The true-crime genre has taken over online streaming services, offering insight into gripping criminal cases and infamous events. In 2024, a golden age of true-crime documentaries has emerged, featuring four releases that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The first documentary, ‘Fall of the House of Murdaugh: From Egg to Z’ focuses on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, with jurors speaking out publicly for the first time about jury tampering allegations. The jurors reveal shocking details about the case and raise questions about the fairness of the trial, highlighting the complexities of criminal justice in high-profile cases.
Another documentary, ‘Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains,’ revisits the infamous 1989 murder of Lyle and Erik Menendez’s parents in their Beverly Hills mansion. The docuseries explores the brutal killings and gives voice to both the brothers’ pleas for clemency and the horror of their actions. Viewers are left to decide whether to sympathize with the convicted brothers, who claim they were victims of abuse by their father. The release of the documentary coincides with the highly anticipated resentencing hearing for the brothers, adding a layer of suspense to the ongoing legal saga.
‘The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson’ sheds light on the tragic story of Nicole Brown Simpson, who was killed in a high-profile case involving her husband O.J. Simpson. The documentary features insights from Nicole’s family, friends, and those who knew her best, offering a more complete picture of Nicole beyond her relationship with the controversial football player. The series aims to humanize Nicole and remember her beyond the sensationalized media coverage of her death, giving a voice to those who knew her intimately.
In ‘American Murder: Laci Peterson,’ the case of Scott Peterson, who was convicted of killing his pregnant wife Laci Peterson in 2002, is revisited in a new Netflix docuseries. Despite maintaining his innocence, Peterson has been unsuccessful in his appeals, leaving lingering questions about his potential involvement in the crime. The documentary features interviews with key figures in the case, offering new perspectives on the events leading up to Laci’s tragic death and the subsequent legal battles that have unfolded over the years.
‘Making Manson’ delves into the chilling world of cult leader Charles Manson, who confessed to more murders from beyond the grave in a newly released Peacock docuseries. The series offers previously unreleased conversations with Manson, providing an in-depth look at his life of crime and his role as a cult leader. The documentary sheds light on Manson’s dark past and the sinister influence he had over his followers, raising questions about the nature of evil and manipulation in the criminal world.
Overall, the true-crime genre continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of gripping criminal cases and notorious events. The release of these documentaries in 2024 adds to the growing popularity of the genre, offering new insights and perspectives on high-profile cases that have captured public attention. From the shocking details of the Alex Murdaugh murder trial to the tragic story of Nicole Brown Simpson, these documentaries serve as a reminder of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the enduring impact of crime on society.
