Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

Despite the hype, the new fashion-based true crime film has garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Trinity Crompton, Molloy College

These stories have leaked into nearly all forms of media. People casually consume such heavy content, but how is it affecting them?

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

This show follows an unlikely trio that uses their true-crime obsession to crack a real murder that happened in their apartment building.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Gillian Pensavalle and Patrick Hinds’ hit podcast dives into documentaries about the most notorious cases with a comedic spin.

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Netflix’s latest docuseries focuses more on misleading conspiracies than facts and consequently reveals a problematic trend in the true crime genre.

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The mukbanger has captivated audiences with her fun-loving personality, mouthwatering meals and innate storytelling abilities.

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

‘American Murder: The Family Next Door’ and the second season of ‘Making a Murderer’ serve as perfect examples of the moral questions the genre can encounter.

Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat not only recount compelling tales of heinous crimes, but offer important advice for staying alive.

Madalyn Watson, Baylor University

Creators Nat and Aly draw in listeners with their friendly banter and exploration of haunted things in this casual podcast about all things spooky.

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Netflix’s recent reboot taps into people’s fascination with unresolved cases in the hopes of getting justice for victims and their families.

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Some people question if the genre can truly be ethical, but the two hosts of this show are doing their best. 

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

If you’re craving more real life drama, look no further than these gripping films and TV series.

Abby Webb, Rice University

Hailing from Minnesota, these three friends drink wine and put their own spin on the true crime podcast.

Zailin Peña, Southern Adventist University

Dive deep into the true crime genre this summer.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

Stay sexy and read this book.

Sarah Diggins, Ithaca College

The truth is always stranger than fiction.

Shaina Lapuebla, Central Connecticut State University

Could you figure out why a 13-year-old would murder his parents?

Katie Sheets, University of Vermont

Don’t listen to any of these alone.

Anastasia Cottone, St. Bonaventure University

The real crime would be not giving them a chance.

Allison Kestler, Augustana College

The hosts disagree on everything, which leads to different perspectives and comedy gold.

Karena Landler, Georgetown University

Not only will the story keep you up at night, it’ll make you do something more terrifying: consider the investigator as a person.

Karena Landler, Georgetown University

Instead of asking “who,” the podcast asks “why?”

Erika Skorstad, Champlain College

The delivered packages give you clues, documents, artifacts and even audio clips so real you might forget it’s all a game.

Allison Kestler, Augustana College

Between the blood and investigative prowess, these documentaries will remind you that being a detective is nothing like playing Clue with the family.

Bethany Knickerbocker, Emerson College

How the ever changing genre of true crime helps society.

Jenna Ramsey, Seattle University and Guest Contributor

The schadenfreude is just how you know it’s working.