There’s something about a dark drama that gets an audience’s attention — even more so when it’s based on a true story.
And it’s no secret that that audience includes voters. Take last year as an example: “Baby Reindeer,” Netflix’s twisted limited series, became a runaway hit with little to no promotion, thanks to its retelling of creator and star Richard Gadd’s personal traumas. It took home six Emmys, two Golden Globes, a SAG Award and GLAAD Media Award, proving that, despite the fact that the nation is in distress, sometimes, somehow, a dark show is comforting.
And that could be the case this year, with so many distressing stories brilliantly told onscreen.
In October, Peacock and Universal TV dove into the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, focusing almost entirely on the victims, for “Devil in Disguise.” The latest from “Dr. Death” creator Patrick Macmanus, the eight-episode binge shouldn’t be overlooked — and likely would be more recognized had it been on a more popular streamer. The performances are impossible to ignore, from lead Michael Chernus portraying the horrifying serial killer to Marin Ireland, who plays the mother of Gacy’s final victim.
Hulu also dove into the true crime genre in October with “Murdaugh: Death in the Family.” While not a serial killer story, the crimes committed by Alex Murdaugh — including the murders of his wife and son — created multiple chilling, disturbing stories. In the UCP retelling, Jason Clarke transformed into the South Carolina lawyer while Patricia Arquette took on his wife, Maggie.
Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette in “Murdaugh: Death in the Family”
Courtesy of Disney
The first installment of Netflix’s “Monster,” “The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” landed four Globes nominations and one win following the 2022 season. Last year, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” earned three nominations including best limited series. Despite lackluster critical reviews, the latest installment, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” which also debuted in October, is likely to see some love. Lead Charlie Hunnam and supporting actress Laurie Metcalf received rave reviews as the murderer and his mother, Augusta.
This year’s Golden Globes is also introducing a brand-new best podcast award category, with 25 podcasts eligible. Among the list of interview shows and news programs are also “MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories,” “Morbid” and “Crime Junkie.”
But the fascination with true crime isn’t a new thing, points out Macmanus.
“True crime and detective nonfiction has been a fascination of people forever. As it relates to today, there are lots of theories out there as to why [it’s so popular],” he says, pointing to those who may want to be close to danger without being harmed, those who watch it as a lesson to avoid danger or those who are just entertained.
Then there’s the hope that it’s more.
“I would like to believe that there are deeper messages within these stories, and there does seem to be — there is quite a bit of, from the service level to the deepest level, an understanding of how society failed people, no matter what true crime piece you watch. That is an ongoing theme, and I think that that is something that just constantly speaks to the relevancy of true crime.”