Watch Murdertown

Murdertown is a true crime documentary series produced by the British television network, Crime + Investigation. Originally broadcast in 2018, the show is a riveting depiction of some of Britain's most notorious murder cases that have taken place within small towns and villages throughout the country.

Each episode of Murdertown is presented by actress Katherine Kelly, known for her performances in hit British television series such as Mr Selfridge and Coronation Street. Kelly guides the audience through each of the murder cases, starting with the location where the crime occurred. Kelly's narration combined with interviews and archival footage help construct a vivid picture of the towns and the people who call them home, all while emphasizing how each community was shaken to the core by the heinous crimes that took place within them.

The show isn't just about one specific murder case or perpetrator per episode, rather it is an exploration of the impact a murder has on a small town or community. With the help of interviews with local residents and law enforcement, the series paints a picture of how the murder shook the fabric of the community and how it left a lasting impact on their way of life.

One of the highlights of the series is the analysis provided by forensic psychologist, Emilia Fox. Her insight into the minds and motives of the perpetrators shed light on some of the most harrowing crimes committed within each town.

Anita Rani, a BBC television presenter, also appears on the series. She interviews residents who live near the crime scene as well as journalists who covered the cases. Her interviews lend a valuable perspective into how the murders affected those who lived in the communities.

The show takes viewers through complex cases involving both well-known and lesser-known individuals. Each case is presented in an informative and gripping way, highlighting the police investigation while also providing insight into the victim’s personal lives. The detail put into each episode is impressive, with the storytelling and visuals being strong enough to leave viewers to reflect on how such a heinous act occurred within otherwise peaceful places.

Throughout the course of the show, several sad and baffling stories are recounted, such as the murder of a teenager in Milton Keynes, the mysterious death of a landlady and the disappearance of jazz promoter Mark Ashley-Cooper in Cardiff.

In Milton Keynes, the case of Leah Croucher who disappeared without a trace in 2019 is explored. The town had never experienced anything like this before, which made the case all the more harrowing. The program discussed how the community had failed to come together and offer support as this family was left struggling and looking for answers.

Cardiff’s fascinating case is that of the wealthy and flamboyant jazz promoter, Mark Ashley-Cooper. He disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and the show dives into the details of the case including the extensive search party efforts put in place by the police. The show was able to showcase another side of the victim and viewers were able to see how his disappearance led to his loved ones and the larger community to conduct an extensive search which ultimately earned a nationwide following.

Murdertown stands out because of its distinct approach to exploring the impact of murder on smaller communities. The show is able to bring to life the locations in a visceral way and painted a much more complex picture than just the usual news headlines. Impeccable storytelling and production design make it difficult to look away. The tone of the show is respectful to the memory of the victims and their loved ones, while also shining a light on the dedicated work of law enforcement officials in the face of harrowing and often gruesome crimes.

Overall, Murdertown is a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of crime and community. Although the cases the show tackles are undeniably horrific, the way in which Murdertown pieces them together is both engaging and fascinating. Viewers will finish each episode with a newfound appreciation for the close-knit communities that surround them, as well as a deep concern for the darker corners of society.

Murdertown is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on September 3, 2018.