Summary
With the launch of its second season,American Manhunt: The OJ Simpson Case, the true-crime series has been catapulted among the most popular documentaries available onNetflix, attracting almost 30 million hours of viewership. It tells the story ofactor and former NFL starOJ Simpson and his infamous acquittal for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
The circumstances of the case remain debatable and ultimately inconclusive to this day, making it an ideal story to attract audience engagement, which likely contributed to its popularity. As an example of a true-crime story,American Manhunt: The OJ Simpson Caseis fairly middling,a comprehensive retelling without breaking new ground. Put bluntly, even better options are available for anyone currently swept up by the thrilling revelations; consider thesethe best TV shows to watch if you loveAmerican Manhunt.
8Homicide
Homicide Detectives Recount Their Most Grisly Cases
Homicideis split into two seasons, one focusing on New York and one focusing on Los Angeles. Both follow the same structure of interviewing a selection of homicide detectives from the respective bureaus as they look back on memorable cases.
The show features some crossover with cold cases that spanned multiple detectives all offering their input and some gruesome and befuddling mysteries. The LA season even showcases the murder charge brought against famous music producer Phil Spector, making it a great watch for any fansdrawn in by the celebrity aspect.
7Worst Roommate Ever
Deadly Living Arrangements
Worst Roommate Everis another true-crime documentary series, this time focusing on smaller stories of victims living under the same roof as their would-be killer. The series covers unsettling lodgers, landlords, scorned friends or partners, and the infamous case of serial killer Dorothea Puente.
Like a lot of similar series, the subsequent season and the spinoffWorst Ex Everdon’t quite deliver the same impact. The most compelling stories were told in the initial season, but given the self-contained structure of each episode, they are worth the watch.
This is the first drama series on the list, so expect some creative license to be taken with events. Still,Under the Banner of Heaventellsa truly chilling taleof unchecked authority in the US. The story centers on the Lafferty family, who are respected pillars of their local Morman community.
As the mantle passes to the next generation, religious beliefs become mixed with a disdain for the federal government and a lack of respect for the law, steering the family into religious fanaticism. It leads to the murder of a young woman and her child, and a very real fear that more ‘impure’ members of the community are next as a manhunt for the brother ensues.
American Nightmareis adocumentary seriestelling the story of 29-year-old Denise Huskins, who was abducted from her bed in the middle of the night. The extraordinary circumstances of the case seem too elaborate to be true, especially as the captive was released 48 hours later.
Police quickly concluded that Huskins and her boyfriend faked the abduction — however, they were incorrect, allowing the perpetrator to remain at large and offend again. It’s not only a very disturbing crime, executed almost at random, but a damning indictment of the investigation and a reminder that authorities should always exercise caution regardless of the circumstances.
4Manhunt: Unabomber
Chasing The Unabomber
Manhunt: Unabomberis a dramatization of the story of the serial terrorist, the Unabomber, who executed an extended campaign of sending bombs through the mail, killing three people and injuring many others. The Unabomber was at large for almost 20 years, consistently sending his deadly packages. His arrest was, at the time, the longest and most expensive investigation ever conducted by the FBI.
Manhuntalso received a second season several years later focusing on the Atlanta Olympics bombing, but it was not as well received as the first. That story is better told in the movieRichard Jewell.
Love & Deathis thesecond and superior tellingof the story of Candy Montgomery. The case was shocking as Candy was a kind, unassuming, church-going citizen who was embroiled in an incredibly violent murder charge of a love rival who was brutally hacked with an axe, 41 times.
Like the OJ Simpson case, the trial achieved international renown due to Candy’s unexpected acquittal of the murder charges. It’s certain to spark debate among viewers as the details of the case are revealed. Elizabeth Olsen excellently brings the dichotomy of the character to life, ensuring it’s possible to settle one way or the other.
This incredibly expansive and complex series was orchestrated in part by the defendant himself as he bids to prove his innocence after being charged with the murder of his wife. Theversion on Netflixcompiles separate parts of the story from across 13 years, covering the various trials and new developments of the case.
The Staircasedocuments the death of Kathleen Peterson, which took place under peculiar and uncertain circumstances. As the only other person present, the husband was tried for murder despite the absence of a clear motive or method. It’s another that’s sure to spark debate as the case continues to twist, and both sides take liberties with events.
TheAmerican Crime Storyseries has since expanded with new seasons covering Bill Clinton and Gianni Versace, but it’s the original critically acclaimedThe People vs OJ Simpsonseason that is a must-see recommendation for any fans ofAmerican Manhunt. Granted, it will be a familiar story, but it’s still worth revisiting this dramatized take.
There are some arguably career-best performances from the likes of John Travolta and David Schwimmer, and an excellently sympathetic lead performance from Cuba Gooding Jr. The series expertly lays out not just the details, of the case but the backdrop of racial tensions in Los Angeles at the time that led to the divisive media spectacle it became.
