7.4 / 10 (based on 43 reviews)
Through a victim’s own words, viewers understand the horror they endured or the significance of the life that was taken, providing an acute understanding of the collateral damage of murder.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Michael Dixon, Colin Mace, Jose Palma, Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes
Shows Most Like Impact of Murder (2019)
Shattered (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 229 reviews)
Shattered is about the impact of crime. How does one carry on after a horrific crime? Anchored by three different but interconnected POVs, Shattered explores how crime forever impacts the lives of its victims.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: James Zeiss, Christine J. Carlson, Paskiel Wolfe, Joyce Wood
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 27 episodes
Murder Calls (2017)
7.6 / 10 (based on 435 reviews)
With haunting, real-life 911 calls as its through-line, Murder Calls is true-crime storytelling taken to a new level. Each episode pivots on the contents and subtext of 911 calls, which investigators must decipher to uncover the truth.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Daniel Lukes, Tommy Campbell, Rachel Stacy, Wendy Bowerman
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 26 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
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 40 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Living a Nightmare (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 21 reviews)
Living a Nightmare tells the stories of real people who face the surreal horror of losing loved ones to vicious crimes.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: George Schoendorfer, Chuck Cain, Everett Donelson, Linda Donelson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
American Monster (2016)
7.5 / 10 (based on 677 reviews)
A non-fiction crime drama uniquely telling stories with a combination of Dramatisation, home video and documentary style material.
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Tom Streithorst, Robert Firth, Grant Ross, Mark Behan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
7 seasons, 71 episodes
The Killer Beside Me (2018)
7.2 / 10 (based on 198 reviews)
None
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Martin Ballantyne, Samantha Phelps, Will Arundell, Paul Day
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 18 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
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
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
7 seasons, 72 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Evil Lives Here: Shadows of Death (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 131 reviews)
This true-crime documentary examines how the emotional impact of a homicide resonates with the victim’s loved ones long after the crime is committed.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Kerry Britt, Connor Holden, Tim Halvorsen, Mason Cufari
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 17 episodes
Accused: Guilty or Innocent? (2020)
8.2 / 10 (based on 351 reviews)
An intimate account of what happens when someone is formally charged with a crime and sent to trial as told by the perspective of the accused, their legal team and their family members.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Christine Branstad, Jason Carter, Shelly Carter, Alison Kanne
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 12 episodes
Twisted Sisters (2018)
6.7 / 10 (based on 135 reviews)
An examination of infamous crimes performed by the unlikeliest of pairs: sisters.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Mark Krenik, Stuart Todd Martin, Aundrea Smith, Scott duPont
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 24 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Body Cam (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 386 reviews)
Body Cam features the actual footage of the daily activities of law enforcement officers throughout the country. The video is combined with firsthand accounts to provide insight into the dangerous situations that officers encounter daily.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: J.V. Martin, Emmett J Scanlan, Simon Drobik, Rocco Desednjak
Creators: Tom Keeling
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 34 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Dead Silent (2016)
7.3 / 10 (based on 441 reviews)
A snap of a twig. A rustling leaf. In the woods, myth, urban legend, and horror collide with real-life killers. Transporting viewers into a vortex of dark mystery and psychological terror, each episode tells the true story of a crime set in a desolate location.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Main Cast: Dude Walker, Tenzie Cameron Burns, Olivia Rachwal, Annabella Didion
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 32 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
In the realm of true crime television, a show emerges every so often that not only captivates its audience with the intricacies of criminal investigations but also tugs at the heartstrings by delving deep into the emotional aftermath of violent crimes. “Impact of Murder” is one such series that has managed to carve out its own niche in the crowded true crime genre. This show, which premiered in 2019, takes a unique approach by focusing on the victims’ stories through the eyes of those left behind.
A Fresh Perspective
Unlike many crime documentaries that focus primarily on the perpetrators or the mechanics of the crime, “Impact of Murder” shifts the narrative to the victims and their families. This approach offers a fresh perspective, emphasizing the human stories behind the headlines. Each episode is a standalone story that walks the viewer through a journey of loss, resilience, and the quest for justice.
The Structure of the Show
“Impact of Murder” is meticulously structured, with each episode dedicated to a single case. This format allows for a deep dive into the specifics of each crime, including the events leading up to it, the investigation, and the trial. However, the core of the show lies in its intimate interviews with family members, friends, and sometimes even witnesses or law enforcement involved in the case.
The Power of First-Person Narratives
What sets “Impact of Murder” apart is its use of first-person narratives. The stories are often narrated by those who were closest to the victim, providing a personal and emotional account of how the crime has altered their lives. This storytelling technique not only humanizes the victims, making them more than just statistics or names in a news report, but also offers viewers a glimpse into the enduring impact of violent crime on families and communities.
Notable Episodes
While each episode of “Impact of Murder” is compelling in its own right, there are a few that have left an indelible mark on its audience. For instance, the story of Kim Thomas, a mother brutally murdered in her own home, highlights not only the relentless pursuit of justice by her family but also the devastating effect her loss had on her young son. Another poignant episode recounts the tragic death of Billie-Jo Jenkins, a foster child murdered in her backyard, showcasing the complexities of grief experienced by her foster family and the cloud of suspicion that hung over them.
The Impact Beyond the Screen
The true success of “Impact of Murder” lies not just in its ability to tell gripping stories but also in its potential to foster empathy and understanding. By focusing on the aftermath of crime, the show encourages viewers to consider the broader implications of violence on society. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community support, and the ongoing need for justice and healing.
A Catalyst for Conversation
“Impact of Murder” also acts as a catalyst for important conversations about the criminal justice system, victim support, and the ways in which society handles grief and trauma. The show’s focus on the aftermath of crime rather than the crime itself invites discussions about how victims and their families are treated and supported through their darkest times.
Challenges and Criticisms
No show is without its challenges and criticisms, and “Impact of Murder” is no exception. Some viewers have expressed discomfort with the emotional intensity of the series, arguing that it can be overwhelming or distressing. Others have raised concerns about the potential for re-traumatizing families by revisiting their worst moments for public consumption.
Despite these criticisms, the show’s creators and participants often emphasize the therapeutic aspect of storytelling. Many families involved in the series have spoken about the cathartic effect of sharing their stories, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and honoring the memory of their loved ones.
Conclusion
“Impact of Murder” stands out in the saturated market of true crime television by offering a poignant, victim-centered approach to storytelling. Its focus on the human impact of crime, rather than the crime itself, provides a much-needed platform for the voices of those who have suffered the most. Through its compelling narratives, the show not only entertains but also educates, advocates, and inspires.
In a genre often criticized for sensationalism or exploitation, “Impact of Murder” offers a dignified and respectful tribute to victims and their families. It reminds us that behind every headline is a story of loss, love, and the indomitable human spirit. As the show continues to share these powerful stories, it undoubtedly leaves an impact far beyond the screen, in the hearts and minds of its viewers.