'Heartbreaking' Netflix series based on true story is ideal for Adolescence fans

A 'heartbreaking' Netflix crime drama based on a true story has been hailed as a 'must-watch' for fans of Adolescence - but its moving storyline is not for the faint-hearted

Searching for something new to watch on Netflix after finishing your latest obsession can feel overwhelming, given the sheer number of options available. However, if you're keen to immerse yourself in a gritty drama with an ending that will leave you shaken for days, then this "must-watch" crime drama miniseries could be your next television obsession.

The "masterpiece" miniseries has been celebrated on social media as an "absolute favourite" - though there is one caveat. The series isn't suited to those seeking light entertainment, as the subject matter is "heavy" and certainly not for the faint-hearted. However, it might be right up the alley of those who enjoyed watching Adolescence on the streamer last year.

Unbelievable first aired on Netflix in 2019, starring Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever. The series is based on the 2015 news article An Unbelievable Story of Rape by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, which documented the Washington and Colorado serial rape cases between 2008 and 2011.

The programme centres on Marie Adler (Dever) following her decision to report a sexual assault to the police, only to find herself pressured into withdrawing her statement after being accused of "attention seeking", ultimately resulting in her being charged with filing a false report.

The series also follows two female detectives, Detective Grace Rasmussen (Collette) and Detective Karen Duvall (Wever), as they investigate a string of similar attacks and pursue those responsible for the offences.

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Television fans championed the show in a Reddit forum, heaping praise on creators Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon for their sensitive handling of such difficult subject matter.

One viewer commented: "Just finished Unbelievable on Netflix and it was really good! I'm not usually a fan of cop shows, but I love Toni Collette, so I gave it a chance. It had a great cast with lots of strong female characters, and even though it was tough subject matter, the ending left me feeling satisfied."

Fellow commenters echoed the sentiment, noting that whilst the show is "heavy", it never feels "exploitative". This can be a genuine pitfall when dramas tackle serious topics, particularly those rooted in real events daily-mirror-icon_tv_tv-news_netflix.

Those who had already watched the eight-episode miniseries were especially vocal in their admiration for its conclusion, describing it as "satisfying" and something that "sticks with you" long after viewing, without leaving audiences feeling short-changed by an incomplete narrative.

One commenter wrote: "That one surprised me too. It's heavy but never feels exploitative, which is rare for that kind of story. Toni Collette just has this grounded energy that makes everything feel real without being melodramatic. Definitely sticks with you after."

Another viewer enthused: "I watched it when it first came out, and I loved it. I still remember how good the ending was!".

A third commented: "That was very good. I think Adolescence is my favourite of dramatised true crime, but Unbelievable was also heartbreaking and very well done."

Someone else simply declared: "My absolute favourite series to date."

Unbelievable also boasts an impressive score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, where it maintains an approval rating of 98% amongst critics and 89% amongst all audiences. The website's critical consensus describes the series as "heartbreaking and powerful", praising the show creators for treating the true story with "grace and gravity".

The programme secured Toni Collette a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series in 2020, and in October 2019, just one month following the series' broadcast, Netflix revealed it had been streamed a remarkable 32 million times.

Unbelievable is available to watch on Netflix now.