Watch I'll Be Gone in the Dark

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a true-crime docuseries based on the book of the same name by author Michelle McNamara. The six-part HBO series dives deep into the investigation of the Golden State Killer, a notorious serial rapist and murderer who terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s, and the life and work of McNamara, who devoted much of her career to identifying and capturing the elusive criminal.

The series features a diverse range of interviews with detectives, witnesses, survivors, and loved ones of the victims, as well as McNamara's husband, comedian Patton Oswalt, who narrates the series and provides insight into his wife's personal and professional life. Along with Oswalt, the series features prominent figures in the true-crime world, including fellow author and researcher Paul Haynes, and renowned investigator Billy Jensen.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is not like your typical true-crime series. Instead of presenting a strictly factual and chronological account of the crimes, the series weaves together the story of the investigation with McNamara's own personal journey to identify the killer. This approach adds a level of emotional depth and personal investment to the series that sets it apart from others in the genre.

The show takes viewers on a timeline of the Golden State Killer's crimes, starting with his first known attack in 1976 and spanning over a decade. Through interviews with victims and witnesses, the show presents a harrowing account of the impact the criminal had on people's lives. Despite being one of the most prolific serial criminals in American history, the Golden State Killer was able to evade law enforcement for decades, leading to frustration and confusion amongst investigators and the public alike.

However, the show also highlights the tireless work of the detectives, many of whom spent years and even decades working to bring the killer to justice. Notably, the show brings attention to the use of forensic genealogy to identify and arrest the killer in 2018, a technique that McNamara was instrumental in popularizing through her writing and research.

In addition to the focus on the investigation, the series also delves into the life and work of Michelle McNamara, who tragically passed away in 2016 before the killer was identified. Her book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, was published posthumously and played a major role in drawing attention to the case and ultimately helping to solve it. By interweaving footage of McNamara discussing her work and her personal life, the series provides an intimate portrait of a woman whose passion for justice and dedication to her work inspired many.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a haunting and emotionally resonant true-crime series that explores the profound impact that violent crime can have on victims, their loved ones, and even the investigators who devote their lives to solving them. Through Michelle McNamara's personal journey and the meticulous investigation of the Golden State Killer, the series inspires hope and reinforces the importance of never giving up in the pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, HBO's I'll Be Gone in the Dark provides viewers with a gripping and unique true-crime experience that delves not only into the investigation of a notorious serial criminal but also into the life and work of the author who dedicated so much of her time to finding justice for his victims. With powerful interviews and a deft blend of factual and emotional storytelling, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the true-crime genre.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between June 28, 2020 and on HBO