I have often been tearful by the end of an episode as the stories told by the detective involved has obviously had an enormous impact on their own personal lives. They have lived and breathed the case, often sacrificing their own happiness in their private lives, either with family, or the battle with some form of alcoholic addiction needed to cope and numb the pain. You cannot help but feel for these policemen who have dedicated so much mentally to get justice for the victims, who are often children, which makes it even more heartbreaking as the empathetic viewer I am. Only a few true crime documentaries have ever had me so hooked. Another of note being "Homicide Hunter" with Lt Joe Kenda. These stories will have you hooked from start to finish!
44 Reviews
The Real Emotional Investment of Real Detectives...And Some Horrible Crimes Solved.
AudioFileZ1 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Real Detective isn't just another true crime show with catchy name. In this case the show differentiates itself and the name is accurate. Each episode is told from interviewing a detective who actually worked the case. The interviews are filled in by well written re-enactments often with actors normally seen in higher profile TV productions. The story of the detective who is highly invested in the case comes to life with that law officer's very real personal feelings. Some of the cases are ones you've heard of, perhaps even seeing in other productions, and there's others that remain mostly regional and little known. It's a good mix with a common thread of the cases requiring excellent police work for their resolutions. The viewer isn't left hanging either as the cases reach resolution. A added plus which is hard not to appreciate is the absence of the seemingly de riguer time wasting (if you've watched from the beginning) recap. This is a business like re-telling of crime with high production values. I'd call it a very involving crime series with more very interesting episodes. I won't go into the ultimate 100% accuracy as I can't vouch for that. I've read a review that questions this so use that information guardedly. I think it attempts to tell it straight with the personal slant of the detective involved as best I can tell. I recommend this show as a markedly better re-enactment type within the genre.
Surprised for the production values!!
avila-abraham1 January 2019
Gripping, Dazzling, Great.
Bronco4616 January 2016
I can't get over how good this show is! The show, each week follows one murder case and the detective who investigated it. The detectives appear and narrate as the story is recreated by actors. The stories are very well told. And the honesty of the real life reactions to the retelling of these stories is incredibly engaging. These detectives have been scarred for life by these experiences. The wear and tear on them has worn into their faces. And can be heard in their voices. The recreations are very well cast. And the production value of each episode is incredible. The look and feel of this series is just great. Not something I was expecting from a TV show. The cinematography is warm and rich. Something you'd expect on the big screen. The title design really grabs you. The images cause you watch every moment even if you've DVR'd it (and you could just blaze past it). This is really excellent television. And if you like a factual retelling of the investigation of homicides. You'll love this show.
Excellent portrayal of real crimes and the people who investigate them
gtkmac5 August 2017
I have really enjoyed both season 1 and 2 and cannot wait for season 3. The depiction of real crimes re-enacted and narrated by those who investigated them is an excellent concept and makes for enjoyable viewing. Anyone who is involved in law enforcement, forensics, legal, crime stories, corrections etc, will be able to relate to stories told. I found myself in trenched in the easy to follow episodes. I highly recommend watching both seasons. Well done to those involved
SSN. 2 -Opening episode sets a high bar!
alexsullmaj24 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
THERE MAY BE TEENY TINY LITTLE BABY SPOILERS IN HERE BUT I really don't think so. Either way, carry on at your own Peril!!! 😈
I'll keep this as short as possible. I enjoyed every episode of season one and found the show to be particularly unique Within Discovery ID's lexicon. Therefore when I found out that a second season had been released I was only that much more anticipatory.
The atmosphere of the show is excellent: dark, brooding, and the addition of the detectives themselves lends its own "jena se qua" to the atmosphere. Having them drive the story with, not only their insider info, but their emotional involvement as well. Really lends an authentic and true-to-heart aspect to the storytelling that "Discovery-ID" tends to miss the ball on. The show is not all runnin' and gunnin', chasing the perp down for satisfying endings. We've seen that, OK, let's do something different and here it is!
