Looking for some Discovery Plus true crime to watch? Check out the 11 best true crime shows on Discovery Plus that are truly binge-worthy.
With over 70,000 shows and movies to stream, there’s plenty to choose from.
Discovery Plus includes award-winning original content and popular true crime series from other networks such as A&E, Investigation Discovery, and the History channel.
Check out 11 of the best true crime on Discovery Plus below.
1. The First 48
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, VUDU, Binge
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Reality-TV
- Rating: TV-MA
- Released: 2004-
- Seasons: 23
- Episodes: 584
Have you ever heard the expression, “first 48 hours“?
It’s a phrase that is often used by those in law enforcement, especially homicide.
The first 48 hours after a crime occurs are incredibly important. The more quickly police are able to follow leads and investigate, the more likely they are to find the perpetrator and bring them to justice.
This popular crime drama by A&E follows detectives as they investigate homicides and other serious crimes.
Each episode picks one or, in some cases, multiple homicides and follows them right to the end.
The show mainly focuses on the first 48 critical hours which includes forensic evidence, witness interviews, and other advanced investigative techniques to identify suspects.
What makes The First 48 so surprisingly good is its ability to give viewers an inside look into life as a homicide detective without sacrificing any of the drama or suspense that comes with following a criminal investigation from start to finish.
Through gripping re-enactments and raw documentary footage, this true crime show has kept audiences hooked for over 10 years now.
This is a feat few other true crime documentaries have achieved!
If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time to check out one of the best true crime shows on Discovery Plus.
Trailer:
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2. Real Detective
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU, Binge
- Genres: Documentary, Crime, Drama
- Rating: TV-MA
- Released: 2016-2018
- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 17
There’s something special about crime shows that feature real-life detective commentary that keeps audiences captivated.
The Real Detective follows actual detectives and the true cases that consume them.
Using a combination of interviews and drama-infused re-enactments, the Real Detective is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
From the suspenseful music to the intricate plot lines and nail-biting endings, each episode tells a fascinating story.
Shows that involve detectives have been a staple for many years now, but none rival the “Real Detective”.
The series dives deep into their careers and the troubling cases that haunt them.
So if you’re looking for something new to watch this weekend, why not give the “Real Detective” a try?
You won’t be disappointed because it’s one of the best Discovery plus true crime shows going round.
Trailer:
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3. Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda
- IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, VUDU, Binge
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2011-2020
- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 144
Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda is a television series that chronicles the cases of retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda.
Apart from his TV appearances, he’s also well known for his best-selling books titled ‘I Will Find You‘ and ‘Killer Triggers‘.
During his 23 years as a homicide detective, Kenda solved 387 murder cases – an astonishingly high number for any police officer.
But it’s not just the impressive statistics that make Kenda’s story so compelling; it’s his unique perspective on crime and justice that has made him a beloved figure in the world of true crime documentaries.
In addition to captivating viewers with stories full of suspenseful twists and turns, Homicide Hunter also provides valuable insights into police procedure and Kenda’s own personal philosophy when it comes to solving crimes.
He believes that no matter how complex or seemingly impossible a case is, justice can always be found if you approach it with clear eyes and an open mind.
Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda is one of the best crime shows on Discovery plus staring a real homicide detective.
Trailer:
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4. An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2017-2018
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 3
In December of 2001, Kathleen Peterson was found dead in a pool of her own blood at the foot of a staircase in the North Carolina home she shared with her husband, Michael.
What followed was an intense murder investigation and trial that captivated audiences for years.
“The Staircase” is a true crime story that follows the events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, and the media frenzy that surrounded it.
The viewer gets an unprecedented look into the criminal justice system and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of those involved in the case that includes interviews with family, friends, and legal experts.
We come to know not only Michael but also Kathleen’s family members, who are all struggling to make sense of what happened on that fateful night.
It’s these human elements that draw us further into this gripping storyline and keep us glued to our screens from start to finish.
The director has created an unforgettable series that will surely be remembered as one of the most gripping American murder mysteries ever told.
If you can’t get enough of this case then I’d recommend checking out the docudrama ‘The Staircase‘ starring Colin Firth as Michael and Toni Collette as Kathleen.
Trailer:
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5. Deadly Women
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, Netflix, VUDU, Binge
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-PG
- Released: 2008-
- Seasons: 14
- Episodes: 191
Have you ever been intrigued by stories of female killers?
If so, then you’re in luck!
The Deadly Women TV series is an exciting and informative show that explores the darker side of female criminality.
Women are just as capable of committing heinous acts of violence as men, and some have done so with a ruthless efficiency that would make even the most hardened criminal shudder.
The Deadly Women TV series is hosted by Lynnanne Zager, who has a deep knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior and its underlying motivations.
She guides viewers through each episode with her expert insights and analysis as she delves into the minds of some of history’s most notorious female criminals.
Each episode features interviews with experts on the cases as well as friends and family members who knew the serial killers intimately.
Through its unique storytelling approach, Deadly Women is able to illustrate how seemingly normal people can be transformed into cold-blooded killers when pushed too far.
This gripping show is a must-see for anyone who is interested in true crime stories.
Trailer:
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6. Cold Case Files
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, Netflix, VUDU, Binge
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2017-
- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 43
Every day, law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to solving crimes and bringing justice to victims.
