The Ripper

Watch The Ripper

  • TV-MA
  • 2020
  • 1 Season
  • 7.1  (11,163)

The Ripper is a gripping true crime documentary series on Netflix that explores the heinous crimes of the "Yorkshire Ripper," also known as Peter Sutcliffe, who terrorized the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The four-part series provides detailed insight into the investigation and the emotional impact that Sutcliffe's crimes had on the local community and the nation as a whole.

The series opens with a brief introduction to the crimes committed by Sutcliffe and the subsequent police investigation. It then delves into the lives of the victims, providing a biography of each woman and their families. Through interviews with their loved ones, former police officers, and journalists who covered the case at the time, the audience gains an understanding of the impact of the murders on those directly affected.

Alongside these personal accounts, the documentary also includes previously unseen archive footage of the police investigation, including footage of Sutcliffe's arrest and subsequent trial. This additional footage helps to provide more context and a sense of the times - the poverty, unemployment and political turmoil of the time all played their part in the response to the killings.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the exploration of how the investigation was conducted and the mistakes made by the police. The Ripper highlights how the media and public pressure to apprehend the killer led to mistakes being made in the investigation. It is interesting to see how technology played a role in the investigation, which compared to what is available today was very limited.

The documentary also shines a light on the prevailing attitudes towards women at the time. Sutcliffe specifically targeted sex workers, who he believed were "immoral," and the reactions of the police and wider public seemed to reflect this. The press widely referred to the women as "prostitutes," downplaying their humanity and the impact of their deaths. The impact of this is a key theme throughout the series, and offers some sobering viewing.

Overall, The Ripper is a well-researched and well-constructed true crime documentary series. It succeeds in breathing new life into a well-known case by looking beyond the headlines and providing detailed insights into the impact of the crimes on the victims, their families, and the wider community. It's a series that's sure to stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled and offers valuable insight into a case that had a significant impact on the UK.

The Ripper is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 18, 2020 and on Netflix

The Ripper
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Seasons
Out of the Shadows
4. Out of the Shadows
December 16, 2020
More than five years after the first attack, the police finally make an arrest, setting off a media frenzy and accusations of a botched investigation.
Reclaim the Night
3. Reclaim the Night
December 16, 2020
Police release phone calls and handwriting samples from a suspect. Women protest law enforcement's continued inability to catch the Ripper.
Between Now and Dawn
2. Between Now and Dawn
December 16, 2020
As the killer continues to prey upon women, police hope that tire tracks and a victim's 5-pound note may finally lead to a suspect.
Once Upon a Time in Yorkshire
1. Once Upon a Time in Yorkshire
December 16, 2020
In the 1970s, the brutal murders of sex workers in economically depressed areas of the UK spark little public interest -- until a teen is also killed.
Description

The Ripper is a gripping true crime documentary series on Netflix that explores the heinous crimes of the "Yorkshire Ripper," also known as Peter Sutcliffe, who terrorized the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The four-part series provides detailed insight into the investigation and the emotional impact that Sutcliffe's crimes had on the local community and the nation as a whole.

The series opens with a brief introduction to the crimes committed by Sutcliffe and the subsequent police investigation. It then delves into the lives of the victims, providing a biography of each woman and their families. Through interviews with their loved ones, former police officers, and journalists who covered the case at the time, the audience gains an understanding of the impact of the murders on those directly affected.

Alongside these personal accounts, the documentary also includes previously unseen archive footage of the police investigation, including footage of Sutcliffe's arrest and subsequent trial. This additional footage helps to provide more context and a sense of the times - the poverty, unemployment and political turmoil of the time all played their part in the response to the killings.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the exploration of how the investigation was conducted and the mistakes made by the police. The Ripper highlights how the media and public pressure to apprehend the killer led to mistakes being made in the investigation. It is interesting to see how technology played a role in the investigation, which compared to what is available today was very limited.

The documentary also shines a light on the prevailing attitudes towards women at the time. Sutcliffe specifically targeted sex workers, who he believed were "immoral," and the reactions of the police and wider public seemed to reflect this. The press widely referred to the women as "prostitutes," downplaying their humanity and the impact of their deaths. The impact of this is a key theme throughout the series, and offers some sobering viewing.

Overall, The Ripper is a well-researched and well-constructed true crime documentary series. It succeeds in breathing new life into a well-known case by looking beyond the headlines and providing detailed insights into the impact of the crimes on the victims, their families, and the wider community. It's a series that's sure to stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled and offers valuable insight into a case that had a significant impact on the UK.

The Ripper is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 18, 2020 and on Netflix

Where to Watch The Ripper
The Ripper is available for streaming on the Netflix website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Ripper on demand at Netflix.
  • Premiere Date
    December 18, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (11,163)
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