Murder Made Fiction
Murder Made Fiction analyzes fictionalized adaptations of true crimes. Hosted by Amanda Jane Stern, the podcast explores how real cases are reworked for film, television, and other media. It is part of the Bloody FM podcast network.
Episodes
Salem Witch Hunts: I Married a Witch (1942) with Pamela Hutchinson
Salem Witch Hunts month kicks off with I Married a Witch (1942).
Film historian and author Pamela Hutchinson joins the podcast to discuss this delightful Veronica Lake and Fredric March comedy.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern (BlueSky, Instagram, Tik
Salem Witch Hunts Mini Primer with Margo Burns
This month, Amanda is going back in time to the Salem Witch Hunts of 1692-1693. Instead of doing the primer solo, she is joined by Margo Burns, a Salem Witch Hunts historian and direct descendant of Rebecca Nurse.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern (Blue
Murder Made Fiction Trailer
Welcome to Murder Made Fiction, a podcast that analyzes fictional adaptations of true crime. From the direct adaptations, to the loose inspirations, join host Amanda Jane Stern as she dives into the wide world where true crime meets fiction.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Am
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical (2024) with director Nick Winston (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our Patreon episode on Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical (2024) with special guest director Nick Winston.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Host: Amanda Jane Stern
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern & Julian Seltzer
Editor : Mae Shults
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
Learn more about
Bonnie and Clyde: The Highwaymen (2019) with Christopher James
Bonnie and Clyde month comes to a close this week with the most recent movie in the cannon: The Highwaymen (2019).
Christopher James of I Love Horror joins Amanda to talk through whether telling this story from the posse's perspective was the right choice. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us a
Bonnie & Clyde vs. Dracula (2008) with Michael Varrati and Tiffany Shepis (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our Patreon episode on Bonnie and Clyde vs Dracula (2008) with special guests Michael Varrati (Midnight Mass) andTiffany Shepis (Casualty Friday)
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Host: Amanda Jane Stern
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern & Julian Seltzer
Editor : Mae Shults
T
Bonnie and Clyde: Bonnie & Clyde: Justified (2013) with Jarrod Hornbeck
Bonnie and Clyde month continues with the David DeCoteau output Bonnie & Clyde: Justified. Yes, that is the man who directed A Talking Cat!?! and Voodoo Academy, so be prepared for hunky men.
Joining Amanda on the episode is David DeCoteau expert (kinda), Jarrod Hornbeck of Puppet Masters/Castle Freaks.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & I
Teenage Bonnie and Klepto Clyde (1993) with Eli Bosnick and Kolleen Carney (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our Patreon episode on Teenage Bonnie and Klepto Clyde (1993) with special guests Eli Bosnick (God Awful Movies) and Kolleen Carney (For Unlawful Cinematic Knowledge)
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Host: Amanda Jane Stern
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern & Julian Seltzer
E
Bonnie and Clyde: Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Bonnie and Clyde month continues with the most famous movie of the month: Bonnie and Clyde (1967).
Amanda is joined by special guest, historian and archivist, Erik Rebain to breakdown this movie.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern (BlueSky, Instagram, T
Bonnie and Clyde: The Bonnie Parker Story (1958)
Bonnie and Clyde month continues with our first movie: The Bonnie Parker Story (1958).
This movie made the baffling choice to change Clyde's name to Guy. To unpack this baffling decision, Amanda is joined by special guest Caitlyn of the North from Pleasers & Punishers.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murd
Bonnie and Clyde Mini Primer
Between 1932 and 1934 outlaws Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Champion Barrow traveled the American West, robbing small stores, filling stations, banks and shooting anyone who got in their way. The duo had the press and the public enthralled with their crimes. Even to this day, Bonnie and Clyde live on in infamy. Tune in to learn all about this killer couple.
Wanna connect with the show? Follo
John List: Stepfather (2026)
Our month of John List coverage wraps up with Taye Diggs in the Tubi title Stepfather (2026).
Aside from a great lead performance, this one is a dud. Not only is it strangely more of a remake of the 2009 film, but it reverts back to problematic/inaccurate depictions of mental health and features way too many shitty cop characters who add nothing to the film!
Wanna connect with the show? Follow u
John List: The Stepfather (2009)
Our second John List title is Nelson McCormick's 2009 remake, The Stepfather starring Dylan Walsh and (often shirtless) Penn Badgley.
It's bigger and longer and gender swaps the teen character...but curiously doesn't do anything with the newfound male energy.
