Why are we obsessed with true crime?

What this episode covers

True crime series are hugely popular around the world. These are non-fiction TV shows and podcasts which look at victims of crimes and investigate the motives of the perpetrator, often covering grim topics like assault and murder. You might have heard of some of them like Serial, American Manhunt: OJ Simpson, The Menendez Brothers, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes and My Lover My Killer. Why are they so popular? And what positive and negative effects can they have on the cases they’re covering - and the people involved? Jacqui Wakefield from the BBC’s Global Disinformation Unit explains. And Dr Julia Shaw, criminal psychologist and host of the BBC podcast Bad People, talks to us about how true crime might affect our brain and behaviour.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee-Adams Producers: Emily Horler, Josh Jenkins and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

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How long is this episode of What in the World?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this What in the World episode published?

This episode was published on May 8, 2025.

What is this episode about?

True crime series are hugely popular around the world. These are non-fiction TV shows and podcasts which look at victims of crimes and investigate the motives of the perpetrator, often covering grim topics like assault and murder. You might have...

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