True Crime Documentaries Coming May 2025
- The Emerald Sleuth
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Get ready, crime junkies—May 2025 is bringing a fresh wave of spine-chilling true crime documentaries that will keep you glued to your screen. From unsolved mysteries to high-profile cases, this month’s releases have something for everyone. Below, you’ll find the latest must-watch docs that are about to take over your watchlist. Grab your popcorn—these stories are about to get dark.
Angi Fake Life, True Crime
Release Date: May 1, 2025
No of Episodes: 2
Platform: Netflix
In 2008, the shocking murder of fashion designer Ana Páez in Barcelona uncovered one of Spain's most chilling crimes, orchestrated by María Ángeles Molina, aka Angi.
This Netflix documentary, Angi: Fake Life, True Crime (show is in Spanish), reveals how Molina manipulated her way through fake identities, life insurance scams, and a complex web of lies, culminating in Ana's brutal death.
Over two episodes, director Carlos Agulló examines the cold calculation behind the murder, the twisted fraud scheme, and Molina’s attempt to stage a crime that never was. This haunting tale exposes a woman’s ability to deceive and destroy for personal gain.
The Playboy Murders (S3)
Release Date: May 5, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Investigation Discovery is set to premiere Season 3 of The Playboy Murders on Monday, May 5, 2025. Hosted and executive produced by Holly Madison, this true crime documentary series digs deeper into the dark side of the Playboy brand, exploring the tragic deaths tied to it.
The six-episode season kicks off with the chilling murder of Kimberly Fattorini, a Playboy casting assistant, and continues with investigations into the deaths of a Playboy photographer and a waitress who appeared in a Playboy pictorial. Tune in for the premiere on Monday, May 5 at 9/8c on ID—this season is not one to miss.
View the official trailer here.
Toxic- Real Stories of the Dark Side of Love
Release Date: May 5, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: Investigation Discovery
'Toxic,' hosted by Elizabeth Chambers, premieres on Investigation Discovery on May 5, 2025, at 10 PM ET/PT.
This gripping six-episode series delves into the dark world of toxic relationships, featuring interviews with survivors and the families of victims who bravely share their harrowing stories. Each episode of Toxic: Real Stories of the Dark Side of Love explores the manipulative, dangerous dynamics that led to tragedy, offering an eye-opening look at the emotional and psychological toll of toxic connections.
Watch the trailer here.
Murder Has Two Faces
Release Date: May 6, 2025
No of Episodes: 3 parts
Platform: Hulu
ABC News Studios presents Murder Has Two Faces, a three-part true-crime docuseries premiering on Hulu on May 6, 2025.
Hosted by Robin Roberts and produced by Emmy-winning Lisa Cortés, this series highlights lesser-known murder cases overshadowed by more notorious crimes. Each episode examines a case with chilling parallels to high-profile tragedies like Laci Peterson, Chandra Levy, and the Craigslist Killer. Featuring exclusive interviews with victims' families, the series shines a much-needed spotlight on these haunting stories of injustice and the fight for recognition.
View the official trailer here.
A Deadly American Marriage
Release Date: May 9, 2025
No of Episodes: 1 (1 hour 42 minutes)
Platform: Netflix
Coming soon to Netflix: A Deadly American Marriage. Directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, this documentary explores the complex and tragic story behind the 2015 death of Irish widower Jason Corbett.
After moving to North Carolina with his American au pair, Molly Martens, Jason was killed in a violent altercation involving Molly and her father, former FBI agent Thomas Martens. While they claimed self-defense, their 2017 conviction was overturned in 2021, and a new trial was ordered. In 2023, Molly pled no contest, and Thomas pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Their release in 2024 reignited questions about the case.
Featuring exclusive interviews with the Martens family and Jason’s children, Jack and Sarah, A Deadly American Marriage sheds new light on the unresolved mysteries surrounding his death.
Watch the official trailer here: A Deadly American Marriage - Netflix Trailer
The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood
Release Date: May 11, 2025
No of Episodes: 3
Platform: Investigation Discovery
The Bakersfield Three is a gripping true-crime show that explores the intertwined fates of three individuals: Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad.
What starts as seemingly unrelated disappearances and a murder — Baylee's vanishing, Micah's disappearance, and James' brutal death — quickly evolves into a chilling connection uncovered by their determined mothers.
The series follows the timeline of these cases, with the families, particularly Micah’s father, uncovering links between the victims. Through personal investigations, the mothers reveal the unsettling truths behind these events, unraveling a mystery that could have remained unsolved.
