Crime Files with David Wilson, a true crime documentary series often compared to Netflix's Mindhunter but featuring real cases, is available to stream for free. The show, hosted by prominent British criminologist David Wilson, examines notorious criminal cases in Scotland, legal history, and the evolution of criminal psychology.
Series Overview and Availability
First released in 2019, the series spans four seasons and covers major high-profile Scottish crimes, from serial killers to high-stakes fraud. The first season can be streamed for free on STV Player, and episodes are also available on BBC iPlayer. Each episode runs for one hour and includes expert interviews alongside Wilson's analysis.
Cases and Critical Reception
Cases featured include Scottish serial killers Peter Tobin and Peter Manuel, the unsolved murder of Jean Milne, and a re-examination of a cold case involving an 11-year-old girl who vanished during a blizzard. An official synopsis describes Wilson as "world-renowned" and notes his work on Channel 4's In the Footsteps of Killers alongside Emilia Fox.
On IMDb, one viewer called it a "thoroughly unique crime documentary," adding, "I am amazed there aren't more reviews on this show. It's a thorough exploration of different types of crime, using Scottish crimes as the basis." Another praised it as "a refreshing departure from American 'true crime' productions." On Reddit, fans commended Wilson for providing "necessary" insights.
Spin-off and Where to Watch
STV Player also streams Wilson's spin-off series Murder UK, which analyzes real-life homicide cases across the country. Crime Files with David Wilson can be streamed on STV Player, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer.
