Watch Beauty Queen Murders

Beauty Queen Murders is a true crime television series that aired on the Investigation Discovery channel from 2013 to 2014. The show features dramatized reenactments of some of the most infamous beauty queen murders in history. The show runs for a total of 12 episodes.

Each episode of Beauty Queen Murders focuses on a different real-life case, and delves into the lives of the victims leading up to their tragic endings. The stories are told through a combination of interviews with family members and law enforcement officials, as well as dramatic scenes featuring actors playing the victims and suspects.

The series is hosted by J.R. Craig, who provides a narration throughout the episodes. Craig sets the tone for the show, providing context and insight into each case as it unfolds.

The first episode, titled "Innocent, Pretty Dead", explores the murder of South Carolina beauty queen Crystal Faye Todd. In 1991, Todd was abducted from her job at a local video store and brutally murdered. The episode chronicles her last days, as well as the investigation that led to her killer's arrest.

Other episodes of the series explore the murder of beauty queen-turned-bail bondsman, Jackie Johns, in Missouri; the gruesome killing of former Miss USA contestant Valerie McNair in California; and the case of Wendy Von Huben, a beauty queen from Wisconsin who was murdered by her ex-husband.

Despite the fact that each episode centers around a different case, there are common themes that run throughout the series. One of the most chilling is the idea of beauty pageants as a sort of high-stakes game, where competitors are forced to navigate a world of jealousy, backstabbing, and aggression. The show suggests that this sort of environment can lead to deadly outcomes, particularly for those who do not emerge victorious.

But the show is not just about beauty queens. It also examines the fraught relationships between parents and children, the dangers of jealous lovers, and the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officials when trying to solve crimes that have already captured the public's attention.

The series is well-produced, with high-quality production values and a slick, professional feel. The use of actors in reenactments is particularly effective, adding a level of drama and tension to the stories that might be lacking in a purely documentary-style format.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the show, however, is the respect and sensitivity it shows towards the victims and their families. While the show certainly doesn't shy away from the gory details of these infamous crimes, it never feels exploitative or insensitive. Instead, it focuses on telling the victims' stories in a way that honors their memory and acknowledges the tragedy of their loss.

Overall, Beauty Queen Murders is a gripping, well-made true crime series that will appeal to fans of the genre. While the subject matter can be dark and disturbing at times, the show is always respectful and thoughtful in its approach. Whether you're interested in true crime stories, or simply enjoy well-made television, this series is definitely worth checking out.

Beauty Queen Murders is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between October 1, 2013 and on Investigation Discovery