Watch the official trailer here.
Fred and Rose West a British Horror Story
Release Date: May 14, 2025
No of Episodes: 3 (Length of episodes TBA)
Platform: Netflix
Coming soon to Netflix: Fred & Rose West: A British Horror Story. This three-part documentary delves into the chilling crimes of Britain’s most infamous husband-and-wife serial killers.
Featuring exclusive police footage and unheard audio, it uncovers the grim details behind the discovery of their 12 victims. The series also includes interviews with family members of the victims, offering a raw and emotional look at the pain and strength they endured. This definitive documentary will deepen our understanding of one of the UK’s most notorious cases.
Watch the official trailer here: Fred & Rose West: A British Horror Story - Netflix Trailer
Unknown Serial Killers of America
Release Date: May 18, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: Oxygen
Oxygen’s new series Unknown Serial Killers of America, premiering Sunday, May 18 at 7 PM ET/PT, delves into the darkest corners of true crime, spotlighting serial killers whose names the public may not know, but whose crimes are equally horrifying.
Each hour-long episode uncovers the chilling stories of these killers and explores the disturbing factors that transformed them into monsters. Featuring firsthand accounts from law enforcement and the heartbreaking testimonies of victims' loved ones, the series reveals how these killers managed to evade justice and continue their reign of terror for so long.
Watch the official trailer here.
American Monster: Abuse of Power
Release Date: May 18, 2025
No of Episodes: Unknown
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Larry Nassar, once the trusted doctor for injured gymnasts after his pivotal role in helping the USA win Olympic gold, became a go-to figure for young women seeking rehabilitation. But behind his reputation, a dark and disturbing secret was brewing.
It would take years before the true cost of his so-called medal-winning techniques was exposed, revealing a horrific pattern of abuse that shook the sports world to its core.
This chilling story uncovers the devastating impact of Nassar's actions and the brave survivors who brought the truth to light.
Official trailer unavailable at the time of this writing.
FBI True (S7)
Release Date: May 20, 2025
No of Episodes: 12
Platform: Paramount+
FBI True is a gripping docuseries on Paramount+ that offers an inside look at real-life FBI investigations. Through interviews with agents, surveillance footage, and investigative materials, the series explores high-stakes cases involving terrorism, manhunts, and major crimes.
Each episode delves into the emotional and personal experiences of the agents involved, revealing the human side of law enforcement. From the 1996 Olympic bombing to the pursuit of Whitey Bulger, FBI True showcases diverse and chilling cases that shaped the course of history. Witness the challenges and sacrifices made by these dedicated agents as they confront danger head-on.
To watch the official trailer click here.
Missing Presumed Dead
Release Date: May 23, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: Nat Geo
Missing, Presumed Dead is a powerful documentary series that delves into the real-life stories of individuals who vanished, exploring their harrowing experiences and the journey back to safety. Through interviews with the missing individuals, their families, and experts in abduction and hostage situations, the series offers an in-depth look at survival and rescue.
Key episodes cover cases like the British family lost at sea, Peter Shaw's horrifying kidnapping and torture, and Ian Purchase's capture by the Taliban, shedding light on the resilience and courage of those who survived unimaginable ordeals.
No trailer available at the time of this post.
Sherri Papini Caught in the Lie
Release Date: May 26, 2025
No of Episodes: 2
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie is a revealing two-part docuseries airing on ID on May 26 and 27, where Sherri Papini speaks out for the first time since the 2016 scandal surrounding her alleged abduction and disappearance.
The series revisits the controversial case, offering a deep dive into her perspective and the truth behind the shocking events that captivated the nation. Explore the details of the investigation and the unraveling of the mystery that left many questioning the story Papini told.
Click here for the official trailer.
Cold Case- The Tylenol Murders
Release Date: May 26, 2025
No of Episodes: 3
Platform: Netflix
Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders is a gripping three-part docuseries releasing on Netflix on May 26, 2025.
This chilling case revisits the 1982 deaths of seven people in the Chicago area after they ingested cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, sparking widespread panic and one of the largest criminal investigations in U.S. history.
With the public's trust in everyday products shattered, the series reopens the mystery of who was behind the poisonings. Was there one mastermind, or is there a darker conspiracy at play?
The docuseries explores how these unsolved murders forever changed the way we view medicine and the safety of the products we rely on.
Full trailer available here.
Which upcoming true crime documentary are you most excited to see? Vote below and let us know which case has you hooked!
Angi Fake Life, True Crime
A Deadly American Marriage
American Monster Abuse of Power
Fred and Rose West
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