Right off the bat you can tell this show is different. You can see, very clearly, that the detectives involved have been deeply emotionally and physically impacted by their respective cases. The stories are difficult for them to tell and therefore, make for a truly Visceral viewing experience. It is cold, worrisome, and expressively melancholic. However, they have managed to do that in the most sincere and eloquent of ways, so that none of the gloom feels forced in any way. It is natural, and it is authentic, and it is human life as it relates to human loss on the grandest of scales. That being the family, of course.
I HIGHLY recommend this show, there are things to be gained from such viewing, it is worthwhile television at its best. S02E01 IS AN episode that absolutely had my jaw on the floor, if all TV and storytelling were that good I would never get anything done! Thanks to the cast of "REAL DETECTIVE" for doing what you do because this guy HIGHLY appreciates it!
Sincerely,
Leonard Sullivan
P.s. Season 2 was EVEN BETTER than the previous, so kudos to you!
I'll keep this as short as possible. I enjoyed every episode of season one and found the show to be particularly unique Within Discovery ID's lexicon. Therefore when I found out that a second season had been released I was only that much more anticipatory.
The atmosphere of the show is excellent: dark, brooding, and the addition of the detectives themselves lends its own "jena se qua" to the atmosphere. Having them drive the story with, not only their insider info, but their emotional involvement as well. Really lends an authentic and true-to-heart aspect to the storytelling that "Discovery-ID" tends to miss the ball on. The show is not all runnin' and gunnin', chasing the perp down for satisfying endings. We've seen that, OK, let's do something different and here it is!
Right off the bat you can tell this show is different. You can see, very clearly, that the detectives involved have been deeply emotionally and physically impacted by their respective cases. The stories are difficult for them to tell and therefore, make for a truly Visceral viewing experience. It is cold, worrisome, and expressively melancholic. However, they have managed to do that in the most sincere and eloquent of ways, so that none of the gloom feels forced in any way. It is natural, and it is authentic, and it is human life as it relates to human loss on the grandest of scales. That being the family, of course.
I HIGHLY recommend this show, there are things to be gained from such viewing, it is worthwhile television at its best. S02E01 IS AN episode that absolutely had my jaw on the floor, if all TV and storytelling were that good I would never get anything done! Thanks to the cast of "REAL DETECTIVE" for doing what you do because this guy HIGHLY appreciates it!
Sincerely,
Leonard Sullivan
P.s. Season 2 was EVEN BETTER than the previous, so kudos to you!
Absolutely top-notch!
Bullboy013 August 2020
I'm a BIG true-crime addict, and have been watching true crime TV for over 30 years. This show ranks with the best ever series that I've seen. The show has got to be one of the most expensive ever. The production values are fantastic, and many of the episodes star actors who, if not famous, are excellent character actors that I've seen many times and I'm sure others would recognize from many films and TV shows: Michael Madsen, Tahmoh Penikett, Louis Ferreira, etc. I usually don't like the dramatizations on most true crime TV, but the recreations on this show are excellent. But ultimately, what really sets the series apart are the presenters - always the detectives that worked the original case. They've all been deeply affected by these cases, and it shows. This makes Real Detective perhaps the most moving of any true crime documentaries shows on television. Kudos to the show runners and everyone involved. I hope there are many more seasons!
Dramatization and incorrect description of events
singlepeaceflow11 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
While watching the show, it can be quite entertaining.
Blending actual descriptions by the investigating detectives with acted out footage of the events sounds like a great recipe for an amazing show.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show until I started actually reading up on the cases involved and was quite disappointed for a number of reasons, but let's skip to the main one.
The facts from the investigations and the arrests themselves do not match what is portrayed in the documentary. Sometimes this is through omission, watch nearly any episode then look up the case (especially the finale ep1-08), and you will find tons of details ignores or almost falsified through their depiction. At least it doesn't come from the homicide detective mouth, almost always from what they decide to depict in the acted out footage.
