7.5 / 10 (based on 715 reviews)
Murders, drug dealers, bank robbers or jail escapees. The stories are different, but the motive is always the same: to stay out of prison. See what pushed these fugitives to their crimes, how they changed their identities, evaded the law and – almost – got away with it.
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Main Cast: Bill Ratner, Steve C. Porter, Thomas Dalby, Carl Marino
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8 seasons, 92 episodes
Shows Most Like I (Almost) Got Away with It (2010)
Murder Comes to Town (2014)
7.2 / 10 (based on 624 reviews)
“Things like that don’t happen here,” they always say. These are the shocking murder mysteries that haunt small town America. We’ll discover the dark secrets that lie just beneath the outwardly wholesome surface of America’s heartland.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Joe Alaskey, Anthony D. Call, Carey Jones, John Hedgecoth
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5 seasons, 48 episodes
The Murder Tapes (2019)
7.9 / 10 (based on 459 reviews)
Homicide investigations unfold through taped footage in Investigation Discovery’s true-crime series The Murder Tapes. The series provides an up-close perspective of murder cases, including footage from the initial crime scene investigations via body cam, home security tapes, and interrogation room tapes. The footage is interwoven with present-day interviews from friends, family and law enforcement directly involved in the investigations.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Dave DeAndrea, Rob LaColla Jr., Rachel Discenza-Smith, Jason Simpkins
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5 seasons, 40 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Buried in the Backyard (2018)
7.2 / 10 (based on 298 reviews)
It examines true crime stories of victims found buried in the most unsuspicious places.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Sadie Medley, Rhoda Pell, Amir Mo, Kelly Ann Barrett
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4 seasons, 52 episodes
Web of Lies (2014)
7.9 / 10 (based on 869 reviews)
Dangerous online interactions.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Nathan Wiley, Cherise Silvestri, Raven Cinello, Russell Bentley
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7 seasons, 72 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Evil Lives Here (2016)
8 / 10 (based on 1405 reviews)
A TV series where individuals share their perspectives of loved ones who performed horrific acts of crime
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Crime
Main Cast: T.J. Craig, Robert Levey II, Brian Vadim, David Wenzel
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10 seasons, 103 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Blood Relatives (2012)
7.3 / 10 (based on 325 reviews)
Real life cases about families and the murders that tore them apart.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Lawrence Moran, Brenda Strong, Cloyce Martin, Jayd Swendseid
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6 seasons, 67 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
In the world of true crime television, few shows manage to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the criminal mind quite like “I (Almost) Got Away with It.” This series, which aired in 2010, takes viewers on a journey through the lives of individuals who, by a combination of wit, luck, and sometimes sheer audacity, nearly managed to elude capture after committing serious crimes. Unlike many other shows in its genre, “I (Almost) Got Away with It” doesn’t just focus on the crime itself but delves deep into the aftermath, the chase, and ultimately, the capture.
The Premise
At its core, the show is straightforward. Each episode profiles a different criminal who, after committing a crime, attempts to evade law enforcement. The stories range from bank robbers who concoct elaborate disguises to murderers who assume new identities and start fresh miles away from the scene of their crimes. What sets this series apart is its focus on the chase. Through interviews, reenactments, and sometimes footage from the actual manhunt, viewers get a sense of the cat-and-mouse game between the criminal and the authorities.
The Appeal
Why does a show about criminals trying to escape justice resonate with so many viewers? It’s not just the thrill of the chase, though that’s certainly part of it. There’s a deeper, more psychological allure at play.
The Human Element
Firstly, “I (Almost) Got Away with It” shines a light on the human side of these criminals. Through interviews with the perpetrators themselves, their families, and the law enforcement officers who eventually caught them, the show paints a complex picture of the person behind the crime. This humanization doesn’t excuse their actions but provides context that other crime shows often gloss over.
The “What If” Factor
Then there’s the “what if” factor. As viewers, we’re drawn to the idea of an alternate reality where someone can erase their past and start anew. While we don’t condone the actions of these individuals, there’s something inherently fascinating about the concept of reinventing oneself, even if it’s under the shadow of deception and crime.
Memorable Episodes
Over its run, “I (Almost) Got Away with It” has given us some truly memorable episodes, each a case study in the lengths people will go to avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
The Master of Disguise
One episode that stands out involves a bank robber who became a master of disguise. Using prosthetics, makeup, and an array of costumes, he managed to rob multiple banks without being recognized. His story is not just a testament to his ingenuity but also a chilling reminder of how identity can be manipulated.
The Cross-Country Killer
Another gripping tale is that of a murderer who fled across the country, committing crimes in multiple states to fund his escape. His ability to stay one step ahead of the law, changing locations, and identities with ease, kept viewers on the edge of their seats until his eventual capture.
The Impact
The impact of “I (Almost) Got Away with It” goes beyond mere entertainment. For one, it offers valuable insights into the minds of those who commit crimes and the lengths they’ll go to avoid accountability. Law enforcement officials have even noted the educational value of the show, citing it as a useful tool in understanding criminal behavior and evasion tactics.
A Cautionary Tale
Moreover, the series serves as a cautionary tale. The eventual capture of each individual profiled on the show reinforces the idea that crime doesn’t pay. For every clever disguise or narrow escape, there’s a moment of reckoning waiting.
The Takeaway
“I (Almost) Got Away with It” is more than just a true crime show. It’s a deep dive into the psychology of evasion, a study of human resilience (albeit misdirected), and a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice. It’s a series that challenges viewers to think about morality, identity, and the consequences of our actions.
In a television landscape filled with true crime options, “I (Almost) Got Away with It” stands out for its unique perspective and compelling storytelling. It doesn’t just recount crimes; it explores the aftermath, the escape, and the inevitable end of the road for those who thought they could outrun their past. Through its detailed examination of each case, the show offers a multifaceted look at the criminal justice system and the individuals who try, and fail, to evade it.
As we look back on the series, it’s clear that its appeal lies not in the glorification of crime, but in the exploration of the human condition. It’s a reminder that behind every headline, there’s a story, and behind every crime, there’s a person—a person capable of making profoundly wrong choices, but a person nonetheless.
In the end, “I (Almost) Got Away with It” does more than entertain. It educates, it warns, and it reminds us of the thin line between right and wrong, and the even thinner line between getting caught and getting away with it.