The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade

Watch The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade

  • 2016
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.7  (229)

The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade is a true crime show that aired on Investigation Discovery in 2016 and 2017. The show consists of ten episodes, each exploring a different murder case that took place in the United States during the 1980s. The show is hosted by Patrick Gallagher, who provides narration and commentary throughout each episode. Gallagher is a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Night at the Museum and Glee.

Each episode of The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade focuses on a different murder case, ranging from high-profile cases that made national headlines to lesser-known crimes that took place in small towns across the country. The cases include murders committed by both men and women, and they cover a range of motives, including jealousy, greed, and revenge.

In addition to interviews with law enforcement officials and family members of the victims, the show also features reenactments of the crimes, which are meant to give viewers a sense of what happened and how the crimes were committed.

The show is known for its attention to detail and its ability to create a sense of suspense and tension throughout each episode. Viewers are often left guessing until the very end, as the show slowly reveals the evidence and pieces together the motives behind each crime.

One of the standout episodes of the series is "The Cheerleader Murder," which tells the story of Wanda Holloway, a Texas mother who hired a hitman to kill her daughter's cheerleading rival in order to secure her daughter's spot on the team. The case made national headlines in the late 1980s and became the subject of a made-for-TV movie.

Another notable episode is "The Sunset Strip Killer," which explores the case of Richard Ramirez, a notorious serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. Known as the "Night Stalker," Ramirez was responsible for at least 13 murders, and his reign of terror left the city on edge until his capture in 1985.

The show also delves into the impact that these crimes had on the communities where they took place, as well as the lasting effects they had on the families of the victims. Through interviews with family members, the show humanizes the victims and reminds viewers that behind every grisly crime story is a real person who was loved and missed by those left behind.

Overall, The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade is a gripping true crime show that offers viewers a look back at some of the most notorious murder cases of the 1980s. With its attention to detail and its ability to create suspense and tension, the show will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while also providing a sobering reminder of the impact that violent crime can have on individuals and communities.

The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on November 14, 2016.

The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade
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Seasons
The Krishna Killers
10. The Krishna Killers
December 18, 2017
Hare Krishnas follow a religion based on divine love. But the mysterious disappearance of a charismatic devotee exposes a disturbing dark side. When another member is shot dead, police uncover a twisted web of murder and betrayal.
The Milk Carton Murder
9. The Milk Carton Murder
December 11, 2017
When 13-year-old Sarah Rairdon vanishes from an isolated road in tiny Underwood, Minnesota, the whole town launches an exhaustive search for her. The discovery of her body leads to terrifying fears of child abductions...and reveals a tragic secret.
The Cotton Club Murder
8. The Cotton Club Murder
December 4, 2017
Vaudeville producer Roy Radin's bullet-ridden body is found in a canyon in 1983; police attempt to determine if he was the victim of a vicious drug cartel or a movie deal gone wrong.
The Death of Disco
7. The Death of Disco
November 27, 2017
When 24-year-old Diane Delia is found dead in the Hudson River, detectives are surprised to realize she was once a man; an investigation leads police to New York's disco and gay club scenes, and a dramatic love triangle that could expose the killer.
The Dixieland Murders
6. The Dixieland Murders
November 20, 2017
In 1987, two of Biloxi, Miss., most prominent citizens, Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife, Margaret, a city councilwoman, are shot to death in their home. Their oldest daughter sets out on a decade-long quest to find her parents' killer.
Phantom Killer of the Opera
5. Phantom Killer of the Opera
November 13, 2017
When 31-year-old violinist Helen Mintiks goes missing during a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House, all of New York is terrified. Then her naked corpse is discovered in an airshaft at the Met.
The Copycat Killer
4. The Copycat Killer
November 6, 2017
When rising star Rebecca Schaeffer is gunned down in her doorway, Hollywood panics. A killer is on the loose, and no one knows who murdered the beloved young actress. Detectives investigate - wondering if they have a copycat killer in their midst.
Friday the 13th
3. Friday the 13th
October 30, 2017
In Wylie, Texas, young teacher Betty Gore is hacked to death on Friday the 13th, causing investigators to wonder whether a copycat killer is trying to create his own real-life "slasher'' film.
The Libertyville Horror
2. The Libertyville Horror
October 23, 2017
Libertyville, Illinois is the kind of place where families go to live out the American Dream. When one of the town's wealthiest couples is gunned down in their bed, the community is shocked. Was it a robbery - or was this family harboring dark secrets?
The Newlywed Murder
1. The Newlywed Murder
October 16, 2017
When Long Island newlywed Lisa Solomon disappears on Christmas Eve, family and friends search for her relentlessly. Did she leave her husband of two months in the middle of the night? Or is there something more sinister at play?
Description
Where to Watch The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade
The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade is available for streaming on the Investigation Discovery website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade on demand at Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, FuboTV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV, Investigation Discovery and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 14, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (229)