Plus: queer connections; questioning Walsh's casting; and joking about how 2000s era this film is.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow u
John List: The Stepfather (1987)
Our month of John List titles begins with the original The Stepfather (1987).
Starring a magnetic Terry O'Quinn, this Reagan-era slasher film is the perfect takedown of outdated "father knows best" patriarchal beliefs.
Plus: a debate about 'teenage' nudity; appreciating the production design; a gory opening; and a film where the dog doesn't die.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social
The Watcher Episodes 1-2 (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Episodes 1-2 of Ryan Murphy's The Watcher limited series.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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John List Mini Primer
In November, 1971 mild-mannered accountant John List murdered his entire family. He then fled town and started a brand-new life in a whole new State. How long did he get away with his crimes? Tune in to find out.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern
> Joe: @bstolemyremo
Boston Strangler (2023)
Writer/director Matt Ruskin's Boston Strangler (2023) stars Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon as the Record American reporters who covered the infamous case.
Too bad this one is such a snooze! In addition to being too long and drab, the film fudges plenty of facts and has no perspective other than "being a lady reporter is hard". It's a miss!
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media
The Boston Strangler (1968)
Four years after the last fictional adaptation, Compulsion director Richard Fleischer delivered a new fresh take on the case with 1968's The Boston Strangler.
While Edward Anhalt's script uses the same tired pop psychology to excuse DeSalvo's crimes, cinematographer Richard H. Kline and editor Marion Rothman use split screens and transitions in an incredibly exciting way.
Plus: charismatic Tony
The Strangler (1964)
Our coverage of The Boston Strangler kicks off with Burt Topper's The Strangler (1964).
We've got 60s pop psychology, indistinguishable cops, and a leading performance from Victor Buono that steals the movie.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern
> Joe: @bstolemyremote / @joelip
The Girl from Plainville Episodes 1+2 (Patreon Clip)
Amanda and Joe begin their coverage of Hulu's limited series The Girl from Plainville.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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The Boston Strangler Mini Primer
Amanda and Joe begin a new month dedicated to the murder spree that gripped Boston in 1963 as 13 women were strangled to death in their own homes. This month we're discussing Albert DeSalvo, The Boston Strangler.
If you want to hear the full story, join us on Patreon (patreon.com/murdermadefiction) for the full-length primer as well as episodic coverage of the Hulu miniseries, The Girl From Pla
Leopold and Loeb Wrap-Up Minisode
Amanda and Joe look back at their coverage of Leopold and Loeb and discuss their favorite adaptations, least favorite adaptations, and possible new ways to adapt the story today.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern
> Joe: @bstolemyremote / @joelipsett (BlueSky)
Wanna support th
Interview: Author Erik Rebain on Leopold and Loeb
After using his work extensively to fact check texts throughout the month, Amanda and Joe sit down with author and archivist Erik Rebain to discuss his fascination with the case, his favorite fictional adaptations and why Ryan Murphy should (or shouldn't) make a TV series.
Erik's website: The Lives and Legends of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social me
Leopold and Loeb: Funny Games (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Funny Games (2007), that's right, the English-language remake.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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Leopold and Loeb: Murder By Numbers (2002)
Our coverage of Leopold and Loeb wraps up on the main feed with Barbet Schroeder's Murder By Numbers (2002), which consists of two different films smashed together into one.
On one side, we have a police procedural involving Sandy B's detective and her traumatic past. On the other side, we have a pair of queer-coded teen boys (Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt) obsessed with executing the perfect mur
Leopold and Loeb: Scream (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Scream (1996), the Wes Craven meta-slasher.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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Leopold and Loeb: Swoon (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Swoon (1992), the only queer-directed text in our Leopold and Loeb coverage.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Leopold and Loeb: Compulsion (1959)
The first title in our Leopold and Loeb coverage is Compulsion, written by Richard Murphy and based on Meyer Levin's 1956 novel.
Richard Fleischer's film is notable for casting Orson Welles, who delivers an impassioned speech against the death penalty in the finale.
Plus: a weakened Hays Code; beautiful Dean Stockwell; and the decision to keep the murder offscreen.
Wanna connect with the show?
Leopold and Loeb: Rope (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new full length Patreon episode on Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948)
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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Leopold and Loeb Mini Primer
In Chicago 1924, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb attempted to commit "the perfect murder" by killing 14-year-old Bobby Franks. They were caught almost immediately in what became known as "the trial of the century."