I'd love to hear what the detectives that poured their heart out into this thing have to hear from the final cut, but I have a feeling it is isn't great.
That being said, just watch it and don't do research and it is a top 90% pseudo crime documentary show.
Blending actual descriptions by the investigating detectives with acted out footage of the events sounds like a great recipe for an amazing show.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show until I started actually reading up on the cases involved and was quite disappointed for a number of reasons, but let's skip to the main one.
The facts from the investigations and the arrests themselves do not match what is portrayed in the documentary. Sometimes this is through omission, watch nearly any episode then look up the case (especially the finale ep1-08), and you will find tons of details ignores or almost falsified through their depiction. At least it doesn't come from the homicide detective mouth, almost always from what they decide to depict in the acted out footage.
I'd love to hear what the detectives that poured their heart out into this thing have to hear from the final cut, but I have a feeling it is isn't great.
That being said, just watch it and don't do research and it is a top 90% pseudo crime documentary show.
Real Detective Rocks!
Beetlescott21 March 2018
Very average
djlgoals14 April 2021
Some of the acting is good, some of the acting is downright terrible. Most of the plots are irritatingly straightforward, with the actors/interviewees being somewhere between negligent and copaganda. Basic, basic mistakes that even the most casual of true crime viewers can see through. I'm sure that the show misses out some steps, and that the cases are more complex than they are shown, but the fact is that these are bang average episodes with predictable "twists", and bang average acting.
Interesting for the content of awful cases that I would otherwise have never known about, but basically cheap and limited recreations of horrific events.
Decent enough series to watch as long as you aren't expecting to be blown away by the depth and quality of the show itself.
Interesting for the content of awful cases that I would otherwise have never known about, but basically cheap and limited recreations of horrific events.
Decent enough series to watch as long as you aren't expecting to be blown away by the depth and quality of the show itself.
Amazing programme
chlomariiehemdale15 February 2019
Loved every episode, was an amazing re-enactment, and the characters really seemed realistic. Sad stories did make me cry, especially when it was talking about children's murders, but it was amazing to be able to see how the detectives and sergeants were able to bring the killers to justice.
Nice concept but...
janoffpeter27 January 2019
I like the idea of mixing the drama of each case with the true real life detective narrative interview. The series is seriously flwaed in that several of the vehicles usedlook far too modern to be on 80s roads. Some of the clothing and jargon are also too modern. I like the acting and the script but some the delivery just isn't from that era although it does squeeze by. All in all very watchable if you're willing to overlook props like Microsoft laptops with webcams polygraphs instead of the old fashioned kind that look mote like a fuss ball table.i mean laptops with webcams? Oops.
Reasonably well acted, but soooo many inconsistencies and continuity errors
garnet-suss16 July 2020
The show strays VERY far from the facts of the actual cases. Also, the amount of continuity errors is downright lazy and extremely irritating.
2015 vehicles did not exist in the 80's, nor did laptops, or half of the clothes that the actors wear, or their hairstyles. Some of the props and costumes are accurate, but most aren't. It would have been better if they had just set all the cases in the 2000's rather than having it all over the map.
Otherwise, it's a decent series. If it weren't for the issues I stated above, I'd give it a 7/10.
Just so amazing
alsoufi27 March 2019
I'm really touched I like this show so much the actors was good and looked similar to the real victims and it's hurt me so much to know there's such a cold hearted people living around us.
