Top TV Shows for Fans of American Manhunt: Must-Watch Picks

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Summary

  • American Manhunt: OJ Simpson Case rivals top true-crime docs with almost 30M viewing hours.
  • The series explores famous crimes intertwined with mental health struggles and law enforcements.
  • Despite American Manhunt’s popularity, better options may captivate viewers.

In its second season, “American Manhunt: The OJ Simpson Case” has soared in popularity among Netflix’s true-crime documentaries, amassing nearly 30 million hours of viewership. This series narrates the tale of actor and ex-NFL star OJ Simpson, focusing on his notorious acquittal for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

The case’s circumstances have been subject to ongoing debate, leaving it unresolved and intriguing, a quality that has likely boosted its appeal. For instance, the true-crime tale, American Manhunt: The OJ Simpson Case, can be considered average in terms of its exploration. In simpler terms, there are superior choices for those captivated by fresh revelations; these shows could be your top picks if you’re a fan of American Manhunt.

8. Homicide

Homicide Detectives Recount Their Most Grisly Cases

  • Release Date: 2024-03-20
  • Seasons: 2
  • Streaming Services: Netflix

The topic of Homicide is divided into two distinct phases, with one part concentrating on New York and the other on Los Angeles. Each segment adheres to a consistent format, involving the interrogation of a group of homicide detectives from their respective departments as they recall significant cases from their past.

This series occasionally intertwines with unsolved cases that were handled by various detectives, each contributing their insights. It also presents perplexing and grisly mysteries that are sure to captivate viewers. Notably, the Los Angeles season delves into the murder trial of renowned music producer Phil Spector, adding an intriguing celebrity angle that may appeal to fans.

7. Worst Roommate Ever

Deadly Living Arrangements

  • Release Date: 2022-03-01
  • Seasons: 2
  • Streaming Services: Netflix

In a new take on true-crime documentaries, the spotlight shines on chilling tales from shared living spaces where victims unknowingly resided with their future killers. The series delves into disquieting tenants, landlords, vengeful friends or lovers, and the infamous saga of serial killer Dorothea Puente.

Just as many follow-up shows and offshoots struggle to match the original’s intensity, the subsequent season and the spinoff titled “Worst Ex Ever” don’t quite live up to the mark. The most gripping narratives were presented in the first season, but due to each episode’s standalone nature, they are still worth viewing.

6. Under The Banner Of Heaven

A Chilling True Story Of Religious Fanaticism

The initial drama series you’ll encounter is “Under the Banner of Heaven,” which delves into a spine-tingling narrative about unbridled power in the United States. Focusing on the Lafferty family, esteemed members within their Mormon neighborhood, this series offers a gripping account.

With each generational shift, their spiritual convictions intertwine with contempt towards federal authorities and disregard for legal norms, leading them down a path of extreme religious fervor. This mindset culminates in the tragic killing of a young woman and her baby, and a palpable dread that other ‘unclean’ members of their community may meet the same fate as a manhunt for the brother unfolds.

5. American Nightmare

Real Life Gone Girl

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: “In the world of documentaries, I find myself immersed in ‘American Nightmare’, a gripping tale that follows the story of Denise Huskins, a 29-year-old woman who was snatched from her sleep in the dead of night. The bizarre twists and turns of this case make it hard to believe, especially since the abductee mysteriously reappeared just two days later.

Initially, the police assumed that Huskins and her partner had staged their own kidnapping; however, this assumption proved false, enabling the true culprit to evade capture and commit another crime. This heinous act, seemingly random in nature, not only shocks our conscience but also underscores the shortcomings of the investigation. It serves as a stark reminder that authorities must always approach every situation with caution, regardless of the apparent circumstances.

4. Manhunt: Unabomber

Chasing The Unabomber

  • Release Date: 2017-08-01
  • Seasons: 2
  • Streaming Services: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play
  • Cast: Paul Bettany, Sam Worthington, Jeremy Bobb, Keisha Castle-Hughes

In my perspective as a movie reviewer: Delving into the gripping tale of a real-life enigma, “Manhunt: Unabomber” presents the chilling account of the elusive serial bomber who waged a prolonged assault via mailed explosives, claiming three lives and leaving countless others scarred. This shadowy figure remained at large for nearly two decades, unleashing his lethal devices indiscriminately. The capture of this enigmatic adversary marked the longest and most costly investigation in FBI history at that time.

As a die-hard cinephile, I must say that while Manhunt did return for a second season set around the Atlanta Olympics bombing incident, it didn’t resonate with audiences quite like its first installment. However, if you’re seeking a more compelling portrayal of that story, I would recommend checking out the movie “Richard Jewell.

3. Love & Death

The Gruesome Killing Of Betty Gore

The Tale of Love & Death represents the second and more refined account of the story surrounding Candy Montgomery. This case gained notoriety due to the fact that Candy, a gentle, humble, churchgoer, found herself entangled in a gruesome murder accusation involving a rival in love, who was brutally attacked with an axe no less than 41 times.

Similar to the global attention garnered by the OJ Simpson trial following his surprising acquittal for murder charges, this trial has also gained significant international fame due to Candy’s unexpected not-guilty verdict. It’s bound to provoke discussion among viewers as more details of the case unfold. Elizabeth Olsen skillfully portrays the character’s complex nature, allowing audiences to form their own opinions about her guilt or innocence.

2. The Staircase

An Unexplainable Death

In part, the defendant played a role in crafting this vast and intricate series, intending to demonstrate his innocence following accusations of murdering his wife. The Netflix edition combines different elements of the story that unfolded over a 13-year period, encompassing multiple trials and fresh advancements in the case.

The Staircase”: Unraveling the Mysterious Death of Kathleen Peterson

This compelling series delves into the enigmatic and questionable circumstances surrounding the death of Kathleen Peterson. As the sole individual present at the time, her husband found himself on trial for murder, despite a lack of discernible motive or method. This captivating tale is bound to generate discussion as the case unfolds further, with both sides manipulating events to suit their perspectives.

1. American Crime Story: The People Vs OJ Simpson

If The Glove Fits

The “American Crime Story” series has grown with additional seasons focusing on Bill Clinton and Gianni Versace, yet the critically acclaimed first season, “The People vs OJ Simpson,” is highly recommended for fans of “American Manhunt.” Though the story may be familiar, it’s worth re-experiencing this dramatized version.

In this series, you’ll find standout, potentially career-defining performances from actors like John Travolta and David Schwimmer. Cuba Gooding Jr. delivers a deeply moving portrayal as the main character. The show masterfully explores not only the intricacies of the case but also the racial tension in Los Angeles during that period, shedding light on why the media event it turned into was so contentious.

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2025-02-07 13:04