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajan
Interview: Introducing Amanda Jane Stern
Joe welcomes new co-host Amanda Jane Stern with an interview to explore her background, her history with true crime, her likes and dislikes, and recent titles that have caught her attention.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Amanda: @amandajanestern
> Joe: @bstolemyremote / @joelipsett
Unbelievable Episode 8 (Patreon Clip)
Jenn and Joe wrap up coverage of Netflix's limited series, Unbelievable, with the cathartic final episode.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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The Black Dahlia: American Horror Story (2011/2018)
In twelve seasons of his anthology show, Ryan Murphy has tackled his share of true crime. To conclude our coverage of the murder of Elizabeth Short, we’re revisiting a pair of episodes featuring Mena Suvari as the famous young woman: Murder House - S1 Episode 9: “Spooky Little Girl” and Apocalypse - S8 Episode 6: “Return to Murder House.”
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @
The Black Dahlia (2006)
Joe and Jenn have reached the most mainstream fictionalized depiction of Elizabeth Short's murder: Brian De Palma's 2006 title, The Black Dahlia.
Criticized for its poor casting and convoluted narrative, the film is reminiscent of several other crime entries, notably L.A. Confidential. Despite this (and the 2 hour runtime), the cast is hot, Hilary Swank and Fiona Shaw are having a blast, and that
The Black Dahlia: True Confessions (1981)
Ulu Grosbard’s True Confessions is a star-studded neo-noire following Robert Duvall and Robert De Niro as brothers caught in the corruption of post-WWII LA. But how does it fare as a Black Dahlia text? Does it present a faithful or sensitive version of the tragic murder of Elizabeth Short?
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an
Unbelievable Episode 2 (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Episode 2 of the Netflix limited series, Unbelievable (2019)
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Conrad Chambers
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Who Is The Black Dahlia? (1975)
Our coverage of The Black Dahlia kicks off with the 1975 made-for-TV movie, Who Is The Black Dahlia?
Director Joseph Pevney and screenwriter Robert W. Lenski's film presents Elizabeth Short as an aimless, unknowable figure (possibly even to herself).
As played by Lucie Arnaz, the movie is well researched and actually gives Short much more screen time than we expected, but it doesn't entirely sat
Interview: William J. Mann on 'Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood'
Jenn and Joe sat down with non-fiction author William J. Mann to discuss his recent novel, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood, which acts as the source material for our episodes all month long.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Jenn: @jennferatu
> Joe: @
The Black Dahlia Mini Primer
This month, we’re covering films based on one of the most famous unsolved crimes in American history. To kick things off, Jenn and Joe discuss the gruesome murder of Elizabeth Short and the many salacious rumors that rose in its wake.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Jenn: @jennferatu
Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
Due to a technical snafu, we're unable to release our episode on Bad Education, so accept our apologies with an episode on Brad Parker's delightfully silly B-movie Chernobyl Diaries (2012), which we programmed as part of our Chernobyl coverage on Patreon.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Musi
Whistleblowers: Dark Waters (2019)
Week three of 'Whistleblower' month looks at Todd Haynes' 2019 film, Dark Waters (2019), adapted from the New York Times article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare."
Starring a fantastic Mark Ruffalo, the film follows Rob Billott a lawyer who takes on DuPont chemicals for polluting the water in West Virginia.
Topics include: the long drawn out legal battle; character actors Bill C
Whistleblowers: Erin Brockovich (2000)
Our coverage of whistleblowers continues with Erin Brockovich, a biopic turned true crime drama about a single mother of three who uncovers a devastating environmental crime. Steven Soderbergh’s crowd-pleaser infuses life into what is essentially a story about documents while adding courtroom intrigue to a case settled without going to trial.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social medi
Whistleblowers: Silkwood (1983)
On Nov 13, 1974, the body of Karen Silkwood was discovered in her rear-ended car in a ditch in Crescent, Oklahoma.
Mike Nichols' Oscar-nominated 1983 film looks at the events preceding her death as Karen became the first woman ever elected to a Kerr-McGee bargaining committee, her increasing activism, and her attempts to sound the alarm on faulty nuclear rods before her death.
The film stars
Chernobyl Mini Primer
In the early morning hours of 26 April 1986, the fourth RBMK reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, exposing the Soviet Union to massive levels of radioactivity. The resulting cleanup would take nearly a year and wind up claiming thousands of lives. Meanwhile, scientists scrambled to understand exactly what went wrong and how to prevent Earth’s worst manmade disaster from happening again. J
Jack The Ripper: From Hell (2001)
Jenn and Joe are ready to wrap up a month of Jack the Ripper texts with arguably the most famous title to date: The Hughes Brothers' From Hell (2001).
