If you are a true history fanatic, like me, then you will love dark shows! I’ve compiled a list of my favourite dark-themed series, along with some that are on my watchlist.
Today, we will explore the most watch-worthy dark crime and tourism shows perfect for self-proclaimed taphophiles and historians.
1. Dexter
I'm delighted to be able to put this one as #1 on my list. If you've seen this before, and found yourself hooked like me, you'll know it has been gone from Netflix for quite a while.
Upon my return from a 16-month break around Australia in February, I was elated to find out that Dexter was back on my screens!
Dexter is a fictional show about a cop who kills the bad guys, but none of his colleagues know it's him, and he joins in with them to try and 'uncover' who the killer is. It's a great show. I even went through the lengths of trying to source box sets (of which I have a few), but now it's back on Netflix!
2. Dark Tourist
I promise this post isn’t dedicated solely to New Zealand, but it does make me wonder—could New Zealand be the dark tourism capital of the world? **Dark Tourist** follows host David Farrier as he travels the globe to discover burial sites, paranormal tales, and other dark tourism hotspots that reveal the eerie side of travel.
3. Wednesday
You’ve probably heard of Wednesday, a dark and quirky take on the Addams Family. This modern adaptation follows Wednesday Addams, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, with Christina Ricci returning as a new character, Marilyn. It’s a delightful blend of dark humour and gothic themes.
4. The Ripper
The Ripper is a fictional adaptation of the true crime story that shook Bradford, West Yorkshire—my hometown. This series follows the dark events of the 1970s when the Yorkshire Ripper was at large, claiming the lives of 13 women in West Yorkshire and Manchester. If you follow my Instagram, you might recall my visits to the graves of many victims, where I shared their stories. You can find these posts in my Instagram Highlights.
5. Exhibit A
On my wish list is Exhibit A, a compelling series that examines the dark side of the justice system. This 7-episode show focuses on the lives of innocent people wrongfully convicted of crimes. It’s not directly about death, but it certainly explores the darker aspects of human experience.
6. Surviving Death
Surviving Death looks to be a heart-wrenching series that follows individuals who have narrowly escaped death from severe illnesses. It serves as a gentle reminder of life’s fragility and encourages us to cherish our loved ones.
7. Captive
This thrilling series, Captive, tells the true story of Brian Nichols. As a true crime enthusiast, I’m intrigued by this case, and I’m excited to learn more—either by watching or researching to avoid spoilers!
8. Long Lost Family
As part of my routine when visiting graves, I enjoy doing research, making shows like Long Lost Family particularly appealing. This ITVX special, hosted by Davina McCall & Nicky Campbell, uncovers long-lost family histories and delves into the darker aspects of family secrets.
9. Secrets of the National Trust
My knowledge of the National Trust is a bit lacking, but I often find myself curious about their historic sites, many of which have dark and fascinating histories—just like myself! (I joke—my next-door neighbor is a member, though).
10. Time Team
Finally, I’ve recently come across Time Team, a Channel 4 show that dives into the archaeological discoveries across Britain. The series unearths older Britain, revealing dark secrets from the past.
BONUS: The Casketeers
When I started writing this list back in 2023, I was already on my third round of watching this series. I was disappointed to learn that, in the UK, it’s no longer available on standard Netflix subscriptions. But we all know that content comes and goes on Netflix, so I’m holding out hope that it will return someday. This show documents the daily life at Tipenie Funeral Home, offering a light-hearted perspective on an industry often viewed as dark and depressing.
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