10 Gripping Shows & Movies Similar to Death by Fame (2023)

Description: Both 'Dirty John' and 'Death by Fame' examine how charismatic individuals can manipulate those around them, often with deadly consequences. They share themes of deception and the dangers of obsession.

Fact: Based on a popular Los Angeles Times podcast. Connie Britton and Eric Bana starred in the first season. The real John Meehan died shortly before the series premiered.

Description: Similar to 'Death by Fame', this series examines how media attention can shape public perception of a crime. Both explore the criminal justice system's flaws and how individuals can be consumed by high-profile cases.

Fact: Originally developed as a BBC series starring James Gandolfini. The show's lead actor, Riz Ahmed, won an Emmy for his performance. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system.

Description: Like 'Death by Fame', 'The Jinx' explores the life of a controversial figure whose actions were heavily scrutinized by the media. Both documentaries examine the psychological complexities of their subjects and the public's fascination with their crimes.

Fact: The documentary's finale featured a shocking moment where Robert Durst appeared to confess to murders while in the bathroom. Durst was arrested on murder charges the day before the finale aired. The filmmakers spent nearly a decade working on the project.

Description: This series shares with 'Death by Fame' a focus on the intersection of crime and public obsession, particularly how a criminal case can captivate a nation. Both explore the psychological impact of crime on victims and investigators.

Fact: Based on Michelle McNamara's book about her search for the Golden State Killer. The killer was identified and arrested shortly after the book's publication. The series includes never-before-seen footage of McNamara's investigation.

Description: Like 'Death by Fame', 'The Act' explores the dark side of fame and the extreme lengths people will go to maintain a public image. Both are based on true stories that captivated the media.

Fact: Based on the shocking true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Patricia Arquette won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Dee Dee Blanchard. The real Gypsy Rose was released from prison during the show's production.

Description: Similar to 'Death by Fame' in its focus on true crime and the darker side of human nature, 'Forensic Files' delves into the details of criminal cases, often involving high-profile individuals. Both shows use a documentary style to explore the intersection of crime and media attention.

Fact: 'Forensic Files' originally aired under the title 'Medical Detectives' before being rebranded. The show has been credited with helping solve real-life cold cases due to its detailed forensic analysis. It's one of the longest-running true crime documentary series, with over 400 episodes.

Description: Both 'The Staircase' and 'Death by Fame' are true crime documentaries that follow high-profile cases over many years, examining how media coverage affects legal proceedings.

Fact: Originally a French documentary before being edited for American audiences. The case involved an owl theory that suggested an owl attacked the victim. The documentary was updated with new episodes as the case developed.

Description: Like 'Death by Fame', this documentary series explores how media attention can influence a criminal case. Both raise questions about justice and the legal system.

Fact: Filmmakers spent 10 years documenting the case. The series led to worldwide attention on Steven Avery's case. It sparked debates about wrongful convictions and police misconduct.

Description: Similar to 'Death by Fame', this series examines controversial cases where media attention may have influenced outcomes. Both explore the psychological aspects of confessions and justice.

Fact: Focuses exclusively on cases involving disputed confessions. Several featured cases have since been re-examined due to the series. The show uses actual interrogation footage in its episodes.

Description: Like 'Death by Fame', this documentary explores a bizarre crime that captured national attention. Both examine how media coverage can shape public perception of complex cases.

Fact: Focuses on the infamous 'pizza bomber' case. The mastermind behind the crime was a woman named Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. The case involved one of the most complex bank robbery plots in history.