User reviews

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!

I wasn't sure to watch it l, but from the first episode I was enjoying and surprised by the cast, image and great narrative of the show.

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.

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

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!

I love this show! The actual detective narrates, and the actors so far are spot on!!!

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.

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.

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.

Certainly not by people who watch the show. I couldn't make it past the second episode. The real detectives themselves and all the professionals that solved these crimes are amazing peeople for what they have experienced. The reenactments are absolutely ridiculous!

Overacting to a level I haven't seen since high school drama class. The lead detective character in the second episode was hilarious. If he was a real detective his unprofessionalism and conduct would have deeply compromised the investigation.

This is great entertainment. Great to watch when youre at a party.

The reenactments in reality do a great diservice to those that worked on these cases and more so the victims and their families. In a way its shameful.

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'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!

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!

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.

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).

I have watched countless cold case, and real life murder case, programmes and this one is the very best, hands down! Gripping, moving, beautifully and empathetically acted. Bring on another season please!

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.

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.

If you like crime you will love this. I really hope season 3 comes out very soon I would definitely recommend this.

True crime stories told by the real investigators and rebuild with pretty decent actors.

9/10

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.

This one is exceptional. in the line of "the detectives".. also brilliant, check it out. now, normally i am not a fan of re-enactments and dramatisations - which tends to end up in ridiculous sensationalism - but this one, through the choice of known and well chosen actors (as the detectives) lends the whole thing - in my opinion - a nice dimension. the story doesn't get lost and it feels very authentic. it is narrated by the detective on the case with no intrusive commentary of other people. i really loved it and wish there were more seasons... please make more!