This adaptation of the Alan Moore comic is 2+ hours long, stars Johnny Depp and Heather Graham (doing questionable accents) and has plenty of stylish green and red lighting.
Plus: a fantastic turn by Ian Holm; cries of salacious gore from critics
Jack The Ripper: The Ripper (1997)
For our second last week of Jack the Ripper texts, we're checking out made-for-TV movie The Ripper (1997)
Starring Patrick Bergin, Gabrielle Anwar, and MVP Samuel West, this version of the story dispenses with the mystery and identifies The Ripper ~22 minutes in.
Plus: prioritizing the romance over the investigation, Bergin as a good guy, queer coding, and why we can tell this was helmed by a fe
The Terror S01 Episode 6 (Patreon Clip)
Here's a sneak peek at our all new Patreon episode on Episode 6 of The Terror, "A Mercy" which features a fiery carnival.
Like what you hear? Head on over to www.patreon.com/murdermadefiction and become a Patron for more exclusive bonus content today!
Theme Music: Murder on the Artlist Express
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Jack the Ripper (1988) Episode 2
Michael Caine wraps up the case in episode two of Jack the Ripper (1988). A gruesome package sent to the media contains a pivotal clue that allows our fearless detectives to identify Jack the Ripper from a bevy of suspects.
But will the world learn the identity of the notorious killer or will the truth stay buried for 100 years?
Topics include: poverty in 19th century London and surprising conn
Jack The Ripper (1988) Episode 1
Our discussion of Jack the Ripper continues with the first of a two episode TV miniseries Jack the Ripper (1988) starring Michael Caine and Jane Seymour.
This lavish $11M series was broadcast in both the UK and the US to (allegedly) big ratings, but it's the sprawling focus on the daily life in Whitechapel that has us hooked.
Topics include: the many, many male suspects; beakers of milk; a desir
Jack the Ripper: Man in the Attic (1953)
We’re continuing our coverage of Jack the Ripper with Hugo Fregonese’s 1953 adaptation. Jack Palance stars as a mysterious lodger who may be connected to a series of gruesome murders plaguing 1888 London.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Jenn: @jennferatu
> Joe: @bstolemyremote
Wanna
Jack The Ripper: The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
Our first fictionalized adaptation of Jack the Ripper is an early Alfred Hitchcock film, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927).
In the film, a landlord couple begin to suspect that their new tenant (played by gay musical composer Ivor Novello) is The Avenger, a serial killer of blonde women, who may have his sights set on their daughter Daisy.
Topics include: appreciating black & white si
To Kill and Kill Again: Jack the Ripper (2001)
We’re going all the way back to the 19th century to the foundations of the true crime genre. Jack the Ripper terrorized the residents of Whitechapel, London, leaving butchered bodies in the street before disappearing into the night. Carole Peters’s docuseries episode chronicles this disturbing case and its wide variety of suspected killers.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media
Olympic Crime: Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer (2017)
Jenn and Joe wrap up Olympic Crime month with a look at Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer.
On the night of Feb 13, 2013, the Olympic athlete shot and killed his model/lawyer girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, mistaking her for an intruder.
The 2017 Lifetime film charts the couple's brief, but turbulent relationship, though we found the screenplay's disinterest in exploring the race, class, or cele
Olympic Crime: Foxcatcher (2014)
Our discussion of the murder of Dave Schultz by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont continues with the fictionalized take from 2014.
Directed by Bennett Miller, the film was nominated for 5 Oscars, including two supporting actor nominations for Steve Carrell and Mark Ruffalo, as well as direction, screenplay, and make-up (which...what?)
What happens when Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) becom
Olympic Crime: Team Foxcatcher (2016)
We’re continuing our coverage of Olympic Crime with the strange story of John du Pont and the murder of Olympic gold wrestler Dave Schultz. Jon Greenhalgh’s 2016 documentary gives us an intimate view of life on du Pont’s Foxcatcher Farms and a dangerous quest for Olympic gold.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murderm
Olympic Crime: I, Tonya (2017)
We’re continuing our coverage of Olympic crime with Craig Gillespie’s 2017 Oscar darling. Based on conflicting interviews with Tonya Harding and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, “I, Tonya” presents different versions of the infamous attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan, then allows the audience to suss out the truth.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter &
Interview: Brian Raftery on 'Hannibal: A Life'
Jenn and Joe interview podcaster Brian Raftery about his new book, Hannibal: A Life, which looks at the evolution and cultural relevance of Hannibal Lecter. It's out Feb 10, 2026 and it's well worth a read.
