M. Night Shyamalan and I Talk Serial Killers: Why Is America So Obsessed with Them?

M. Night Shyamalan, Serial Killers, and America's True Crime Obsession 🔪

In this episode, we explore how true crime and serial killers are portrayed in media, from morally complex characters like Dexter to M. Night Shyamalan’s The Trap. We dive into the cultural and psychological fascination with these stories, discussing their origins, their impact on victims, and whether this obsession is uniquely American. M. Night Shyamalan also shares insights into his film The Trap and its exploration of serial killer narratives. Join us for an engaging look at how crime storytelling shapes our perceptions of reality and ourselves.

Refined Timestamps:

0:00-2:00: Movies and shows reflecting societal fascination with true crime and serial killers. 2:00-4:00: Why audiences relate to or root for morally ambiguous characters like Dexter. 4:00-4:41: Shyamalan's The Trap: Its themes and how it compares to similar narratives. 4:41-6:00: Non-fiction shows like The Act and how they changed how we engage with crime stories online. 6:00-7:30: The impact on victims and how they experience their stories being told in media. 7:30-9:15: Where did the fascination begin? A look back at the 1970s. 9:15-10:40: The psychology behind the obsession with true crime stories. 10:40-13:00: M. Night Shyamalan discusses The Trap and serial killers in media. 13:00-16:00: How too much true crime content can distort our perception of reality. 16:00+: Are serial killers a uniquely American phenomenon? Why does the U.S. report it so much?