Top 10 True Crime Series of 2022
#10: “The Staircase” (2022)
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This HBO biographical show depicts the true story of a crime novelist who was convicted of killing his wife. The name of the series is inspired by the location where the victim’s body was found. The actual case was complicated by the involvement of French documentarians, which is reflected in the limited series. Award winning actors Colin Firth and Toni Collette star as the husband and wife at the center of the story, with the former’s performance in particular receiving praise. Despite the familiarity of the story, the series is successful at maintaining a sense of suspense and mystery. While critics are fans of the show, the original documentarian team feels misrepresented by the narrative.
#9: “The Girl from Plainville” (2022)
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One of many Hulu true crime shows to be released in 2022, this mini series depicts the relatively recent tragedy of Massachusetts based teens Conrad Roy and Michelle Carter. Having sent multiple text messages interpreted as in support of Roy ending his life, Carter was implicated when he eventually succumbed to that idea. The trial indicting her of involuntary manslaughter was covered extensively by the media, and has inspired a lot of true crime television in the years since. Starring Elle Fanning and Chloë Sevigny, this dramatized retelling of the story is praised for its actors’ performances. It offers a more nuanced perspective of the people involved.
#8: “Never Seen Again” (2022-)
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This Paramount+ original isn’t a limited or mini-series, unlike many of our other picks for this list. Instead, it's an anthology series that explores a different disappearance in each episode. The show features family members of lost individuals describing the last time they saw their loved one. Since the cases being explored aren’t very well known, each installment contains a sense of mystery that’s hard to come by in true crime shows. The stories are authentically heartbreaking, blending together intrigue and tragedy in a way that’s captivating. As far as docuseries go, this is one of the better ones.
#7: “Gaslit” (2022)
Inspired by the first season of the podcast “Slow Burn,” this true crime show has a political edge. It concerns the infamous Watergate scandal, with Julia Roberts playing the lead role of Martha Mitchell, wife of President Nixon’s Attorney General. Critics appreciate the show’s strong characters, and Roberts’s performance in particular has been described as “nervy.” Although the story is historical, its theme of a political scandal driven by big personalities is still relevant today. The Starz series brings to life events of the past in a way that feels contemporary and relatable.
#6: “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” (2022)
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This Netflix docu series investigates a polygamous sect of Mormonism called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The religious organization is really considered more of a cult, and the show highlights its history of nefarious activities. The title refers to the motto of former leader, Rulon Jeffs, and his expectations for how women should conduct themselves. In addition to explaining Warren S. Jeffs’s rise to power within the FLDS, the series features interviews with former members. It's heartbreaking to hear about the cult’s abuse of women first hand, but their stories of survival are inspiring.
#5: “Oussekine” (2022)
One of the first French original series for Disney+, this historical drama looks at a real story from the mid 1980s amidst protests in Paris. 22 year old student Malik Oussekine was mistaken as a protester when police ran after and beat him. His brutal death caused outrage in the country and added fuel to the already ongoing demonstrations. The series recreates the story, depicting the events leading up to it and the trial afterwards as well. French critics in particular are fans of the show. It’s praised for being simultaneously educational and moving, as well as an honest depiction of problematic law enforcement.
#4: “Under the Banner of Heaven” (2022)
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Andrew Garfield stars as Detective Jeb Pyre in this series based on a nonfiction book of the same name. Inspired by real events, it depicts two detectives investigating what happened to a mother and her baby. Mormonism plays a crucial role in the story, and the series wrestles with spirituality in interesting ways. Many viewers have observed the show’s negative depiction of Mormons; meanwhile, a police official who was involved in the actual case called the show “a work of fiction.” That being said, critics appreciate the acting performances and themes of personal faith.
#3: “The Dropout” (2022)
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This true story is so absurd, it couldn’t have been made up. Based on a podcast of the same name, the show depicts the rise and downfall of Theranos founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Full of drama and occasionally incorporating dark humor, it’s entertaining even for the many of us who were already familiar with the tale. Critics generally responded favorably to the series, citing Amanda Seyfried’s performance as one of its best features. In fact, the actress won an Emmy for her nuanced portrayal of the biotechnological company founder. While not an exact imitation, Seyfried’s interpretation is fantastically executed.
#2: “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” (2022)
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Netflix released not one but two shows concerning Dahmer in 2022. The biographical drama series starring Evan Peters takes a more theatrical approach, depicting different events from the infamous killer’s life. The show is not afraid of shocking its audience, and demonstrates just how disturbed Dahmer was. Upon its release, it broke records, gaining 865 million plus hours of viewership in the first 4 weeks. The story isn’t chronological, which works well considering many of us already know how it ends. Initially ordered as a limited series, it was renewed as an anthology, so true crime lovers can look forward to future seasons. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.” (2022) How Far Would You Go for Someone Who Promised to Make Your Pet Live Forever? “BTK: Confession of a Serial Killer” (2022) The A&E Series Features One-on-One Conversations with Serial Killer Dennis Rader “Candy” (2022) Despite This Story’s Horrific Nature, The Early ‘80s Aesthetic Is Kinda a Vibe “Inventing Anna” (2022) After Watching This Show, We Think We Know What it Takes to Be a Scam Artist “Conversations With a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes” (2022) This Limited Series Captivates with Never-Before-Heard Audio Clips
#1: “Black Bird” (2022)
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Based on James Keene’s autobiographical book, this Apple TV+ original tells a story so dramatic, we’re surprised it's not fiction. It follows Keene, played by Taron Egerton, as he tries to coerce a confession from fellow inmate Larry Hall on behalf of the FBI. Upon the show’s release, it garnered critical acclaim and a 97% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Cast members Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser’s performances are especially lauded. Scenes with both the actors are captivating, and the two demonstrate an intense on-screen chemistry. For a show from a lesser used streaming service, this series is top quality.
