18 True-Crime Shows You Need To Watch

Top true-crime titles streaming on Paramount+:

We don’t need the investigative skills of a detective to deduce that if you’re here, you’re a true-crime fan in search of your next watch. But we’re not total duds in the gumshoe department. We’ve used our sleuthing abilities to uncover 18 documentaries and docuseries inspired by or based on true-life stories. Read on to get our complete list. And while you may have to solve a puzzle or two (or 50) once you’ve begun your deep-dive, you definitely don’t have to puzzle out how to stream these picks: Every single one is streaming now on Paramount+.

**1. Predators (2025)**

If you’re intrigued by the upcoming A24 movie Primetime starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, you need to check out Predators (2025) on Paramount+. Now, the acclaimed documentary is a feature film, but we include it here because it’s about a curious entry in TV history: To Catch a Predator, the Chris Hansen-hosted Dateline NBC segment-turned-special series.

As you may recall, To Catch a Predator featured Hansen questioning adults meeting up at planned locations after engaging online with who they thought were minors. Hidden cameras captured the confrontations, which often included law enforcement officials.

In Predators (2025), documentarian David Osit explores how and why To Catch a Predator became a part of our true-crime TV culture. Through archival material, interviews, and contemporary footage, Osit looks into why the show garnered such a huge audience, the criticism it receives, and how the show influenced true-crime and predator-catching titles that followed.

WATCH NOW: Predators (2025)

2. My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders

This three-part Paramount+ original documentary spotlights the decades-long mystery surrounding The Monster of Green Hollow, an Iowan man known as Donald Dean Studey. Though this rural farmer was rumored to have murdered dozens of women, including three of his wives, the deaths of these spouses were later ruled suicides, and the scuttlebutt surrounding the case faded. That is, until Studey’s adult daughter, Lucy Studey McKiddy, came forward with the claim that she and her siblings spent much of their childhood helping their dad bury his victims on the family property.

McKiddy’s insistence about the validity of her memories aligns with certain relatives’ and friends’ recollections about Studey’s rageful temperament and secretive actions. Others, however – including McKiddy’s sister, Susan Studey – maintain that Donald Studey was a loving father, and that McKiddy has fabricated her allegations against him.

During the course of a three-year investigation, the documentary’s filmmakers uncovered the secrets buried within the Studey family, as well as the mysteries located deep within the hills of Green Hollow. What they discovered will stun you.

WATCH NOW: My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders

3. Never Seen Again

If your loved one vanished, seemingly into thin air, what would you do? That’s the heartbreaking premise of this Paramount+ original documentary series, where every episode presents a unique story of someone who disappeared with barely a trace, leaving their family and friends grappling for answers. If there’s anything at all to cling to, it’s a digital clue: a final text or social media post, one last ping off a cell phone tower. Are the missing people runaways, or have they been abducted? Are they deceased, or is there still hope of locating them and bringing them home? Someone has answers, and that someone could be you.

Those close to the lost individuals share what they know about their loved one’s life and character. They go on to express how the disappearance and lack of an explanation has affected their lives, all in the hopes that someone watching may shed some light on the case. In this way, Never Seen Again is unique among true-crime shows, as it keeps unsolved disappearances in the public eye while also spotlighting the experiences of the victims’ families.

All five seasons of Never Seen Again are now streaming on Paramount+.

WATCH NOW: Never Seen Again

4. The Real Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort and Nadine Macaluso in the new documentary The Real Wolf of Wall Street. — Paramount+

You may have Martin Scorsese’s 2013 blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as real-life stockbroker Jordan Belfort, but trust us: You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. This three-part documentary doesn’t need to take Hollywood liberties with Belfort’s story, as the real accounts of his outrageous partying and money laundering are shocking enough.

Until the feds caught wind of the stock manipulation tactics of Belfort and his fellow brokers, the businessman was existing in a haze of sex, drugs, and extravagance. And though many speak fondly about Belfort’s sphere of excess, not everyone got out of his orbit unscathed. The Real Wolf of Wall Street features never-before-seen footage, thousands of internal FBI documents, and archival interviews. It also presents accounts from onetime members of Belfort’s inner circle, including an interview with Belfort’s ex-wife, Nadine.

On its own or paired with Scorsese’s hit film, this documentary will sate any true-crime aficionado’s desire to learn about a fraudster’s rise and fall, and hear the stories of those left in the wake of his swindle.

WATCH NOW: The Real Wolf of Wall Street

5. Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal

Still reeling from The Handmaid’s Tale? You’ll be equally intrigued by this three-part documentary about the Christian community of Gloriavale. This sect, located in a compound among the mountains of New Zealand, has long been governed by religious doctrine and traditional values. Certain leaders, however, enforced oppressive gender roles and committed egregious abuses of power. When allegations of sexual abuse and cover-ups threatened the community’s way of life, some members came forward to corroborate the claims, while others defended the group’s customs.

