Criminology student recommends crime dramas

Criminology student Harry Sheldon gives us a breakdown of three of his favourite true crime shows.

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1. Only Murders in the Building - Disney+

Only Murders in the Building is a brilliant show that falls under the genre of “cosy crime”, which can be defined as lacking any graphic violence or themes and usually focusing on a small, intimate community. 

This show doesn’t necessarily make you focus on the crime itself, but more about the logistics of how the crime was committed and how the characters are linked. It’s more of a “whodunnit”, that allows your brain to start thinking about the little things that a person might do and why they might commit the crime. For example, how are they related to the victim? Have they sent a certain message or letter to the murdered character, or left fingerprints anywhere?

Only Murders in the Building is gripping, humorous and leaves you wanting more each episode.

2. The Jetty – BBC iPlayer

The Jetty is a British thriller crime show that follows a detective as they try to piece together a confusing cold case. The show focuses on the idea of how more often than not, a person who commits a murder is somebody who is closely link to or even related to the victim. Someone who is close to the victim might know their comings and goings and their daily routine, making it easy to plan the perfect crime.

The show is gripping, dark and certainly leaves you more confused than not before revealing the culprit!

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3. Truth Be Told – Apple TV

Truth Be Told uses the hypodermic syringe model theory, a theory coined by Harold Laswell that explores how media is a powerful tool for spreading information, or more so, misinformation – described by Laswell as being like a syringe that injects information directly into our mind.

The show follows a true crime podcast host and their journey to pursuing justice and the truth after some shocking discoveries.  

The way that Truth Be Told focuses on this theory is by showing influential characters, those in media or politics, and how they might spread misinformation, even if inadvertently.

4. Monsters – Netflix

Monsters tells the true story of serial killers, the Menendez brothers. Lyle and Erik Menendez are two brothers who killed their parents on 20 August 1989.

What’s interesting about this story is the history behind it. The brothers allege that the murders were in self-defence after suffering years of abuse at the hands of their parents, so it’s a real moral dilemma. We won’t give too much away, but it’s worth a watch to make your own mind up! 

5. In the Footsteps of Killers – All 4

This series follows one of our very own Criminology academics – Professor David Wilson – and co-host Emilia Fox as they look at infamous unsolved murder cases. 

David’s expertise shines through as they look for new leads and evidence that the original investigations may have missed.

If you want an in-depth look into how an investigation might play out, this is one to watch.

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