American Monster (2016)
A chilling true crime documentary series exposing killers who hide behind ordinary lives, told through real home video footage.
American Monster - Series Information
- Original Title: American Monster
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 13
- Number of Episodes: 130
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 1, 2016 (United States - TV-14), June 1, 2016 (Germany - 16), June 1, 2016 (France - 16), June 1, 2016 (Australia - M), June 1, 2016 (Brazil - 14), June 1, 2016 (Mexico - B), June 1, 2016 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Investigation Discovery
- Alternative Titles: 美国怪物 (CN), Monstres à l'américaine (CA)
- Production Companies: Discovery, Arrow Media
- Production Countries: United States of America
American Monster - Plot
Monsters can be found lurking behind any innocent smile and on any street corner in America. Never-before-seen-video footage stares straight into the eyes of these killers who hide in plain sight. Anyone can be a monster.
American Monster - Trailer
See the darkness hiding behind ordinary faces in this official look at the series:
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American Monster - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tom Streithorst
- Robert Firth
- Katherine Ramsland
- Michael S. Lazorick
- Sean D. Gaston
- Erin Lampart
- Tim Kent
- Fil Waters
- Ramon Sosa
- Henrihs Ahmadejevs
American Monster - FAQs
Is American Monster based on real true crime cases?
Every case featured in American Monster is drawn from real events. The series spotlights actual murders committed by ordinary people — neighbors, spouses, and colleagues — using never-before-seen home video footage and firsthand accounts to reconstruct how these killers concealed their true nature from those closest to them.
What makes American Monster different from other true crime shows?
The show's defining feature is its use of real home video footage captured before, during, or after the crimes — giving viewers an unsettling window into the everyday lives of killers. This raw, intimate material sets it apart from dramatized true crime series and creates a deeply unnerving sense of proximity to the events.
Where can you stream American Monster?
American Monster is available to stream on Hulu, HBO Max, Discovery+, YouTube TV, Philo, and Investigation Discovery. You can also buy episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include The Roku Channel and Spectrum On Demand.
How many seasons does American Monster have?
American Monster has aired 13 seasons since its debut in June 2016, accumulating 130 episodes in total. The series remains in active production and continues to return with new cases, making it one of Investigation Discovery's longest-running true crime franchises.
Who are the key contributors featured in American Monster?
The series features narrators Tom Streithorst and Robert Firth, forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland, and Houston Police Department detective Fil Waters, among others. Their expert commentary and firsthand perspectives help contextualize the crimes and provide insight into the psychology behind each case.
Is American Monster still airing new episodes in 2025?
Yes, American Monster is still actively producing new content. Season 13 aired in 2025, confirming the series remains in production. Investigation Discovery has continued to renew the show, reflecting its sustained popularity among true crime audiences over nearly a decade on air.
Is American Monster worth watching for true crime fans?
For fans of the genre, it delivers a compelling and often chilling experience. The use of authentic home video footage adds a layer of realism rarely found in true crime television. With 130 episodes across 13 seasons, there's no shortage of cases to explore, and the format keeps each story tightly focused and engaging.
What shows are similar to American Monster?
If you enjoy American Monster, you'll likely appreciate Snapped, Evil Lives Here, Fear Thy Neighbor, and See No Evil — all of which explore crimes committed by people hiding dark secrets in ordinary lives. Dateline and People Magazine Investigates offer a similarly investigative, interview-driven approach to real criminal cases.
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