True crime genre explores historical drama and psychological motivations

The true crime genre continues to see significant engagement through both dramatized television series and psychological interest. Popular historical crime dramas include ‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’, which follows the aftermath of the 1892 murders, and ‘Alias Grace’, a miniseries based on Margaret Atwood’s novel regarding the 1843 double murders in Upper Canada.

Research suggests a high level of interest in the genre among women, which forensic psychologist Dr Kerry Daynes attributes to self-preservation rather than a fascination with violence. This ‘prepared learning’ theory suggests audiences, particularly women, seek psychological insight into perpetrators and survival strategies to better understand how to avoid similar situations.