Reality often proves to be more dramatic and convoluted than any project like True Detective. These 10 series are based on real-life stories, offering an enthralling yet painful dive into the complexities of human nature. If you enjoy unraveling mysteries and following investigators at work, these miniseries are perfect for your evenings.
Black Bird
USA, 2022 (6 episodes)
Based on the true story of James Keene and his collaboration with the FBI. When Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton) is imprisoned for drug trafficking, he’s offered a deal: if he can extract a confession from suspected serial killer Larry Hall, he will be granted amnesty. But the mission proves dangerous—Hall is not as simple as he seems, and the guards and inmates begin to suspect Jimmy is up to something.
Patient Zero
Russia, 2022 (7 episodes)
The story of an HIV outbreak in Elista in 1988. Young doctor Kirsan Ayushev suspects an HIV outbreak at a children’s hospital. His senior colleagues dismiss the idea until he secretly sends samples to Moscow. Epidemiologist Dmitry Goncharov (Nikita Efremov) joins the investigation. Their mission is to find the "patient zero" and stop the virus from spreading.
A Confession
UK, 2019 (6 episodes)
Based on the case of Detective Steve Fulcher. Two girls—one missing, one found dead. Detective Steve Fulcher (Martin Freeman) tracks down the killer but breaks interrogation rules to get a confession. Is saving lives worth his career?
Manhunt
UK, 2019, 2021 (7 episodes)
Based on real cases investigated by Detective Colin Sutton. Detective Colin Sutton investigates the murder of French student Amélie Delagrange, uncovering a series of crimes in the process. In the second season, he hunts down a serial predator terrorizing London suburbs.
The Investigation
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, 2020 (6 episodes)
Based on the murder of journalist Kim Wall. Journalist Kim Wall disappears after interviewing inventor Peter Madsen on his submarine. Investigator Jens Møller leads the case, aiming to expose one of the most mysterious criminals of our time.
Unbelievable
USA, 2019 (8 episodes)
Adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning article. Two detectives investigate a series of rapes, uncovering the story of a girl falsely accused of lying about her assault. A dark tale about a serial predator.
Mrs. Wilson
UK, 2018 (3 episodes)
The story of Alison Wilson, portrayed by her granddaughter Ruth Wilson. After her husband’s death, Alison Wilson discovers she wasn’t his only wife. He had other families and a secret MI-6 career. She unravels her husband’s hidden life, realizing her marriage was a facade.
Dr. Death
USA, 2021
The story of surgeon Christopher Duntsch. Dr. Duntsch’s patients become victims of his negligence, despite his rising-star status in neurosurgery. Two fellow doctors and a prosecutor’s assistant work to stop the "doctor" who turned surgeries into deadly attractions.
Palach (The Executioner)
Russia, 2014 (10 episodes)
Inspired by the hunt for a war criminal. Decades after the war, a mysterious woman who killed partisans, children, and women remains at large. School research breathes new life into the case, and Major Cherkasov from Moscow Noir starts a new hunt.
I Am the Night
USA, 2019 (6 episodes)
The story of Fauna Hodel and the Black Dahlia murder. Fauna uncovers the truth about her origins, tied to one of America’s most enigmatic murders. Alongside a journalist, she delves into her family’s secrets to prove her grandfather’s connection to the crime.
These series show just how multifaceted and intricate reality can be. They grip you from the first episode, making you root for the characters and solve the mysteries alongside them.
