Most Anticipated True Crime Documentaries on Max

This four-part documentary series investigates the mysterious deaths of two women in Utah, challenging the public perception of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It provides a harrowing look at how institutional power can obscure truth and protect abusers, sparking widespread debate about religious accountability.

Directed by Roberto Faenza, this gripping series adapts Robert Harris's novel to explore the infamous serial killer case in Italy during the 1970s and 80s. It examines the judicial errors and media frenzy that surrounded the investigation, offering a nuanced perspective on truth versus perception in high-profile criminal trials.

A groundbreaking HBO documentary series that aired before merging into Max, this show follows the investigation into wealthy socialite Robert Durst. It culminates in one of the most shocking moments in television history, providing an unprecedented access to a suspect who may be responsible for multiple murders and disappearances.

This series exposes the culture of corruption within the Chicago Police Department's 21st District, where officers were caught on camera abusing prisoners. It highlights the bravery of whistleblowers and the systemic failures that allowed brutality to persist, making it a compelling case study in police accountability and reform.

Based on the true story of the Brannans, who bought their dream home only to receive terrifying letters from a stalker calling himself 'The Watcher.' This limited series explores the psychological toll of living under constant surveillance and the real-life mystery that still has law enforcement baffled years later.

This docuseries investigates the controversial cases of individuals who killed their abusive partners and were subsequently convicted of murder. It challenges traditional legal definitions of insanity and self-defense, offering a poignant look at the complexities of domestic violence and the failures of the criminal justice system to protect victims.

Following the explosive conclusion of HBO's 'Going to Place,' this documentary continues to trace the journey of Kody and Trista Satterlee. It delves into the aftermath of their divorce, examining the ongoing legal battles and emotional trauma resulting from their relationship with the NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere.

This four-part series re-examines the murder of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy, and the subsequent conviction of American student Amanda Knox. It provides a detailed look at the flawed forensic evidence and media bias that led to a wrongful conviction, ultimately cleared by Italy's highest court after a decade of legal wrangling.

While primarily an adventure show, this series often features episodes dedicated to solving historical mysteries and unexplained phenomena. Host Josh Gates travels to remote locations to investigate legendary crimes, lost civilizations, and paranormal claims, blending entertainment with investigative journalism in a way that captivates true crime enthusiasts.

This HBO documentary series explores the life of Henry Lee Lucas, a serial killer who confessed to hundreds of murders, many of which were false. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unreliable confessions and the pressure placed on law enforcement to close cases, raising serious questions about wrongful convictions.

This series focuses on the final hours of famous victims of violence, including Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston. By reconstructing the timelines leading up to their deaths, it offers a respectful yet thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding their passing and the media's role in shaping public narrative.

This documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon during the 1980s. It details the bizarre and dangerous conflicts between the cult members and local residents, including acts of biological terrorism and political manipulation, providing a fascinating look at religious extremism and power struggles.

This series covers the murder trial of Michael Peterson, who was accused of killing his wife Kathleen. It offers a rare, fly-on-the-wall perspective of the legal process, highlighting the strategic decisions made by both prosecution and defense, and raising questions about the reliability of forensic science and witness testimony.

This four-part series uses archive audio and video to explore the psyche of Ted Bundy, one of America's most notorious serial killers. It provides an chilling insight into his manipulation tactics and charm, while also examining the societal impact of his crimes and the media's fascination with his case.

Continuing the story from 'Going to Place,' this documentary follows the legal and emotional aftermath of Kody and Trista Satterlee's divorce. It explores the long-term effects of NXIVM membership on individuals and families, offering a sobering look at the recovery process and the challenges of rebuilding life after cult involvement.

Based on John Grisham's book, this documentary series investigates the wrongful conviction of Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz in a series of murders in Ada, Oklahoma. It highlights the role of flawed forensic evidence, such as hair microscopy, and the eventual exoneration of the men through DNA testing, emphasizing the fallibility of the justice system.

This series uses advanced neuroscience and MRI scans to study the brains of incarcerated murderers. It aims to understand the biological and environmental factors that contribute to violent behavior, offering a scientific perspective on criminal psychology and the potential for rehabilitation or early intervention strategies.

This documentary revisits the 2001 disappearance and murder of Chandra Levy, a case that captivated the nation due to the high-profile connections of the prime suspect. It examines the investigative errors and media sensationalism that plagued the case, ultimately revealing the complexity of solving cold cases in the pre-DNA era.

While not a traditional true crime show, this documentary explores the legal and ethical boundaries of free speech and libel. It follows high-profile lawsuits that shaped public discourse, offering insights into how powerful individuals use the legal system to silence critics, which can be relevant to understanding legal aspects of modern criminal defense strategies.

Although an anthology drama rather than a documentary, this series is frequently discussed in true crime circles for its accurate depiction of the O.J. Simpson trial. It provides a dramatized yet fact-based look at the legal strategies, media circus, and racial tensions that defined one of the most watched trials in American history.