Real homicide detectives working real cases in the crucial first 48 hours. Unscripted and raw.
Cold Case Files (1999-present)
Bill Kurtis examines cases solved years or decades later.
Prestige True Crime Drama
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
David Fincher's series about the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in the 1970s. The Ed Kemper interviews are unforgettable.
- The People v. O.J. Simpson
- The Assassination of Gianni Versace
- Impeachment
True Detective (2014-present)
While fictional, uses true crime aesthetics and atmosphere.
Investigation Series
Dateline NBC
Long-running news magazine with in-depth crime coverage.
20/20
ABC's news magazine with regular true crime episodes.
48 Hours
CBS's investigative series with detailed case coverage.
True Crime Documentary Series
Making a Murderer — Netflix
The Jinx — HBO
The Staircase — Netflix/HBO
Wild Wild Country — Netflix
The Vow — HBO
Streaming Platform Standouts
- Making a Murderer
- Night Stalker
- The Keepers
- Conversations with a Killer series
- The Jinx
- I'll Be Gone in the Dark
- The Vow
- John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise
- Cold Justice
- The Act
- Candy
- Under the Banner of Heaven
How to Choose What to Watch
For Science Fans: Forensic Files, Cold Case Files
For Drama Lovers: Mindhunter, American Crime Story
For Documentary Fans: Making a Murderer, The Jinx
For Current Cases: Dateline, 20/20, 48 Hours
For Cold Cases: Unsolved Mysteries, Cold Justice