Is Gloriavale a cult? Have its members been brainwashed into accepting a lifestyle where assault and coercion are simply part of daily life? What is it about sects like these that elicits such staunch support from certain believers? Featuring decades of unseen archival footage and exclusive interviews, Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal doesn’t offer easy answers. What it does offer is a fascinating watch.

WATCH NOW: Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal

6. Handsome Devil: Charming Killer

How does a brutal murderer become a viral heartthrob? This three-part Paramount+ original documentary tells the story of Wade Wilson, a Florida man whose charm and “bad boy” allure won him a devoted online during his trial for murder.

Dubbed the “Deadpool Killer,” Wilson was found guilty of killing two women. But even as he faced the death penalty, his mugshot, prison tattoo makeover, and seductive smile cast a spell on a group of loyal online fans.

Handsome Devil: Charming Killer details Wilson’s crimes, trial – and surprising fanbase. It explores and exposes the dark allure of charm and how a violent criminal could win the hearts of misguided admirers.

WATCH NOW: Handsome Devil: Charming Killer

7. Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout

A viral TikTok video made William White an instant heartthrob, but fame took a shocking turn when boundaries were blurred. As explored in this two-part Paramount+ original documentary, what started off as innocent interactions spiraled into a nightmare filled with betrayal, jealousy, and blackmail.

During the height of the pandemic, 21-year-old William White was launched into social-media stardom after posting a lip-sync video to Barry Manilow’s “Mandy.” This handsome young man stole the hearts of millions, sparking a thirst-trap obsession with a generation of women. Over time, the fandom turned toxic as lines were crossed by super fans and White.

The documentary shares exclusive interviews as it unpacks the rise and chaos of online celebrity, and the dangers that creep in when fantasy crashes into reality.

WATCH NOW: Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout.

8. The 12th Victim

This four-part SHOWTIME® original, now streaming on Paramount+ with a Paramount+ Premium plan subscription, sheds new light on Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate – and their heartland murder spree that shocked 1950s America.

In 1958, the 19-year-old Starkweather and 14-year-old Fugate were arrested and charged with brutally killing 11 people. The Nebraskan teens became the new iteration of Bonnie and Clyde. The couple’s villainous journey would become the inspiration for films, TV shows, and songs, including Badlands and Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska.” But what if everyone got the story wrong?

Was Fugate a willing participant in the murders, or a young girl taken hostage by a deranged young man? The 12th Victim shares archival and recreated footage as well as scenes from films and TV shows inspired by the killings to reexamine the case. Give this documentary a watch, and decide for yourself who’s lying and who’s telling the truth.

WATCH NOW: The 12th Victim (Paramount+ Premium plan only)

9. Harlan Coben’s Final Twist

Best-selling mystery author Harlan Coben (Fool Me Once, Safe, The Stranger) goes from writing fiction to unraveling fact – and examining what makes killers cross the line to murder – in the CBS Original documentary series Harlan Coben’s Final Twist, all episodes now streaming on Paramount+.

Each episode of the show has Coben recounting a shocking tale filled with hidden truths, deceptions, and lies. The show shares exclusive interviews and never-before-seen archival material that helps give audiences an in-depth look at high-profile crimes. Catch up now on Season 1 before the series, renewed by CBS for a second season, returns with new episodes, starting Monday, Oct. 5, as part of the Fall 2026 primetime schedule.

WATCH NOW: Harlan Coben’s Final Twist

10. Don’t Date Brandon

Amber Rasmussen & Brandon Johnson in the true crime documentary Don't Date Brandon — Paramount+

Romance is intoxicating. It can be difficult to find anything wrong with a brand-new sweetheart. But this three-part, Paramount+ original docuseries shows how a seemingly perfect mate may be far, far from perfect.

When Amber Rasmussen connects with Brandon Johnson on a dating app, it seems like a match made in heaven. The chemistry is so fantastic, in fact, that Brandon proposes marriage after only six weeks. It is only after the couple marries that Amber begins to suspect that she’s tied herself to a master manipulator, and she reaches out to Brandon’s ex-wife, Athena Klingerman. Soon, her fears are confirmed: Indeed, Brandon is a liar who’s hiding nefarious secrets.

Despite Brandon’s attempts to turn the women against one another, Amber and Athena join forces, launching a podcast to expose Brandon’s deceit, and talk openly about the warning signs they missed. In doing so, more victims of Brandon’s abuse and trickery come forward, adding details to the story of this victimizer’s exploits. With so many women speaking against their harasser on a popular podcast, Brandon’s toxic influence grows ever-weaker. A bully loses power when all his targets team up to fight back.

WATCH NOW: Don’t Date Brandon

11. My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story

Eva LaRue in the true crime documentary My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story — Paramount+

Many people dream about achieving fame – for the red carpets, the swag, the adoration. But celebrity can have a dangerous downside, a fact that actress Eva LaRue understands all too well. In the two-part, Paramount+ original docuseries My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story, the Emmy® winner and her daughter, Kaya Callahan, share harrowing memories of receiving threatening letters and messages from LaRue’s stalker. A full decade later, the harassment had yet to cease, and the FBI was no closer to identifying the culprit …

LaRue gained renown playing DNA analyst Natalia Boa Vista on CSI: Miami, and with this popularity came fan mail – including violent missives from a stalker she came to dub “Freddy Kruger.” For 12 years, he terrorized her and Callahan’s lives, all the while remaining in the shadows. His identity stayed a mystery to detectives, and to LaRue herself – until a forensic breakthrough finally offered hope.

