10 Best True Crime Documentaries Of 2023 (So Far)

What makes a true crime documentary truly stand out amongst its peers?

Whether the documentary in question is a full-length film or a limited series with multiple installments, true crime outings require a balanced blend of carefully considered factors to ensure success. An engaging premise and balanced perspective are an absolute must in the interests of legitimacy, while a high standard of production quality and due sensitivity paid to the subject matter is important to stand out.

While this year has yet to yield a Tinder Swindler-esque true crime mega-hit, 2023's array of candidates have impressed.

What is perhaps most refreshing about this year for the genre is the variety of stories being offered. As opposed to a billion rehashed serial-killer-centric series, 2023's true crime efforts have diversified in approach, spotlighting different facets of the genre. There's considerably more to an excellent true crime production than gruesome murders, with several of the following documentaries serving as proof.

The story of Jared Fogle - a beaming spokesperson hired by fast food giant Subway after their sandwiches played a vital role in him miraculously shedding more than a hundred kilograms of weight - was meant to be an inspiring, uplifting tale.

Regrettably, the harrowing feature presented by Discovery+, Jared From Subway: Catching A Monster, instead lays bare the abhorrent true nature behind Fogle's facade. Fogle was ultimately sentenced to 15 years in prison on child pornography and sex tourism charges.

Catching a Monster's reveals about the ins-and-outs of Fogle's abuse are sickening, utilizing audio of the man himself to paint a picture of just how repugnant this individual truly was. This is due in no small part to the efforts of Rochelle Herman - a journalist who became an FBI informant and feigned complicity to expose Fogle's horrendous crimes.

Catching a Monster does an excellent job of highlighting just how prominent a figure Fogle truly was. Forget the fact that he was the face of Subway commercials for years - the man was literally spoofed by comedic titans in the vein of Southpark and Saturday Night Live, underlining just how significant this was.