You can also watch this interview on YouTube (youtube.com/@MurderMadeFiction)
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (BlueSky & Instagram) or send us an email:
Olympic Crime: Tonya & Nancy: The Inside Story (1994)
Less than four months after Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a man after coming off the ice, NBC debuted the made-for-TV movie Tonya & Nancy: The Inside Story (1994).
The self-aware film acknowledges its intent to capitalize on the lurid sensationalism of the crime, but also explores the class and gender issues that contributed to the hype.
Plus: A Greek Chorus of talking heads, breaking the four
Olympic Crime: 30 for 30: The Price of Gold (2014)
With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, we’re exploring some of sport’s most notorious crimes, beginning with the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan. This episode of the ESPN docuseries 30 for 30 begins with Tonya Harding’s troubled childhood then follows her rocky figure skating career and controversial quest for Olympic gold.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermf
Grizzly Night (2026) Spoiler-Free Review
We're checking out director Burke Doeren and writers Katrina Mathewson & Tanner Bean's Grizzly Night (2026) based on the August 13, 1967 bear attacks in Granite National Park.
If you want to hear more , including our spoilery discussion, join the Patreon (patreon.com/murdermadefiction) where we're also tackling Cocaine Bear, as well as 2025 documentaries like Predators, The Perfect Neighbor and
Mindhunter Season 1 Wrap-Up
We’re wrapping up our patreon coverage of Mindhunter season 1 with a chat about our favorite characters, story arcs, and episodes. What do we long for in season 2 and how does David Fincher’s masterful show subvert a well-trodden subgenre?
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Jenn: @jennfer
Richard Speck: Born For Hell (1976)
For our second week of Richard Speck adaptations, we're checking out director Denis Héroux's Born For Hell (1976), which is sometimes also known as Naked Massacre.
This international co-production relocates the narrative to Belfast and weaves in Speck's story with the Troubles and the Vietnam War.
Plus: comparisons to Violated Angels; and why this is such a hard watch, even if we can't just dis
Richard Speck: Violated Angels (1967)
As we continue our coverage of Mindhunter season 1, we’re traveling across the world to discuss Kôji Wakamatsu’s Violated Angels.
Inspired by the crimes of Richard Speck, this controversial Pink Film is a powerful and disturbing blend of true crime and political commentary.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murderm
Ed Kemper (2025)
To tie into our coverage of Mindhunter on Patreon, we're discussing fictional adaptations of the killers interviewed on the series.
First up: director Chad Ferrin's Ed Kemper (2025) which shares a screenwriter with 2000's Ed Gein in Stephen Johnston.
Sadly this plays like a lazy, salacious cash-grab. Despite a committed performance by lead Brandon Kirk, there's not much to recommend here.
Wanna
Mindhunter: John Douglas Primer
When John Douglas first joined the FBI in 1970, criminal investigation was ineffective at best. Over the next quarter century, he would pioneer the art of criminal profiling and create the Bureau's Behavioral Analysis Unit alongside colleagues Robert Ressler and Dr. Ann Burgess.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murd
The 2025 True Crimey Awards
Jenn and Joe celebrate a year of fictionalized true crime in a number of different categories (thanks to Patron Kelly for a few suggestions!)
Here's what we're discussing:
Fave 2025 Fictionalized Text
Most Accurate to Real Life
Fave 2025 True Crime Title We Didn't Cover
Best Conversation Starter
Best Use of Music
Best Performance
Best Individual Episode of a Series; and
M
The Staircase (2022) Episodes 7-8
Antonio Campos' fictionalized take on The Staircase comes to a close with episodes 7 & 8. Expect plenty of overlapping and blurring of timelines as Kathleen Peterson lives out her final days in 2001; Michael is released from prison in 2011; and his relationship with editor Sophie implodes in 2017.
It's a perfect opportunity to compare/contrast with Lestrade's docuseries and wrap up our thoughts o
The Staircase (2022) Episodes 5 - 6
Antonio Campos’ fictionalized adaptation of The Staircase continues with an exploration of bias behind the scenes of the original docuseries. The Petersons suffer through a stressful Thanksgiving while Kathleen’s neighbor comes up with a surprising explanation for her mysterious death.