Featuring candid interviews with LaRue and Callahan, this must-watch series depicts a woman’s long journey through the emotional ringer, as well as the courage she plucked up to protect her family and continue searching for the truth.

WATCH NOW: My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story

12. Happy Face

Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, and Tamera Tomakili in Happy Face — Paramount+

What would you do if you discovered that someone near and dear to your heart committed acts of pure evil? What if that someone was your father? This is the question at the heart of Happy Face, the Paramount+ original drama series, starring Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, and Tamera Tomakili, now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

Happy Face tells the story of Melissa (Tony® winner and Emmy® nominee Annaleigh Ashford) who learned as a teenager that her beloved father (played by Emmy®– and Golden Globe®-nominee Dennis Quaid) was actually a serial killer known as the Happy Face Killer. Decades later, she has severed all contact with the now-incarcerated man, and made every effort to hide her connection to him. But suddenly Melissa is at a crossroads. Her dad has snaked back into her life with a shocking claim: He committed the crime for which another man is about to take the fall. Now, Melissa must choose between protecting her identity and unraveling an unsolved mystery to save an innocent person.

Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore, as well as the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore, and the autobiography Shattered Silence, by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. All eight episodes of the series are streaming now, exclusively on Paramount+.

WATCH NOW: Happy Face

13. Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas

Episodic still from the true crime documentary Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas — Paramount+

This docuseries follows the criminal investigation of a cast member from the SHOWTIME® reality show Gigolos, which was produced from 2011 to 2016. A cultural phenomenon, the show followed the personal and professional lives of five gigolos in Las Vegas, featuring sexually-charged shenanigans, and making stars of the oft-shirtless escorts. It was steamy, but ultimately harmless fun … right? In 2020, Gigolos cast member Akshaya Kubiak was arrested for killing one of his clients, and the benign reality-show world of sun and sensuality was quickly shown to be an illusion.

Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas weaves together the story of this tragic case with footage from the Gigolos reality series, offering a unique perspective on Las Vegas, sex work, reality television, stardom, and the particulars of a murder investigation. Driving the three-part narrative is this question: How did a man who preached about love, and who’d achieved public veneration, end up murdering another human being?

WATCH NOW: Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas

14. 72 Seconds in Rittenhouse Square

Michael White in the true crime documentary 72 Seconds in Rittenhouse Square — Paramount+

This three-part docuseries focuses on the 2018 stabbing of white real-estate developer Sean Schellenger in the wealthy Philadelphia neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square. Though police officers initially have no suspects, a 20-year-old Black bike courier turns himself in to authorities the following day. This man, Michael White, admits to engaging in a physical fight with Schellenger. Schellenger did indeed die from a stab wound during that altercation. But all is not as cut-and-dry as it seems.

Was White acting in self-defense? To what extent did the two parties’ racial and economic differences play in the brawl, as well as the subsequent trial? With footage that includes a comprehensive interview with White – his first since his murder trial – as well as a never-before-seen recording of the stabbing, 72 Seconds in Rittenhouse Square offers another side to a crime story news buffs might think they know well.

WATCH NOW: 72 Seconds in Rittenhouse Square

15. Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders

Episodic still from the true crime documentary Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders — Paramount+

Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders may have a heavy tone, however, it never loses the pervasive hope of its interviewees that they’ll eventually get answers. Isabel Janus, the 13-year-old niece of three of the victims, says as much during the series: “I truly believe that justice will be done, if not in this lifetime, then in the next.”

WATCH NOW: Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders

16. #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders

Episodic still from the true crime documentary #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders — Paramount+

#CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders is a fascinating look at where the online Sherlocks succeed in helping law enforcement officials … and where they fall short, or even hinder the process. The series poses the question: Do we want our answers accurate, or do we just want them now, now, now?

WATCH NOW: #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders

17. CTRL+ALT+DESIRE

Episodic still from the true crime documentary CTRL+ALT+DESIRE — Paramount+

Incorporating interviews with cam models, recreations of events, and conversations with Amato himself, the three-episode docuseries CTRL+ALT+DESIRE explores one man’s descent into addiction – and the Internet’s appeal to the isolated and directionless. Indeed, CTRL+ALT+DESIRE will make you think twice before logging on.

WATCH NOW: CTRL+ALT+DESIRE

18. Pillowcase Murders

Episodic still from the true crime documentary Pillowcase Murders — Paramount+

Not only is Pillowcase Murders simply a riveting watch, this three-part docuseries brings up an important, and haunting, question about culpability: If a retirement facility isn’t safe, what is?

WATCH NOW: Pillowcase Murders

Availability of titles is subject to change.