Why are we so drawn by true crime shows? What is it that keeps us glued to the screen while we watch horrible acts of true depravity? Is it because nothing beats the comfort of watching a series about a gruesome murder while safely curled up on the couch with snacks? Is it because true crime scratches that weird itch for morbid curiosity – people want to know what makes serial killers tick, mostly so they can feel superior for not being, you know, that crazy? Plus, it’s always fun to play armchair detective, confidently declaring, ‘Oh, I would have never fallen for that!’

Whatever the case, true crime is back following the release of Monsters on Netflix. It tells the story of two brothers, Lyle and Eric, who murdered their wealthy parents and went on a months-long spending spree before they were eventually arrested. Affluent sociopaths or victims of abuse exacting revenge? That is up to you.

Once you finish the Menendez brothers docu-drama, here are suggestions to quench your thirst for grizzly true crime series.

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

This goes without saying. The deeply, deeply unsettling story of Jefferey Dahmer, dramatised by director Ryan Murphy is one of the best series around and was actually the reason Netflix greenlighted the Menendez show.

The show stars a haunting Evan Peters as the infamous serial killer, who murdered 17 young men and boys until he was caught in 1991. The show details Dahmer’s life, his traumatic upbringing, his descent into being a monster, as well as the systemic failure that allowed him to continue killing despite numerous warning signs.

Sins of Our Mother

Mothers are supposed to be nurturing, loving, the very image of caring for people. It’s easy to forget that ‘mother’ is just a few letter changes away from ‘monster’.

Lori Vallow is such a monster. Sins of Our Mother tells the story of a woman caught in a religious cult that brainwashes her into aiding and committing a series of murders, including two of her own children. It dives deep into her relationship with a failed author-turned cult leader, who convinced Lori that people around them were zombies or possessed by evil spirits.

Their increasingly dangerous beliefs and involvement in fringe religious movements escalated into a series of deaths, including those of Lori’s ex-husband, the leader’s previous wife and of course her own children. The series also deals with Lori’s refusal to cooperate with authorities and the failed attempts to escape her actions.

It captures the heartbreaking story of a family torn apart by extremist beliefs and examines the devastating impact of Lori’s choices on those who loved her.

Murdaugh Murders

Loved the family dynamics in the Menendez brothers series? Were you shocked with how affluent people behave when they believe they are untouchable? If yes, then do I have a series for you!

Murdaugh Murders is the almost incredible story of the Murdaugh family, a prominent and rich family in the state of South Carolina, a county where they were – for all intents and purposes – akin to gods. No law applied to the powerful Murdaugh family. Everyone was beneath them and they ran their county like a kingdom.

Family members got away with multiple criminal acts, including multiple homicides, and they appeared to be untouchable. Until the day it all came crumbling down and the now disgraced Murdaughs are forced for once in their lives to take responsibility.

Texas Killing Fields

This looks into multiple brutal murders, especially of women, who were found in a desolate area of Texas that is known as a dumping ground for bodies. The series looks into the victims’ stories, how their murders affected their families and their continuing struggle to learn the truth. The series also touched on the broader issue of violence against women.

Long Shot

I want to close this list on a positive note. After going through the depths of human depravity, let’s soar high on a documentary detailing the most incredible story. The story of Juan Catalan, a man who was imprisoned and charged for a murder he didn’t commit and was facing the death penalty.

With the clock ticking, Catalan’s defence lawyer needed to prove that his client could not have committed the murder since he was at the baseball stadium at the time, watching a game. Nobody could corroborate his story though and there was no proof that he was ever actually there. And that’s the point where writer and comedian Larry David came to the rescue, with a special episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Did you see that one coming? No? Then you will love this film!