The interest in true crime amongst Gen Z seems to be ever-increasing these days, with countless podcasts, TV show adaptations of real crime stories, and an abundance of documentaries covering many true crime cases. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a significant role in this trend. Many of the platform’s creators speak about true crime stories, pulling in Gen Z along with other social media users with the emotional and often gruesome details of these narratives. Listed below are three adaptations of true crimes that have captured the attention of true crime fanatics.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” – Erik and Lyle Menendez
The most recent case catching the eyes of many is the Menendez brother case. “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” the latest adaptation of the case created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix, explores the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted for killing murdered their parents, Mary Louise “Kitty” and Josè Menendez, Aug. 20, 1989. The brothers have served over three decades in prison, with most of that time being apart until they were reunited in the same prison in April 2018. From inside these walls, the brothers have tried to turn their lives around by providing help and change for fellow prisoners. Erik has worked with terminally ill inmates, taken classes in meditation and taught about religion. As for Lyle, he has worked on prison reform and has been a person of guidance and support for individuals who have also experienced childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Their story continues to grab the attention of many, and their future may change after new evidence has come to light.
“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” – Jeffery Dahmer
The first season of Murphy and Brennan’s true crime Netflix series adapts the life of Jeffrey Dahmer, an American serial killer and sex offender. Dahmer killed 17 men and boys between the years of 1978 and 1991 and was sentenced to 16 consecutive life terms in 1992. He was later killed by an inmate in 1994. The Netflix portrayal of his life grabbed the attention of social media users through their TV screens. The show, which became one of Netflix’s biggest commercial successes, follows Dahmer from his thoughts and pursuits to his eventual downfall. This series was released around when interest in true crime went viral, taking advantage of the recent resurgence of true crime fascination.
“The Act” – Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was sentenced to 10 years in prison for facilitating the killing of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, in 2015 after years of abuse. Blanchard was released on parole three years early, serving 85% of her sentence. Her story is portrayed in a true crime limited series called “The Act” on Hulu, created by Nick Antosca and Michelle Dean, which shows the abuse Gypsy Rose Blanchard went through at the hands of her mother. Since her release, Gypsy Rose Blanchard has brought her life to social media, grabbing the attention of young people. She shares her story online, providing insight into her experiences and journey toward healing.
