The three-part docuseries Handsome Devil: Charming Killer, exploring the case of Florida murderer Wade Wilson, is now streaming on Paramount+ for UK audiences. All three episodes are available to watch, with each instalment dissecting different stages in the case.
The case behind the series
Wade Wilson was arrested in 2019 following the deaths of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in two separate encounters within hours of each other. His mugshot later sparked an online frenzy among those drawn to his "bad boy" persona, and soon his so-called fans were posting clips from his trial.
The docuseries synopsis states: "Handsome Devil, Charming Killer unravels the story of how Wade Wilson, a 25-year-old Florida man arrested for the brutal murders of two women, unexpectedly became a social media fixation. Wilson's mugshot ignited an online frenzy among people drawn to his 'bad boy' bravado, surprising tattoos and seductive smile."
Viewer reactions and reviews
Dubbed the 'Deadpool Killer', Wilson became an object of fascination for online fans, even as the details of his crimes grew more disturbing. Through police bodycam footage and first-hand accounts from those closest to the case, the series explores how a man who committed unimaginable violence ended up with a devoted online following. Viewers hear from Wilson's ex-girlfriend as well as the officers who met and interviewed him.
Wilson received the moniker because he shares a name with Marvel's Deadpool, also known as Wade Wilson. The show also delves into the murderer's trial and ultimate sentencing. Wilson, now 32, was sentenced to death in 2024 after being found guilty of murdering the two women and is currently on death row.
Early reviews and other appearances
The docuseries first dropped in January but has only just been released for UK audiences. Those who caught the early debut have shared candid reviews online. One viewer admitted: "It's not an easy watch, but it is an important one, exposing how dangerous charm can be when paired with complete emotional emptiness and a justice system forced to untangle the damage left behind."
A second shared their verdict on IMDb, posting: "I had never heard much about this crime before I watched this documentary. It was a well-done documentary yet extremely disturbing." Someone else confessed that they had seen "thirst trap" videos of Wilson online, but didn't know the gruesome details of his crimes. They shared: "I'll admit it-l was guilty of seeing the thirst traps on TikTok and thinking he was handsome, without ever looking into who he really was or what he'd done. This documentary completely changed that."
And a fourth viewer praised: "Loved this! Brilliantly done and had to watch all 3 episodes straight away. Kept me enthralled, and it's crazy how mind-bending it is seeing women be attracted to a killer! Can't say I agree fully with the outcome, but then I don't agree with the death penalty, but this is a nail-biting watch. Couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Well worth the watch."
It's not the first time Wilson has been at the centre of a TV show; his story was recently featured in an episode of Netflix's Worst Ex Ever, titled 'Dating the Deadpool Killer'. Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is streaming now on Paramount+.
