True-crime stories have become increasingly popular in television shows, podcasts, and other media, but critics say that their entertainment value has negative consequences on the subjects of stories and listeners. The Onion looks at the pros and cons of making true-crime stories entertainment.
PRO
Fact you’re listening confirms you haven’t yet been murdered.
Victims actually dead unlike in scripted shows where you’re never really sure.
Provides steady work for Connie Britton.
Great way to learn the details of what exactly happened to your cousin.
Opportunity to learn from other criminals’ mistakes.
CON
Nation’s murderers struggling to keep up with demand for new content.
Not enough female leads.
Desensitizes listener to heinous narrative structuring.
Highlights true danger of having a smile that lights up a room.
Creates unrealistic expectations about what getting murdered really like.
