In a surprising twist that has streaming analysts buzzing, Netflix's low-budget true crime series Should I Marry a Murderer? has officially dethroned the streamer's splashy action drama Man on Fire in the U.S. charts this May. The three-part Scottish docuseries, which premiered a week before the big-budget thriller, is proving that audiences crave real-life suspense over Hollywood spectacle.
Man on Fire, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, was positioned as Netflix's answer to Prime Video's Reacher and The Terminal List. The seven-episode series, a reimagining of the cult classic Denzel Washington film, has indeed performed well globally, claiming the number one spot worldwide. But domestically, it's a different story—Should I Marry a Murderer? has held the top U.S. position since its release, according to FlixPatrol.
A True Crime Sensation
The series follows a young pathologist from Glasgow whose fiancé, in a moment of drunken honesty, confesses to a hit-and-run that resulted in a death years earlier. Instead of calling for help, he and his twin brother buried the victim on their family ranch in the Scottish Highlands. Over three episodes, the pathologist recounts the moral dilemma, the police's alleged inaction, and her subsequent mental health struggles.
This gripping narrative has resonated deeply with viewers, especially in a year already rich with Netflix true crime hits like The Investigation of Lucy Letby, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, Trust Me: The False Prophet, and The TikTok Killer. Should I Marry a Murderer? currently has no official Rotten Tomatoes score, but all early reviews are positive.
Outpacing Major Titles
The docuseries is outperforming not only Man on Fire but also new seasons of Running Point and Beef, as well as holdover hit Unchosen. Its success echoes the trend of true crime dominating streaming charts, much like other unexpected Netflix hits that have found new life on the platform.
For fans of the genre, this is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more gripping narratives, check out Charlie Cox's underrated spy thriller 'Treason' or the '28 Years Later' duo on Netflix for a weekend binge.
What's Next for Netflix True Crime?
With Should I Marry a Murderer? continuing to dominate, it's clear that Netflix's investment in true crime is paying off. The streamer has a slate of similar titles lined up, and if this trend holds, we can expect more real-life mysteries to capture our collective attention. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for the latest updates on this and other streaming sensations.
