Watch True Nightmares

True Nightmares aired on Investigation Discovery from October to December in 2015. It was hosted by Todd Robbins, a magician and expert on the macabre, who presents three real-life stories of people who have experienced terrifying situations that seem to come straight out of a horror movie. Each episode explores different scenarios, from criminals who seem to have superhuman powers to victims who manage to escape from the most hopeless situations.

The show is divided into three segments, each lasting about ten minutes, and Todd Robbins introduces each segment by outlining the horrifying details of the case. He then brings in actors to dramatize the story, and later interviews experts and relatives of the victims to provide more background information. The show is not your typical true crime documentary, but rather it takes a unique approach to storytelling, focusing on the psychological aspects of the stories, and exploring the twisted human mind.

One of the episodes, for example, features the story of Richard Trenton Chase, a cannibal, and self-proclaimed vampire who committed a series of gruesome murders in the 1970s. The episode follows Chase's descent into madness, detailing his delusions and fantasies that drove him to commit some of the most heinous crimes in recent history. Through expert interviews and re-enactments, viewers learn how Chase’s mental state led him to commit his crimes and how detectives eventually tracked him down.

Another episode features a woman who survived a brutal attack by a man who had been impersonating a police officer. Through interviews with the victim and the detectives who worked on the case, viewers learn about the man's predatory ways and how he managed to fool his victims into thinking that they were in safe hands. The episode sheds light on the psychology of such criminals and how they manage to gain their victim's trust and exploit their vulnerabilities.

The show's unique approach to storytelling, blending Todd Robbins' encyclopedic knowledge of the macabre with expert interviews and re-enactments, sets it apart from other true crime documentaries. It's engaging and informative, and while the stories are definitely scary, the show's tone is never too sensationalistic or exploitative. It's a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of criminals and the ways in which seemingly ordinary people can find themselves in terrifying situations.

The show's production values are also top-notch, the re-enactments are well-produced, the acting is convincing, and the editing is sharp. Viewers will find themselves immersed in the stories, feeling the tension and fear of the victims and the satisfaction of the detectives when justice is served.

Overall, True Nightmares is a must-watch show for fans of true crime and horror. Its unique approach to storytelling and Todd Robbins' mastery of the macabre make for a truly chilling viewing experience. While the show's run was short, it still manages to stand out among the many true crime shows on Investigation Discovery. It remains a testament to the power of storytelling and how the most terrifying stories can come from real life.

True Nightmares is a series that ran for 2 seasons (24 episodes) between October 14, 2015 and on Investigation Discovery