Television has always been a reflection of society’s darker allure, but the rise of serial killers and true crime has taken center stage in recent years.
From fictional antiheroes like Dexter Morgan and Joe Goldberg to real-life horror dramas like Dahmer and The Act, our screens are filled with stories of murder, manipulation, and mayhem.
But why do these characters fascinate us so deeply? Where is the line between exploring the darkness of human nature and exploiting real-life tragedies?
As Dexter: Original Sin brings us closer to the roots of one of television’s most iconic killers, let’s dive into how television turned these killers into cultural icons, and why true crime has become something we can’t seem to quit type.
Fictional killer: charming, scary, and… compassionate?
There is something about fictional killers that attracts us.
Dexter Morgan, forensic expert by day and vigilante serial killer by night, is a character we not only want to watch but actually root for.
His strict code – he only kills other murderers – makes him more relatable, even though his actions are far from justified.
His struggles with loneliness and alienation, coupled with his morality in a chaotic world, give his character an irresistible depth.
And then there’s Joe Goldberg in “YOU,” a “good guy” who manipulates, stalks, and murders anyone who threatens his twisted love interest.
Joe recounts his crimes with the charm of a romantic comedy protagonist, making his darkness all the more intriguing.
These characters give us a chance to explore darker parts of ourselves without actually experiencing real-world consequences.
But when do we cross the line between exploring human depravity and glorifying it?
True Crime and the Rise of Horror: Serial Killers in Fiction and Reality
While fictional killers like Dexter and Joe Goldberg fascinate us, the true crime genre has exploded in popularity over the past decade due to people’s desire to understand killers’ motivations.
But its appeal isn’t limited to its realistic portrayal of the killer.
American Horror Story: Hotel blurs the lines between horror and real-life serial killer history by introducing a version of notorious Chicago murderer HH Holmes (played by James March), who turned a hotel into a killing room.
In “American Horror Story: Hotel” Season 5 Episode 4 “Night of the Devil,” March even hosted a dinner party, inviting Erin Wuornos, John Wayne Gacy, Richard · Notorious criminals like Ramirez and other killers give a chilling look at history’s darkest figures.
This combination of fictional horror and real-life serial killers heightens the appeal, turning historical figures into figures in an ongoing narrative of violence.
AHS: “Hotel” doesn’t just lean into the weird—it celebrates the idea that the legacy of these killers can become a part of pop culture.
It highlights how our obsession with murder is not limited to screens, but permeates almost every corner of media.
These stories challenge the ethical boundaries of storytelling. Is it okay to turn the pain and trauma of real people into drama?
At what point do we risk crossing the line from awareness to voyeurism?
Our obsession with serial killers is more than a television phenomenon; It’s rooted in real-life cases and has captivated audiences for decades.
Ted Bundy, for example, remains a top killer we can’t ignore—even years after his execution.
His charm, intelligence, and ability to manipulate made him a figure of fascination for the public, much like the fictional killers we see on screen like Dexter and Joe.
This fascination isn’t just a pop trend or TV trope; it’s a genuine, disturbing curiosity to know what drives people to commit such violence, and why we can’t seem to look away.
No discussion of television’s portrayal of serial killers would be complete without delving into Hannibal Lecter, a character who was carefully crafted to be both a horrific murderer and a deeply cultured, almost charismatic figure. .
Lecter, played to perfection by Mads Mikkelsen in “Hannibal,” is the epitome of the charming monster.
His ability to manipulate those around him while maintaining a sophisticated air is what makes him so charming.
He’s a killer, discussing wine and classical music one moment and turning into a monster without hesitation the next.
His relationship with Will Graham sets Hannibal apart from other fictional killers.
Their complex dynamic is one of the most fascinating aspects of the series. Will is a talented profiler who is intellectually and emotionally drawn to the world of Hannibal.
Their relationship is unsettling, and Will begins to blur the lines between himself and Hannibal. It’s this interplay of good and evil, light and dark, that makes Hannibal more than just another monster on television.
In many ways, Hannibal mirrors the appeal of real-world killers like Ted Bundy. Both are smart, manipulative, and, on the surface, surprisingly charming.
Bundy’s ability to charm his way into people’s lives – despite the horrific acts he committed – bears a striking resemblance to Lecter’s manipulative tactics.
Hannibal’s television persona, like Bundy’s, forces us to ask: How do we reconcile the charming, intelligent parts of these characters with the grotesque acts they commit?
Are we fascinated by their complexity, or are we in danger of excusing their crimes because of their fascination?
Why should we continue to pay attention?
The answer to our fascination lies in psychology. Humans are naturally curious about danger and the unknown.
Serial killers give us the opportunity to face our fears and anxieties from a safe distance, analyzing them without any real-world threats.
True crime shows often provide endings where we see the killer caught and the victim’s story told – something we crave in a world where justice isn’t always served.
But there’s also a dark thrill to watching these shows.
Just as Dexter uses his dark impulses to balance his moral compass, viewers satisfy their morbid curiosity with each new true-crime episode.
We’re not just looking at justice; We watch because we are drawn to darkness.
Where do the lines blur?
The ethical question of how far television should go in depicting serial killers and true-crime stories is more relevant than ever.
Shows like “Dahmer” and “The Bill” remind us that while the appeal of these stories is undeniable, we must ask ourselves whether we are becoming complicit in the exploitation of real-life victims.
Fictional killers like Dexter, Hannibal Lecter, and even Bates Motel’s Norman Bates, while disturbing, also distance us from the true horror of their actions.
True crime, on the other hand, requires deeper moral reflection.
When a show like Dracula: Original Sin revisits the origins of one of television’s most iconic antiheroes, we’re left to ask: are we using these stories to better understand the human mind, or are we using them to better understand the human mind? Just feeding our fascination with horror?
True crime craze: Will it last?
Television’s portrayal of serial killers and true crime stories is nothing new.
But as modern dramas delve into the psychology of killers, and real-life cases like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and Gypsy Rose Blanchard capture our attention, this Genre shows no signs of slowing down.
The ethical line between entertainment and exploitation is constantly shifting, and as viewers we have to decide where we stand.
As new episodes continue to appear on television, we face the ongoing challenge of how to escape our obsession with killers—real or fictional.
After all, have we learned anything meaningful about human nature? Or are we simply indulging in our own darker desires?
What do you think of television’s portrayal of serial killers and true crime? Have we learned any lessons from these stories, or is it time to rethink how we consume them?
Share your thoughts and let’s unpack the ethics of our cultural obsession with murder.
