Are you obsessed with true crime? Binge these chilling shows in January

Ah, true crime. For those obsessed with this genre, there’s always something new to offer. From podcasts to documentaries to television shows, there are literally thousands of different things for a true crime fan to dive head first into. Heading into 2021, what true crime shows should you check out in January? After all, with so many offerings out there, how do you know what’s worth your time? 

For the true crime obsessed, that’s the million-dollar question so to speak. Here are the true crime shows that will chill, thrill, and enthrall you with the fascinating dark turns that these sorts of stories can take. These four series, some old and some new, are worth the truest true crime fan’s attention and obsession. 

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark

If you haven’t read the late Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark about the Golden State Killer, then, well, it should be on the top of your reading list. If you’re more into true crime shows, then you’ll definitely be obsessed with the HBO documentary series of the same name. Directed by Liz Garbus, this six-episode series tracks McNamara’s investigation into the case.

The series tracks McNamara’s investigation into the Golden State Killer case while also talking with victims and investigators. It provides an interesting look into a real life true crime obsession, but also shows the care and dedication of McNamara’s life with her friends and loved ones sharing their own insights. It’s a fascinating balance, and well worth watching if you have an HBO subscription.

Trial by Media

The Netflix true-crime docuseries Trial by Media hasn’t been talked about as much as, say, Tiger King, but it’s definitely worth a watch for anyone interested in true crime. The series, which covers six cases over six episodes, looks into some of the most highly publicized trials out there. It also examines how the media affected these trials as well. Because what happens when the court of public opinion gets involved in a big way?

From The Jenny Jones Show murder to the controversial Bernie Goetz case, Trial by Media offers interesting insight and news into some of the most publicized trials of the 80s to the 00s. For a true crime fan looking for a new perspective on some cases? This series is definitely worth a good binge-watch. 

Murder on Middle Beach

Murder on Middle Beach is a four-part HBO true-crime series that probably slipped under the radar with heavyweights such as The Vow or I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, but don’t discount the series. The heartbreaking series follows a young man, Madison, as he investigates the brutal 2010 murder of his mother, Barbara Hamburg, whose unsolved murder by stabbing and bludgeoning still haunts him.

Over the course of the series, Madison, who spent the last eight years looking into the case, has to investigate family as potential suspects for the death. If you’re looking for a satisfying conclusion, then Murder on Middle Beach ends where it begins with the Hamburg family without answers. It’s still worth a watch either way. 

Love Fraud 

The Showtime true-crime series Love Fraud does not have a murder. So if you’re looking for a series without death in it, then this is a good one to look into. Love Fraud follows a group of women who are victims of serial dater and conman Richard Scott Smith. He wooed woman after woman before splitting town with all of their money and disappearing without a trace.

Now a group of his victims, with foul-mouthed bounty hunter Carla Campbell, are tracking him down in order to get their revenge on the man that broke their hearts and ruined their lives.