Catching Killers
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Methodical series details violent, gruesome serial murders.
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Catching Killers
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What's the Story?
CATCHING KILLERS is a true crime docuseries that reveals what went on behind the scenes during the investigations of infamous serial killer cases. From the case of Aileen Wuornos, who is often referred to as "America's first female serial killer," to Canadian Bruce McArthur, a.k.a. the Toronto Village Killer, the detectives closely involved with each case share details about what it was like working them, and the challenges they faced along the way. Dramatic reenactments, as well as archive photographs, audio recordings, and videos of specific events help tell each story.
Is It Any Good?
The disturbing docuseries offers a methodical overview of how some of North America's worst serial killers were caught. Each installment features detectives and other law enforcement agents being interviewed about what investigating the serial murders was like, and the various techniques they used to to eventually make an arrest. They also discuss some of the ways these cases touched them personally. The deliberate and often-businesslike pace of the series gets a little tedious at times, and despite stopping short of showing extremely graphic images, the particulars surrounding each of these cases are harrowing. Nonetheless, Catching Killers will satisfy folks looking for some solid true crime reality fare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of true crime documentaries. Why do people find them appealing? Are they meant to be informative or entertaining?
Catching Killers offers lots of detailed descriptions about the crimes serial killers committed, but without showing a lot graphic crime scene footage. Does this approach make the series less violent? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 4, 2021
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: May 6, 2022
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