Whether through books, documentaries, podcasts, TV shows or conventions, true crime has become easy to access. Millions of people follow stories about kidnappings, violent crimes and murders across different platforms.
Serial killers remain a major focus of the genre. Netflix statistics show just how popular these stories can become. Its all-time global rankings once placed Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story among its most-watched shows.
The series premiered in September 2022. It attracted more than 115 million views during its first 91 days on Netflix.
Other true crime productions have also attracted large audiences. Stories about notorious criminals continue to appear on streaming services, podcasts and television.
But why does true crime attract so much attention? Stories about violence and murder seem like subjects people should avoid. Yet many viewers find themselves unable to look away.
Interest in true crime could be evolutionary trait
Evolutionary psychologists suggest that our interest in danger may have deep roots. Humans have always needed to recognise threats and understand dangerous situations.
True crime gives audiences a way to examine those threats from a safe distance. Viewers can learn about crimes, explore criminal behaviour and understand how victims survived dangerous situations.
This interest may also help explain why people want to understand what happens inside a criminal’s mind. Learning about warning signs and dangerous behaviour can create a sense of awareness.
Women more drawn to true crime than men
Research has found differences between men and women when it comes to true crime audiences. A 2010 study from the University of Illinois found that women showed a stronger interest in the genre than men.
Many female readers showed particular interest in stories involving female victims. They also wanted to understand the motives of criminals and how victims escaped dangerous situations.
This interest may connect to concerns about personal safety. Women often report greater fear of becoming victims of certain crimes, even when crime statistics show different victimisation patterns between men and women.
True crime can also provide a way to understand threatening situations without experiencing them directly. Viewers can examine what happened to victims and consider how similar situations might be avoided.
Problem and puzzle solving
True crime also appeals to people who enjoy solving puzzles. Psychology lecturer Dean Fido believes this is one reason audiences pay close attention to these stories.
Unlike background television, a true crime investigation often requires concentration. Viewers must remember names, evidence and small details to understand what happened.
That investigative structure can create excitement. Audiences want to discover the missing piece and reach a conclusion before the story ends.
Crime author Roz Watkins sees a similar connection between true crime and storytelling. She believes these stories can teach audiences about other people while also showing them how to stay safe.
True stories can therefore offer both entertainment and information. They allow people to explore frightening events without putting themselves in danger.
Author Sarah Ward has described another reason for the genre’s appeal. For her, historical true crime creates distance from the events and makes them easier to explore.
That distance can change the way audiences respond to disturbing stories. A case from the past may feel less immediate than a recent crime while still satisfying curiosity about human behaviour.
Humanity and its inkling for dark curiosity
Human curiosity can also explain our fascination with disturbing subjects. People often want to understand events that frighten or shock them.
This curiosity has created interest in places connected to notorious crimes. Some people visit former homes, crime scenes and other locations linked to criminals.
The behaviour resembles dark tourism, where people visit places associated with tragedy or death. True crime can create a similar attraction through documentaries, books, podcasts and television.
However, curiosity about crime does not necessarily mean that people enjoy suffering. Many audiences focus on understanding the case, learning about the victims and discovering how investigators solved the crime.
The reasons behind our interest may differ from person to person. Some people want to understand danger, while others enjoy solving mysteries. For many viewers, true crime combines suspense, psychology and real-world lessons.
Whatever the reason, the popularity of true crime continues to grow across entertainment platforms. Its mix of mystery, human behaviour and real events is likely to keep attracting audiences for years to come.
