As the long, cold January nights persist, many across the UK are searching for the perfect television series to sink into over the weekend. The sheer volume of choice, from comforting rom-coms to intricate period dramas, can often lead to endless scrolling and decision fatigue. For a growing number of viewers, the compelling pull of true crime provides the ideal solution for these dark evenings, offering stories so shocking they're best experienced from the safety of the sofa.
As a professional TV writer, I've curated a list of five unmissable true crime programmes currently available to stream. Each one is guaranteed to deliver jaw-dropping moments and make you squirm with their real-life revelations.
Gripping Police Documentaries You Can't Miss
Leading the pack is the critically acclaimed 24 Hours in Police Custody. Dubbed by many as the "best show ever", this landmark Channel 4 documentary series offers an intense, fly-on-the-wall look at a local police force tackling serious crimes that rock their community. The series returned with a brand new episode on January 13, 2026, with another instalment focusing on the investigation into Zombie Knives scheduled for January 20 at 9pm. This follows December's haunting episodes which left fans horrified as detectives probed a harrowing double murder of a father and son.
Over on Channel 5, Police Suspect No.1 continues to captivate audiences with its fifth series, which launched this month. The show follows officers in a race against time to investigate local crimes. The new season's first episode aired on January 12
Meanwhile, Channel 4's Catching a Killer provides a gripping insight into major police investigations. Its latest episode, titled 'Buried Truths', was released this month and delves into the chilling case of Cumali Turhan, who was reported missing after being lured to a bar. The episode's shocking revelations, including grim details about the disposal of the body, left one viewer stating it "sickened me to the core". All five existing episodes are on All 4.
Chilling Stories of Deceit and Madness
The BBC recently added a disturbing new documentary to iPlayer that fans have branded "absolutely crazy". The Beauty Queen and the Catfish is a three-part series that unravels the twisted story of an online catfish who betrayed several women. It centres on beauty queen Abbie Draper, whose life was upended by a Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be her grandfather's doctor. The documentary exposes a complex web of lies, with one viewer on social media reacting with: "On Ep2 wow that's wild! For one how does someone have the time to do all this! Absolutely madness and scary!"
For those seeking a truly bizarre and harrowing tale, Channel 5's Twisted Sisters: Madness and Manslaughter is essential viewing. Released last month, this documentary explores the horrific story of twin sisters who repeatedly ran into traffic on the busy M6 motorway in an apparent suicide pact. Viewers warned that the opening five minutes are "absolutely brutal" and guaranteed to send chills down your spine. The full mini-series is available to stream on Channel 5's platform.
Your Winter True Crime Watchlist Is Sorted
With new episodes dropping this January and compelling full series available on demand, there has never been a better time to dive into the world of true crime television. These five shows represent the very best of the genre, offering everything from raw, procedural realism to deeply personal stories of betrayal and psychological turmoil. So, as the winter chill sets in, why not settle in for a binge-watch that is sure to make your jaw drop and have you on the edge of your seat? Just be prepared to squirm.
