I’ve reached my limit with sugary romances on television. You know how they go: the girl always chooses the charming small-town guy over the wealthy city slicker. Those predictable love stories don’t intrigue me. I’m not interested in the tender tale of a cautious widower finding love again with the quirky nanny. No, thank you.
When I nestle onto my couch with a hefty bowl of popcorn after a grueling day, I’m ready for something far more intense. I crave drama, chaos, and, yes, murder. I want tales of high body counts and gruesome crime scenes. Give me the story of a man with six wives—three of whom met suspicious ends, two are still missing, and one escaped to tell her harrowing account. And make it real.
I’ve come to love what I fondly call “murder shows.” I’m a devoted fan of true crime channels and can’t resist podcasts about cold cases, missing persons, and serial killers. For a long time, I thought of this as a guilty pleasure—something I’d keep quiet about in polite company, where the conversation often revolves around heartwarming rom-coms.
Recently, I’ve realized I’m not alone in my fascination. There’s a reason there are countless podcasts dedicated to such gruesome topics—people are listening. My friends and I gather to discuss our favorite murder mysteries in detail, as if we’ve known the victims personally.
“Can you believe she accepted a ride from him?” we exclaim in disbelief.
“If a man with a broken leg flags you down at 3 AM, DO NOT STOP!” we warn.
And we all agree: never date anyone with the last name of Peterson. We even have theories about the identity of notorious killers, should anyone be interested.
This got me thinking: why do so many of us find these dark stories enticing? After chatting with friends, I’ve concluded something surprising. It’s not about dehumanizing victims or glorifying criminals; it’s much more nuanced.
Murder shows can actually make us feel safer. I know that sounds counterintuitive. After all, I lost sleep after watching a documentary on that infamous killer, BTK, and I’m still haunted by a podcast about PeeWee Gaskins, a deranged, cannibalistic psychopath.
However, these shows teach us about the tactics predators use to ensnare their victims, equipping us to avoid becoming targets ourselves. I feel empowered knowing how sociopaths operate. I’ve learned to drive to a well-lit public area if I’m ever pulled over by someone claiming to be a police officer.
Life today can be chaotic and anxiety-inducing. Many of my peers grapple with stress, and watching true crime helps us confront our fears. It’s like riding a roller coaster; we get to experience fear in a safe context, knowing we can switch the channel if it gets too intense.
Real-life macabre tales offer an adrenaline rush. Our daily lives often revolve around mundane tasks like paperwork, commutes, and family responsibilities. Engaging with true crime provides a thrilling escape without putting ourselves in danger.
In a world that frequently feels unjust, many of us seek reassurance that justice can prevail. Many of us have been touched by crime or know someone who has, and we want to understand it better. My own interest in true crime was sparked by a series of shocking events in high school, including the horrifying Corridor Killer case and the tragic murder of my cousin in North Carolina.
These experiences shaped my connection to the stories I encounter in murder shows. I feel a sense of duty to honor the memories of those lost. I want to ensure that the victims are remembered and that their killers are brought to justice. Discovering “whodunnit” provides the closure I yearn for.
While romantic comedies tend to wrap up neatly with happy endings, murder shows delve into the complexities of life and loss. I, along with millions of others, am drawn to true crime not merely for entertainment but as a way to process our fears and acquire knowledge to prevent future tragedies.
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In summary, the appeal of murder shows goes beyond mere fascination with violence; it serves as a way to navigate our fears, learn about safety, and seek a semblance of control in an unpredictable world.