13+ Must-Watch True Crime Documentaries & Series in 2022

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Grab your favorite snack and settle in! There’s an undeniable allure to true crime documentaries that captivates many viewers. Whether they give a sense of safety in contrast to real-life dangers or simply pique curiosity about the darker side of humanity, these gripping tales of crime, deceit, and mystery have found a devoted audience. True crime stories—often based on real events—are being adapted by networks and streaming platforms at an impressive rate. While some documentaries feature the criminals themselves, many focus on the victims and experts, providing a variety of perspectives. Some resolutions are reached, while others leave tantalizing questions unanswered, allowing viewers to speculate on their own conclusions.

But what does our fascination with the sinister reveal about us? Are we just morbidly curious, or is there something deeper at play? “Enjoying true crime isn’t abnormal,” says psychologist Mia Harper, Ph.D. “It taps into our natural curiosity about the human experience and offers insight into the psyche of those who commit terrible acts.” Interestingly, research indicates that women are particularly drawn to these narratives, perhaps as a means of self-preservation: “By absorbing these stories, we learn how to avoid becoming victims ourselves,” Dr. Harper explains. So, there you have it—it’s both entertaining and educational!

With so many true crime options available, it can be tough to choose what to watch next. Here’s a list of the most compelling true crime documentaries and series from 2022.

Top New True Crime Documentaries of 2022 (So Far)

  1. The Tinder Swindler
    Premiered: Feb. 2
    Where to watch: Netflix
    Prepare for an eye-opening evening! This documentary centers on three women who fell for a man they met on Tinder, only to discover he had swindled them out of thousands while posing as a wealthy heir.
  2. King of the Con
    Premiered: Jan. 14
    Where to watch: Discovery+
    Barry Minks is a skilled con artist who has reinvented himself multiple times to swindle others. In this fascinating documentary, he narrates his own life story, revealing the depths of his deceit.
  3. Inventing Anna
    Premiered: Feb. 11
    Where to watch: Netflix
    This scripted series, crafted by Shonda Rhimes, explores the life of Anna Sorokin, who masqueraded as a wealthy New York socialite, defrauding friends and banks alike.
  4. BTK: Confessions of a Serial Killer
    Premiered: Jan. 8
    Where to watch: A&E
    Delve into the twisted mind of Dennis Rader, the infamous BTK killer, through expert analysis and insights into his heinous crimes.
  5. Murder Under the Friday Night Lights
    Premiered: Jan. 4
    Where to watch: ID
    This series explores tragic incidents involving high school football players, revealing how these crimes impacted their close-knit communities.
  6. Scream: The True Story
    Premiered: Jan. 14
    Where to watch: Discovery+
    Following the resurgence of the Scream franchise, this docu-special investigates the real-life events that inspired the films, including a paranormal twist involving serial killer Danny Rolling.
  7. The Dropout
    Premiered: March 3
    Where to watch: Hulu
    Based on a podcast, this series chronicles Elizabeth Holmes’s rise and fall as the founder of Theranos, a health tech company that turned out to be built on lies.
  8. Bad Vegan
    Premiered: March 16
    Where to watch: Netflix
    Follow the extraordinary story of Sarma Melngailis, a former vegan restaurant mogul who went on the run after a complex scheme involving fraud and deception.
  9. Scott Peterson: The Friends Speak
    Premiered: Jan. 9
    Where to watch: REELZ
    This docuseries revisits the tragic case of Laci Peterson, featuring insights from friends and family members, many speaking out for the first time.
  10. For Heaven’s Sake
    Premiered: 2021
    Where to watch: Paramount+
    Although it premiered in 2021, this comedic docuseries remains relevant, exploring the mysterious disappearance of a Canadian man nearly a century ago.
  11. Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story
    Premiered: 2022
    Where to watch: Hulu
    This gripping series reveals the twists in the story of Steven Stayner, who was kidnapped as a child, and the shocking secrets that emerged upon his return home.
  12. Under the Banner of Heaven
    Premiered: 2022
    Where to watch: Hulu
    This limited series follows Detective Jeb Pyre as he investigates the 1984 murders of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her infant daughter, weaving in themes of faith and morality.

Bonus! Anticipated New True Crime Documentaries

  1. Perfect World: The Gamer Murders
    Premiered: March 8
    Where to watch: Peacock
    Based on a Vice article, this miniseries follows a group of gamers who unite to catch a murderer among them.
  2. Trust No One: The Hunt For The Crypto King
    Premiered: March 30
    Where to watch: Netflix
    After the mysterious death of crypto millionaire Gerry Cotten, investors scramble to uncover the truth behind his demise and recover their lost funds.
  3. The Staircase
    Premiered: May 5
    Where to watch: Peacock
    Featuring a star-studded cast, this dramatic retelling of a true crime story offers chilling insights into a bizarre murder case.

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In summary, true crime documentaries serve not only as riveting entertainment but also as educational insights into human behavior and society. Whether you’re interested in gripping tales of deception or chilling murder mysteries, there’s a plethora of new content to explore in 2022.