Do you prefer true crime programs (Dateline, 48 Hours, et al over fictional crime dramas on tv or in movies? Why or why not?

I adore true crime. I've got the ID channel on as we speak. Very little interest in fictional crime. Real people are always more interesting.

No, true-crime programs always, ALWAYS, drag out the show. What could have been told in 30 minutes will be dragged out to an hour. And I always, ALWAYS, end up yelling at the TV to just get on with it.

So, I don't watch them these days.

When I think about it, one of the things I like about true crime shows is, they take place in places I've never heard of, little towns all over the country. I get tired of stories set in New York and LA.

"Take place in places" - I'll oh-dear myself....

i think i've only ever watched 2 episodes of CSI and other dramatized crime programs and didn't like it at all (but that was after i'd been watching Forensic Files and the like for a few years). i much prefer true crime programs and fall asleep to them most nights, as i have for over 15 years. it's a comfort thing. they purposely select the dulcet tones of their narrators to try to smooth over the heinous crimes they are covering. But i too love the smaller town element, having grown up in them and lived half my adult life in smaller towns. however, i do wonder why i like these shows so much. am i sick? i do enjoy the science behind the forensics and personality profiling i find so interesting. if i had seen this real crime programs when i was back in high school or college, i'm pretty convinced i would have chosen one of these occupations as a career. i really enjoyed my anatomy/physiology/biology courses in junior college.

The article I referenced has some intriguing theories of why people like true crime. I agree with all of them--we want to be prepared/wised up about crime, we are happy not to be victims, also happy we didn't ever perpetrate any heinous crimes, etc. They also mention the urge to solve puzzles, R5.

I also think it's important to remember these people that were tossed away by other humans and how they were/are loved by real people that we get to listen to and hear about their lives. Also, how we might take something away from their unfortunate ends. that's what their families wanted by participating in the programs. i think that's important.

I tend to only watch the ones about rich people.

I like True Crime much more. Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Some things even Hollywood can’t make up. Humans are all around disturbing yet fascinating.

R8 I get that. I most enjoy the ones involving perfect suburban families. The more unlikely, the better.

I looooove true crime stories. My friends make fun of me because of it.

hate this tripe, fictionalize sensationalized cuntery

I like real stuff, particularly about breeders who face tragedy. They act so holier-than-thou that it's funny when they call Jesus for help and He doesn't answer.

You have issues r13