2 best true crime shows on Netflix (and 1 to skip)

Netflix true-crime shows can be a hit or miss. Here are three that we want to focus on.

Modesto Police Search For Missing Pregnant Woman
Modesto Police Search For Missing Pregnant Woman | Getty Images/GettyImages

In recent years, Netflix has been adamant in its pursuit of true crime. That's not surprising given the popularity of the genre. And while the streamer faces some tough competition, it's managed to hold its own.

When it comes to true crime, Netflix tends to look far and wide. For instance, it examined the murder of Chilean musician and activist Victor Jara in the documentary ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium. That said, there are also times when Netflix covers cases closer to home, such as the gruesome murder of Shannan Watts and her two children at the hands of her husband Chris Watts.

Meanwhile, when it comes to true crime shows, Netflix pursues a wide variety of stories. Sometimes, it successfully delivers an in-depth look into a case. That said, the streamer's efforts also sometimes fall flat. Here's a look at what's worth watching and what you should skip.

Watch: Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

In the Netflix docuseries Don't F**k with Cats, a group online sleuths get together to track down a man with a disturbing fascination over cats. It all started in 2010 when a Canadian named Luka Magnotta started posting videos of himself torturing and killing kittens for fun.

Not long after, Magnotta's crimes escalated, filming himself as he murdered then dismembered a Chinese national named Lin Jun, who is said to be Magnotta's ex-lover. Magnotta has since been convicted of his crimes and is staying in a medium-security prison.

Mark Geragos, Scott Peterson, Pat Harris
Scott Peterson Trial Continues | Pool/GettyImages

Watch: American Murder: Laci Peterson

It is a tragic case that continues to haunt many today. On the Christmas Eve of 2002, a heavily pregnant Laci Peterson seemingly vanishes into thin air. As the search for her continues, the interest in her husband, Scott Peterson, intensifies especially after a woman named Amber Frey comes forward and confesses to having an affair with him.

Laci's body would be found several months later in April 2003 and Scott would be taken into custody shortly after. American Murder: Laci Peterson follows Scott's trial as Laci's family and friends fight for justice.

Skip: Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel

The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles has always had a disturbing past. The establishment has been linked to several murders and suicides since it started welcoming guests in 1927.

Years later, in 2013, a Vancouver student named Elisa Lam seemingly disappeared after being spotted riding an elevator in the hotel. Tragically, Lam's body would eventually be found inside a water located on the hotel's roof. The incident would later be ruled an accident.

Despite this, the Netflix docuseries explores several conspiracy theories regarding Lam's death, which many consider to be in poor taste.

Stay tuned with Precinct TV for all your favorite crime dramas and true crime series.