5 addictive true-crime documentary series to add to your watch list now

On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which apparently means we’ll see six more weeks of winter. There’s something about winter under quarantine that just makes me want to hibernate, and true crime documentaries pair so well with that. The twists and turns keep my mind focused and wanting more.

Sometimes certain documentary series start to trend online when they come out, sparking discussions for my friends and I while we’re chatting long-distance. A definite plus when you can’t see your friends and want to stay connected! (That all being said, if you’re easily bothered by violent topics, these might not be for you.)

Read on to find out about five true-crime documentaries streaming now.

1. I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter. This two-part documentary follows the riveting court hearings of Michelle Carter, a Massachusetts teenager who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy. The prosecution claims Carter convinced Roy to kill himself over the phone. You read that right: she wasn’t with him at the time. Streaming on HBO Max.
2. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. The emotional story of true crime writer Michelle McNamara’s ruthless investigation into the Golden State Killer, who eluded authorities for 45 years. Journals, communications and passages from her eponymous book give us glimpses into McNamara’s life before her tragic death in 2016. Streaming on HBO Max.
3. There’s Something Wrong With Aunt Diane. An unthinkable family tragedy: On July 26, 2009 Diane Schuler drove her minivan the wrong way on the Taconic State Parkway, killing herself, her three nieces and her daughter. Schuler’s toxicology report says she was driving under the influence, but her family maintains this isn’t the case. Streaming on HBO Max.
4. American Murder: The Family Next Door. In August 2018, Chris Watts murdered his wife and two daughters, dumped their bodies, and lied to the police and media about their disappearance. The documentary gives a voice to his wife Shanann and daughters Bella and Celeste and reveals how Watts finally confessed. Streaming on Netflix.
5. The Staircase. In 2001, Michael Peterson claimed to have found his wife Kathleen at the bottom of the stairs in their home. He was convicted of her murder in 2003. After eight years in prison, Peterson’s conviction was overturned after witness testimony was called into question. One of the most bizarre theories about Kathleen’s death involves an owl attack…I’ll just leave that there. Streaming on Netflix.