This 3-Season True Crime Spinoff Is Better Than The 35-Season Original in Every Way

by

The true crime series *Snapped* is well-known, but its spin-off, *Snapped: Notorious*, is a hidden standout – many fans actually find it even better than the original. True crime has become incredibly popular over the years, appearing everywhere on television and in movies. While exploring the psychology of criminals and seeing actual crime scene footage isn’t for everyone, it continues to fascinate a dedicated audience.

Let’s be real, true crime is *everywhere* on TV right now, with shows like David Fincher’s work setting a high bar. But amidst all the fictionalized takes, there’s still a real appetite for documentaries that build a dedicated following. When people talk about true crime channels, Oxygen doesn’t always jump to mind, but it should. Their *Snapped* franchise has been quietly ruling the roost for over twenty years, and the latest spin-off, *Snapped: Notorious*, is one of their most captivating installments yet.

Snapped Is a Timeless True Crime Franchise

Before becoming a streaming hit, *Snapped* was a popular true crime series on cable television. Premiering in 2004, the show focuses on women who have been convicted or accused of murder or other serious crimes. Each episode delves into the life of a different woman, examining her past, the details of her crime, potential motives, and the aftermath – including her trial and time in prison. The stories are presented using a combination of storytelling, crime scene images, surveillance footage, and interviews with people connected to the case, from experts to those directly affected. Some of the most memorable cases featured on the show include Shirley Nelson, Dalia Dippolito, and Jodi Arias.

The idea for *Snapped* came from executives at Jupiter Entertainment in the early 2000s. They noticed that very few murders were committed by women – less than 10% – and that many of those who did commit crimes had no history of violence. The show was initially going to be called *Pure Evil* but was later renamed *Snapped*. Over the past 21 years, the series has continued to grow while maintaining the format that first attracted a large audience. Before Oxygen focused solely on true crime in 2017, it aired a variety of shows featuring women, like *The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency* and *Bad Girls Club*. *Snapped* was a successful program early on, and it fit with Oxygen’s existing audience while also helping to boost the popularity of the true crime genre.

Snapped is a highly popular true crime series for several reasons. It consistently releases new episodes in a familiar format, which viewers appreciate. While the cases always seem straightforward at first, a surprising twist inevitably emerges, creating the tension and suspense that true crime fans love. Notably, Snapped was one of the first series to focus on female perpetrators, and despite losing some of that initial novelty, it remains a diverse, captivating, and fascinating show.

As of today, the true-crime series *Snapped* is in its 35th season. The latest episodes focus on Brenda Watson, who was convicted of murdering her husband, Tommie Kellum, in 2009. Like the 34 seasons before it, Season 35 features disturbing and complex cases. Each episode is an hour long and provides a lot of detail for fans who enjoy this type of show.

Snapped: Notorious Dives Deep Into Famous Cases

Snapped: Notorious is a short true-crime series with three seasons and a total of 15 episodes. The final episode, “Happy Face Killer,” aired on October 10, 2021. Unlike the original *Snapped* series, which focused solely on female killers, *Notorious* explores the cases of famous murderers and serial killers of all genders, including figures like the Menendez brothers, Ted Bundy, Aileen Wuornos, and Kristen Gilbert. Each episode examines a crime, but also presents a different perspective or theory to encourage discussion and consider all sides of the story. For example, the first two episodes about the Menendez brothers suggest they may have been victims of abuse.

The show *Snapped: Notorious* was developed before Season 20 of *Snapped*, which aired from May to July 2017. Oxygen created the spin-off as a way to refresh the series while still keeping viewers engaged, and to commemorate the 20th season. The network planned to use *Snapped: Notorious* to cover well-known cases that had quickly captured the public’s attention. By moving beyond the typical format of *Snapped* and including criminals who didn’t fit the main show’s criteria, Oxygen hoped to attract a larger audience and boost ratings and profits.

Even though the series Snapped: Notorious only has 15 episodes, a few cases are particularly memorable. Each episode focuses on a specific criminal or group of criminals, and the episode about Scott Peterson is notable for its thoroughness and the theories it presents. Peterson was found guilty of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn baby after they went missing in 2002. Another compelling case features Charles Cullen, a nurse convicted of killing at least 29 patients – though experts believe he may have murdered hundreds.

The original *Snapped* series is more focused and specific in its approach compared to its later versions. With 35 seasons dedicated solely to female criminals, the show has a lot of cases to explore but maintains a consistent formula – episodes are typically named after the killer. *Snapped: Notorious* broadened the scope by covering a wider range of cases, which increased viewer interest, particularly when revisiting familiar stories with fresh perspectives and detailed coverage.

Snapped: Notorious Is the Best Snapped Spin-Off

Over its 21 years, the show *Snapped* has grown to include several related series, such as *Snapped: Killer Couples* (about murderous couples), *Snapped: Behind Bars* (focusing on crimes committed in prison), and *Snapped: She Made Me Do It* (about people who claim they were forced to commit murder). Of all these shows, *Snapped: Notorious* is the newest and most polished, suggesting the creators are prioritizing quality over simply making more content. This three-season series focuses on well-known, often infamous cases, which naturally attracts viewers and sparks curiosity, especially among true crime fans.

It’s impressive that *Snapped* has run for 35 seasons over 20 years, especially considering it airs on a smaller network like Oxygen. Because many original *Snapped* episodes revisit old cases alongside new ones, reviews often feel repetitive. However, the newer version of *Snapped* avoids this pitfall. It focuses on well-known figures, making each episode engaging and easy to understand, which is why it’s become more popular than the original.

While shows like *Snapped* feel like documentaries, they often use reenactments to tell the story more vividly and keep viewers engaged. These reenactments depict everything from everyday activities to the moments leading up to a crime, and are usually filmed with actors. *Snapped: Notorious* especially relies on these scenes, which, despite being fictionalized, look very realistic. The *Snapped* franchise also uses never-before-seen audio recordings and security camera footage – like in the case of the Happy Face Killer – to offer fresh perspectives and differentiate itself from other true crime shows.

What truly makes the three-season series *Snapped: Notorious* stand out from the original *Snapped* (which has run for 35 seasons) is how it uses interviews. While the cases themselves are well-known, the interviews aren’t just with typical crime experts or true crime authors. They offer a new angle on the story and really raise the tension. What’s especially compelling is that *Snapped: Notorious* often includes interviews with the victims or the criminals themselves – like Colleen Stan, known as the “Girl in the Box,” and the BTK killer. These interviews are often disturbing and unsettling, but they’re also incredibly captivating, which is what makes this series so good.

Read More

2025-10-20 00:39