Killer Ratings

Netflix's 2019 series Killer Ratings is a compelling, true crime docuseries that expertly blends elements of crime, suspense, and real-life drama. As viewers, we are constantly exposed to crime-themed shows. However, Killer Ratings offers a unique twist by exploring the convoluted intersection between television ratings, crime, and reality TV.

Based in Brazil, Killer Ratings takes us on a journey that delves deep into the life of Wallace Souza, a former police officer, turned politician, and television presenter. Wallace Souza gained popularity in Brazil for his inflammatory television program "Canal Livre" which was anything but your typical TV show. It was a luridly captivating program, drenched in the most gruesome crimes and horrific incidents taking place in Manaus, one of the most dangerous and crime-ridden cities in Brazil.

The show's modus operandi was pretty straightforward. Every day, Wallace Souza and his team would string together exclusive footage of gory crime scenes, blazing fires, and police confrontations in a bid to expose the severity of the illicit activities and gang wars ravaging the city. On paper, Souza was supposedly doing commendable grassroots journalism by bringing to light the harsh realities of a city under siege by crime and corruption. The meticulous rate at which his team was able to cover these breaking events brought high ratings and viewership to the show, quickly escalating it from a regional program to a veritable national sensation.

However, it wasn't long before suspicions around the uncanny timing and exclusivity of Canal Livre's footage started arising, shedding light on a chilling possibility that Souza could be more entwined with these criminal activities than anyone anticipated. His rapid response to the crimes and his ability to report them with such precision raised eyebrows, hinting at an ominous undertone beneath the surface. Allegations started swarming around Wallace Souza, suggesting that he was employing ruthless, morally reprehensible tactics to get exclusive crime pieces for his show, thus catapulting it to its soaring ratings.

Killer Ratings offers a balanced narrative in a seven-episode series that takes viewers through a series of jaw-dropping revelations and gripping cliffhangers. As new evidence and interviews are unraveled per episode, the series proposes a number of nail-biting theories and keeps viewers on their toes, boosting the suspense thriller's intrigue and anticipation.

Every episode features an insider's perspective, carefully constructed from exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-life accounts from Souza's team, family, and the law enforcement agencies researching the case. The intense story arc brings shocking revelations to the forefront, creating a formidable battleground between Wallace Souza's loyal supporters and the authorities determined to prove his guilt.

Killed Ratings asks viewers to question the integrity of media and journalism and ponders about the grim extents to which people can go for wealth and fame. Throughout its running, the docuseries stays true to its genre with its true crime overtones, underpinning narratives with a solid foundation of interviews and case files. Director Daniel Bogado strikes an astute balance of sensationalism and fact-based reporting, making Killer Ratings a harrowing exploration into the deep, dark psyche of humans in their relentless pursuit of power and control.

Netflix's Killer Ratings dives into a unique and seldom-explored realm of true crime, opening viewers' eyes to the grim and grimy underbelly of fame-hungry television production, and the horrifying extents to which one might go to feed the ever-hungry beast of public attention and high ratings. With the docuseries' truthful lens, viewers are left to grapple with questions of morality, voyeurism, and scandal, making Killer Ratings a must-watch for fans of true crime.