Exploring the Dark Side: 5 Shows to Watch After American Nightmare
If you found yourself captivated and enraged by the raw emotions of Netflix's American Nightmare, then here are five gripping shows to delve into next. These shows delve into real-life cases, police misconduct, systemic injustice, and the power dynamics within the US legal system.
Unbelievable (2019)
Unbelievable is a poignant 2019 true crime dramatization that unravels the harrowing story of teen Marie Adler, who reported being raped in her home, only to face disbelief from the local police. Simultaneously, detectives Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall work tirelessly to catch a serial rapist, whose crimes align with Adler's ordeal. The refusal to believe Adler by the authorities mirrors the ordeal of Huskins and Quinn, making Unbelievable a must-watch for those seeking an emotional rollercoaster.
Dr. Death Season 2 (2023)
The second chapter of the Dr. Death series delves into the shocking true case of the fraudulent surgeon Dr. Paolo Macchiarini and the whistleblowers who fought to expose his misdeeds. While the events are distinct from those in American Nightmare, the series evokes similar emotions of frustration as Macchiarini, like Detective Mustard, abused his power and was shielded by higher authorities.
When They See Us (2019)
When They See Us, created by Ava DuVernay, vividly portrays the Central Park jogger case of 1989 and the wrongful conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers, known as the Central Park Five. The series sheds light on the systemic racism within the American criminal justice system and emphasizes the impact of coerced confessions. Themes of injustice, police misconduct, and power dynamics resonate strongly throughout the series, paralleling the emotional depth of American Nightmare.
Victim/Suspect (2023)
Victim/Suspect is a feature-length documentary that delves into a journalist's investigations of young women who reported sexual assaults with substantial evidence, only to be accused of lying and arrested by the police. Journalist Rae de Leon's research uncovers a pattern of victim-blaming by law enforcement, echoing the tragic experiences faced by Huskins and Quinn. This documentary sheds light on the pervasive issue of victim-blaming and police misconduct in the US.
Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York (2023)
Directed by Anthony Caronna, Last Call delves into the chilling story of Richard Rogers, 'The Last Call Killer,' who targeted gay and bisexual men. The series exposes the deep-rooted biases of the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. While its focus differs from American Nightmare, Last Call shares themes of injustice and discrimination, offering a compelling narrative of societal issues.