But for every case that’s successfully solved, there are dozens more that remain unsolved.
These cold cases haunt the victim’s families because they’re left in limbo wondering what really happened.
Cold Case Files is one of the best investigation Discovery shows that covers unsolved murder and disappearance cases from the past in an effort to seek justice for the victims.
In each episode, viewers are taken on an in-depth journey to uncover new evidence and ultimately solve cold cases that have gone unsolved for many years.
The show highlights the hard work and dedication needed to investigate criminal activity, often involving re-interviewing witnesses and family members as well as analyzing evidence from the original case files.
It also showcases key figures involved in each investigation, such as detectives and forensic experts who provide valuable insights into how they cracked each case.
Trailer:
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7. The Curious Case of Natalia Grace
- IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 60%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, Max, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2023
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 6
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is a 6-part mini series that tells the story of Natalia Grace.
She is a Ukrainian orphan who came to the United States when Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted her in 2010.
The Barnetts believed Natalia to be a 6-year-old girl with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, which is a rare form of dwarfism that affects how her bones grow.
However, they soon began to suspect that Natalia was not who she claimed to be.
The Barnetts alleged that Natalia was actually an adult woman who was masquerading as a child.
They claimed that she exhibited sociopathic beahaviours.
This included making threats to harm them and their other children.
In 2013, the Barnetts abandoned Natalia at an apartment in Indiana and moved to Canada.
Natalia was later found by social services and placed in a group home.
She has since been diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a variety of physical and cognitive problems.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is a fascinating and disturbing story that explores the mystery of Natalia’s true identity.
It also examines the ethical implications of adoption and the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
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8. The Killing Season
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 72%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2016-
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 8
The Killing Season centers around documentary filmmakers Joshua Zeman and Rachel Mills as they investigate what appears to be a serial killer in Long Island.
As they dig deeper into the case, they discover that there have been numerous other unsolved disappearances over the years that fit a similar pattern.
With each new clue, the pair must confront their own fears while trying to piece together what is happening beneath the surface in this sleepy town.
In addition to its thrilling plot, The Killing Season also tackles some timely themes such as sexism and racism in rural America.
Throughout the show, Zeman and Mills uncover evidence that suggests that some of these crimes are going unsolved due to systemic bias within law enforcement agencies.
This can be seen in how police officers treat certain victims differently based on their gender or race.
It’s an interesting examination of how justice is being served in small towns across America.
If you’re a fan of true crime and unsolved mysteries, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Killing Season. It’s one of the best true crime documentaries on Discovery plus!
Trailer:
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9. Evil Lives Here
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary, Biography, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2016-
- Seasons: 12
- Episodes: 124
“Evil Lives Here” is a docu-series that dives into the depths of what it means to live with evil.
It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from the dark and difficult subject matter, instead choosing to explore the stories of real people who have been affected by heinous crimes.
Each episode follows a different person or family who lived with a criminal, as they recount their experiences and how they were changed or shaped by them.
The stories make for compelling viewing as viewers get an intimate look at how these tragedies have impacted each individual’s life in unique ways.
The series doesn’t just explore horrifying events; it also explains in detail why these events occurred and what led to them happening in the first place.
The show works to uncover root causes and expose underlying factors that may have caused such terrible acts of violence and cruelty.
By exploring these aspects of human nature, “Evil Lives Here” seeks to shed light on difficult topics and provides insight into why these events occur in our society.
If you’re looking for a gripping docu-series that goes beyond surface-level entertainment, then you should definitely check it out!
Trailer:
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10. Disappeared
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary, Crime, Mystery
- Rating: TV-PG
- Released: 2009-2022
- Seasons: 10
- Episodes: 134
Have you ever heard a story of a mysterious disappearance?
It’s often intriguing and can leave us with more questions than answers.
There are several unsolved mysteries that surround the phenomenon of someone simply vanishing without a trace.
Disappeared a Discovery Plus series tells the story of victims who just suddenly disappeared out of thin air.
The series explores the lives and last actions of the missing loved ones through re-enactments and interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement connected to the missing subjects.
Some cases are solved and others remain a mystery to this day, but one thing they all have in common is a story full of unpredictable twists and turns.
If you love true crime and a good mystery, then you are guaranteed to love Disappeared.
Trailer:
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11. A Crime To Remember
- IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: -%
- Where To Watch: Discovery Plus, Prime Video, Apple TV, VUDU
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-14
- Released: 2013-2018
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 38
To round off our 11 best true crime shows on Discovery Plus list is A Crime to Remember, which is a must-watch.
This critically acclaimed TV series offers a comprehensive look back at famous crimes from the 1950s through to the 1980s.
Each episode features a different case, and each case is told with cinematic detail, featuring narration and actual footage from news reports at the time.
The show also features interviews with victims’ families as well as investigative experts who relive each event in vivid detail.
The show has been praised for its ability to bring attention to cases that were forgotten or overlooked despite the gravity of their content.
It also offers insight into how standards around law enforcement have changed over time.
What we now consider ethical practices were not always followed – such as interview techniques and evidence collection.
This show serves as an educational reminder of just how far we have come since those days.
If you’re looking for an old-school take on gripping, unsolved mysteries, and thrilling tales of justice served, then A Crime to Remember is for you.
