Streaming platforms are flooded with wildly popular documentaries about serial killers and violent crimes, drawing millions of viewers. For some, these shows are thrilling or educational; for others, they glamorize horror and reduce real victims’ suffering to entertainment. The trend raises difficult questions about how we consume media that sensationalizes evil.
I've never been a huge fan of murder documentaries, but from Netflix's top 10 lists to YouTube binge sessions, I can acknowledge both sides of the coin: Some watch to understand the psychology of evil, find justice, or explore the truth behind clickbait headlines. Others, however, worry that this constant exposure might just dull our empathy and genuine concern for others overall. Instead of mourning the tragedies, we've turned them into entertainment.
As Christians, this dilemma should cause us to pause and ask one question: Not, "is this allowed or okay?" but "is this helpful?" (1 Corinthians 10:23). When real suffering is packaged as entertainment, how can we discern what is edifying, resist desensitization to evil, and remember that every victim is a person made in God’s image? And how do we navigate this curiosity with caution in a culture that blurs the lines between education and entertainment?
Curiosity, Caution, and What Scripture Says about Evil
On the surface, true crime, serial killer, and murder documentaries draw us in because they're psychologically fascinating. We want to know why humans do what they do, and what happens as a result. We struggle to understand what draws us to the darkness within us and all around us. We're also drawn to justice when good people are wronged.
According to Philippians 4:8, Scripture guides us in our thinking and consumption of media. While there's no way to avoid the evil of this world inherently, we're told to watch and be mindful of what we think: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (NIV). As Christians, we're also told in Romans 12:9 to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. But what does this look like in a world filled with so much injustice and hate?
Our creator wired us for story and justice. I do not believe it's wrong to seek to understand the evil in this world. We long to understand human brokenness and see truth prevail. But there's a necessary caution with this longing. When curiosity turns into mass consumption, or empathy turns into binge-eating entertainment, we've lost the point. Something sacred and deeper has been lost.
Most commonly, we see this in individuals obsessed with violent video games or dark psychological shows. However, a recent insight from social science notes that we all need to be on guard. Constant exposure to violence doesn't just desensitize us, but it also increases anxiety. This applies to first-hand violence and second-hand violence experienced through a screen.
God doesn't ask us to ignore the evil in this world, but rather to discern how we engage with it. While every person must judge their own convictions with the Lord, Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to keep pure intentions at the forefront of our minds: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (NIV).
Every Victim Has a Name and Every Life Bears God’s Image
From the beginning of time, God has given each person a unique and special identity. We're His children, created in His image. Sadly, our world has distorted this dignity rooted in Genesis 1:27. Every person, victim and perpetrator included, is made in God's image.
The films and documentaries we consume (regardless of whether they involve true crime or not) can either honor a story or exploit the truth. Much like news channels can distort facts to heighten consumption, the stories we watch on media platforms hang in the balance of these tensions, too.
When documentaries are handled with empathy and truth, they can highlight justice, help prevent future harm, and encourage us to take action. When they sensationalize pain, replay trauma, show gruesome and unnecessary details, or turn killers into celebrities, however, they are distorting God's design for human worth in exchange for temporary and fatal entertainment. Again, what you watch is between you and the Lord, but I would encourage you to reflect on these questions:
-Before you press "play," ask yourself: "Will this grow my compassion or numb it?"
-"Am I watching because this is trendy or I'm truly interested?"
-"Will this fuel the evil desires within me, or propel me to seek justice for a marginalized and hurting generation?"
Jesus never turned away from suffering, but he also didn't watch it for fun. He stepped into the most horrific circumstances to redeem those who were hurting, and we're called to do the same. Today, you and I have a choice to consume stories that shape our hearts toward mercy and truth, not morbid, distorted, or gruesome fascination.
How to Let Peace, Not Popularity, Shape Your Choices
If you're stuck between watching these wildly popular shows and evaluating the intentions of your heart, I'd encourage you to pray before you watch. I know it's tempting, but ask the Lord to help you see these stories as truth—real people who have been hurt and need to be redeemed.
Next, take time to honestly reflect on your heart and what the Lord might be telling you. Ask Him: "Does this stir compassion in me, or fear? After watching, will I be consumed with empathy or emptiness? What are my motives for consumption?"
After your decision, seek justice actively. If you choose to watch the film, pray for the real victims and their families. If you choose not to watch the film, choose to do the same. We can support anti-violence ministries and take a stand for justice regardless of whether we're in the know of the latest trending documentaries or not.
Finally, remember to guard your peace. Philippians 4:7 promises us that God's peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Remember to think about what's right, true, honorable, and pure. And above all, don't trade that peace for fickle entertainment that will be here today and gone tomorrow.
Friends, this discernment isn't about legalism, but love for God and His people. He wants us to care for ourselves well—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and that includes being mindful about what we watch and promote. You and I don't have to choose between awareness and holiness, because by His power within us, we can walk wisely in both.
A Prayer to Be Wise in What We Watch on TV
Dear God,
We live in such a messy and chaotic world. One full of violence, despair, and where true crimes are turned into hit documentaries. In a society that profits from pain, please teach us to see others with compassion. Help us honor the image that you've given your people, and see everyone through your eyes. Give us your wisdom in what we watch and share, and show us how we can stand for truth. When curiosity tempts us towards numbness, call us back to compassion and empathy. May every story we engage with or be a part of draw us closer to you and the eternal redemption of your people. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters
