Watch House of Horrors: Kidnapped

House of Horrors: Kidnapped is a true crime TV series produced by Investigation Discovery that premiered in 2014. The show features the stories of individuals who have been kidnapped and held captive for a prolonged period of time in the confines of their captor's home. The series explores the psychological aspects of what drives people to commit such heinous acts as well as the trauma and resilience of the victims who survive these ordeals.

Ben Patrick Johnson serves as the narrator of the show, providing depth and context to the events as they unfold. Audrey Graziano, a former police detective, serves as the primary investigator for the cases featured in the series. Graziano’s vast experience in law enforcement brings a unique perspective to the show as she dissects the crime scenes and gathers clues to piece together these harrowing stories. Karen Dadey, a forensic psychologist, offers valuable insights into the psychological profiles of the victims and the perpetrators involved in these chilling crimes.

The show begins each episode with a brief introduction to the victim, including their name, age, and a few personal details about their life prior to the kidnapping. The series is unique in that it focuses on one specific case per episode, allowing viewers to delve deep into the details of each case without distractions. Each episode of the series is approximately 45 minutes long, with a clear beginning, middle, and end that often features interviews with the investigators, victim, and family members.

The cases featured in the show are particularly gripping as they are all true stories. Viewers can expect to see re-enactments of the events as they unfold, providing a vivid and sometimes graphic portrayal of the trauma the victims experienced. The crimes are often labeled as "house of horrors" due to the conditions in which many of the victims are held captive. These are usually basements or other secluded areas of suspected individuals' homes, where victims are hidden from the outside world and may not see daylight for weeks, months, or even years.

One particularly heart-wrenching episode features the story of Ariel Castro, who kidnapped three women and held them captive in his home for over a decade. The episode explores the psychological manipulation and abuse that the victims endured during their captivity, as well as the incredible strength and resilience that allowed them to eventually escape. Audrey Graziano's investigation into this case provides unique insights into the mind of a criminal who could inflict such unspeakable horrors on another human being.

Another episode features the story of a young girl who was kidnapped and held captive in her abductor's basement for over a year. The girl was eventually freed after she managed to escape and alert a nearby neighbor, who quickly called the police. The episode focuses on the herculean effort required to escape such a captivity, as well as the psychological and emotional scars that victims often carry long after they have been rescued.

Overall, House of Horrors: Kidnapped is a must-watch series for anyone interested in true crime or the psychology of criminal behavior. The series is a captivating and heartbreaking look into the lives of individuals who have been cruelly taken from their families and friends and forced to endure horrifying ordeals. Burnett notes that the intent was not really to make the viewer's skin crawl with stories of intense violence, but rather to focus on how quickly life can change for individuals, and why understanding the human mind, its limits, and its strengths is crucial.

House of Horrors: Kidnapped is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (35 episodes). The series first aired on February 26, 2014.