I can't express what I feel right now but it's a lightning for us to know about those crimes to be extra careful in life specially kids :(
I can't express what I feel right now but it's a lightning for us to know about those crimes to be extra careful in life specially kids :(
Real Detective -What I saw & what I thought
tedsmyspace-3334030 January 2019
I've recently been on a true crime show binge & I've seen some good shows. It doesn't matter what genre you talk about because every genre has great shows, while others are so bad they're laughable. While on my latest binge I came across Real Detective & was immediately surprised to see Michael Madsen in the very first episode of the show. After it I was afraid that would be a serious drop-off on actors after that, right? WRONG! Every episode delivered in every sense of what great shows should be, and then some. I was angry that I breezed thru all of the episodes in no time, I should've savored each & taken my time. If we get a Season 3 I'll have to try & control myself! Sure, some of them still occasionally find a show or an episode featuring actors that weren't good enough for community theater but overall been impressed with some of them. Then I came across this show & kept putting off watching but don't remember why! There hasn't been an episode that wasn't amazing & was essentially a 42 minute feature film. Production values are high but the actors are SO TALENTED! If you haven't watched this show DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!
Incredible.
belleverite3362627 July 2020
Not every episode is a 10, but many are an absolute 10. These are stories I'll never forget. Season 2 ep 1 is excellent and bittersweet.
I've seen nearly all the ID discovery shows and never give them a ten. This show does it right. Love it!
That's what I call bad acting...
petros14712 January 2020
Despite the interesting plot, acting is not at its best. A lot of goofs have been noticed like the polygraph connected to a laptop. Helloooo...it's 1989, there were hardly any desktops (huge) back then. Even the shoes of a boy were brand new (New Balance).
So good - wish there was more
tay-sedai15 April 2020
I watched this on Netflix as soon as I noticed it, and thought it was extremely well done. It's a mix of acting and real life interviews, and the actors did a really good job of doing the sad stories told in the series justice.
I think this show should have continued, but I suppose all good things must come to an end sometime.
I think this show should have continued, but I suppose all good things must come to an end sometime.
Good cops. Real Heroes.
akola-8792118 November 2019
Can there be any thing more serious and as bad as having to deal with such vile, inhumane acts of murderers. especially when total innocence belongs to the victims. These police officers deserve the highest praise possible.
Detective CW is one true great guy of high integrity.
This concept on portraying crime sets a new standard, pushing hype back where it belongs.
All the detectives should know that the people are so appreciative of their high personal commitment to duty.
Brilliant series.
Well done with some serious flaws
jimparrett11 June 2017
I've tried to make it through several of these episodes but it becomes a frustrating exercise. As others have pointed out, the editing becomes confusing and difficult to follow, especially when vacillating between interviews with the actual detectives and recreations. But it is the sound mixing that really destroys it all for me. The music is loud and never stops. Worst, especially in season one, the music often overwhelms the detectives' narration so I have to keep rewinding to try to decipher the words. This abuse of the subjects to keep up a flashy presentation takes away from becoming involved in the story line. Saying that, season 2 is much better sound wise as the voices are clear and out-front. But that crappy, omnipresent music is still a distraction, taking away from the impact of the acting and story line. The makers of this series don't seem to understand the power of background music is in its sparing use. Pity, because this really is a decent series full of interesting cases, told in interesting ways. Just too bad about the overactive editing and gratuitous music. Because of these serious drawbacks, I can't recommend this series. Each episode starts off with great promise only to drive the viewer away within 20 minutes.
Best of the Genre
babsresident3 September 2019
Finally, a teal documentary of real life heroes
linasharar25 May 2020
I pray there will be more seasons. After watching it, i cannot watch all those cis, law and order (Boston legal is my classic for law) .
As good as forensic files. I put it aside for a while and only 2 days ago i decided to give it a go and now i regret watching all seasons because like an addict i need more..
I never cried in a crime documentary but this one is so real that i felt i was right there living it with them feeling their journey of investigations in their own words (again like forensic files). it earned its title. Hope there will be more.
Absolutely Gripping
columbialuver14 August 2019
It took me a bit to get into the show but the final episode in Season 1 hooked me enough to continue to Season 2 which was even better than the first. I'd love to see more of this show. The first person account of the Detective is remarkable. These people are heros for doing what they do.
See also
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