Topics include: Alford pleas, film scoring, and the owl finally makes an appearance.
Wanna connect with the s
The Staircase (2022) Episodes 3 - 4
Antonio Campos’ fictionalized adaptation of The Staircase continues with an alternative theory for how Kathleen Peterson may have died.
Topics include: rapid pacing, homophobia, and a bombshell revelation about Michael’s third wife.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gmail.com
> Jenn: @jennferatu
The Staircase (2022) Episodes 1 - 2
On Dec 9, 2001, Michael Peterson made a frantic 911 call to report the accidental death of his wife, Kathleen. What followed is one of the most sensational true crime cases of all time: did Kathleen die in a fall down the stairs...or was she murdered by her husband?
In 2022, showrunner Antonio Campos debuted his 8 episode HBO limited series, starring Colin Firth & Toni Collette and based on the 2
Aquatic Disasters: Thirteen Lives (2022)
Ron Howard’s emotional film chronicles the risky and controversial mission to save twelve young soccer players and their coach from the rapidly flooding Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand.
Topics include: claustrophobia, star power, and white savior narratives.
Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: murdermadefiction@gm
Zodiac Killer Project (2025) Spoiler-Free Review
Director Charlie Shackleton makes lemonade out of lemons after losing the rights to adapt Lyndon Lafferty’s 2012 true crime novel The Zodiac Killer Cover-up AKA The Silenced Badge. From the ashes of his abandoned documentary rises a fascinating exploration of the genre itself. Against the backdrop of gorgeous cinematography from Xenia Patricia, Shackleton talks us through his original plans, revea
Aquatic Disasters: Deepwater Horizon (2016)
On the night of April 20, 2010, over the span of nine minutes, the oil rig Deepwater Horizon experienced a cataclysmic explosion that killed 11 men and spilled an estimated 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf over a period of 87 days. It is the worst oil disaster in US history.
Peter Berg's 2016 aquatic disaster movie documents the fateful day the well blew, following a handful of individual
Aquatic Disasters: The Impossible (2012)
On December 26, 2004, a massive underwater earthquake off the coast of Sumatra sent a devastating tsunami roaring through the surrounding coastline. J.A. Bayona’s The Impossible is the story of one family’s survival.
Topics include: baby Tom Holland, tearjerker phone calls, and looking for the helpers
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The Murdaugh Family Primer
On February 24th, 2019, Mallory Beach was killed while boating with her friends on the Beaufort River in South Carolina. Her tragic death kicked off snowballing investigations that would take down one of the state's most prominent family dynasties.
Jenn walks Joe through the shocking story of the Murdaugh family.
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Aquatic Disasters: The Perfect Storm (2000)
In October 1991, the Andrea Gail was caught in what meteorologist Todd Gross described as "The Perfect Storm" and all members of her crew were lost at sea.
Wolfgang Peterson's 2000 film adaptation of Sebastian Junger's book recreates the events of the disastrous fishing expedition and features an all-star cast that includes George Clooney, John Hawkes, John C. Reilly, William Fichtner and Diane
The Monster of Florence Mini Primer
Between the years of 1968 and 1985, 16 people were murdered while parking on rural roads in the Tuscan countryside surrounding Florence, Italy. Their killer has never been conclusively identified.
Jenn walks Joe through this series of brutal murders and the bizarre investigation that followed.
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Ed Gein (2000) or In The Light of the Moon
Jenn and Joe wrap up our second month on Ed Gein with a look at Chuck Parello's 2000 fictional adaptation Ed Gein (sometimes also referred to as In The Light of the Moon).
Featuring two stand-outs performances from Steve Railsback and Carrie Snodgress, this film may be the closest approximation of the true story.
Plus: character study vs gore, the confusing relationship between Collette and Bria
Ed Gein: Deranged (1974)
Jeff Gillen and Alan Ormsby take an interesting approach to adapting the story of Wisconsin's Ed Gein. Deranged takes a faithful approach to historical fact while changing a handful of names and descriptions. Jenn and Joe continue their coverage of the Butcher of Plainfield with this bizarrely entertaining film.
Discussions include: Seance sex scams, paint-like blood, and a slowly evolving male g
John Wayne Gacy Mini-Primer
In anticipation of Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, the new Peacock series, Joe gives Jenn an overview of the history of the "Killer Clown." C/W: sexual assault
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