I'll Be Gone in the Dark (TV series)

Last updated
I'll Be Gone in the Dark
Ill be gone in the dark tv.jpg
Genre
Based on I'll Be Gone in the Dark
by Michelle McNamara
Narrated by Amy Ryan
Music by Philip Sheppard
Opening theme"Avalanche" by Aimee Mann
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes7
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Elizabeth Wolff
  • Kate Barry
CinematographyThorsten Thielow
Editors
  • Jawad Metni
  • Alyse Ardell Spiegel
  • Erin Barnett
  • Samuel Nalband
Running time55–60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network HBO
ReleaseJune 28, 2020 (2020-06-28) –
June 21, 2021 (2021-06-21)

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is an American true crime documentary television series directed by Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff, Myles Kane and Josh Koury, revolving around Michelle McNamara as she writes a book about and investigates the Golden State Killer. The original six-part series premiered on June 28, 2020, on HBO, and concluded on August 2, 2020. [1] A special episode premiered on June 21, 2021. [2]

Contents

Premise

Michelle McNamara lived a quiet life, but as her family slept, she spent the night investigating and writing a book about the Golden State Killer, delving into the world of online chat rooms and crime blogs. She hid her addiction to opioids, which ultimately contributed to her death prior to the completion of her book. [3]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Murder Habit" Liz Garbus June 28, 2020 (2020-06-28)0.408 [4]
Writer Michelle McNamara, author of the True Crime Diary blog, is interested in some gruesome crimes committed between the 1970s and 1980s in California by an unknown culprit known as "East Area Rapist" and the "Original Night Stalker". After pitching a story to Los Angeles Magazine , she begins to dig into it.
2"Reign of Terror"Elizabeth WolffJuly 5, 2020 (2020-07-05)0.402 [5]
Local detectives who worked the EAR ("East Area Rapist") and survivors describe how they were scarred by crimes in the 1970s, with particular attention to the role that media coverage and social stigma played in the investigation.
3"Rat in a Maze" Myles Kane
Josh Koury 		July 12, 2020 (2020-07-12)0.366 [6]
As the attacks cease in Northern California, the "Original Night Stalker" reign of terror begins in Santa Barbara. Lack of communication between different jurisdictions hinder links between crimes. ‌Michelle's article on the case, "In the Footsteps of a Killer", causes a splash when it's published 2013 and she signs a contract for a book.
4"The Motherlode"Josh Koury
Myles Kane		July 19, 2020 (2020-07-19)0.451 [7]
The deadline for the book weighs on Michelle. Meanwhile, she and researcher Paul Haynes investigate "Visalia Ransacker", the perpetrator of a string of burglaries in the early 1970s bearing striking similarities to EAR/ONS, dubbed "Golden State Killer" by McNamara. They have access to 37 boxes of files archived at the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
5"Monsters Recede but Never Vanish"Elizabeth WolffJuly 26, 2020 (2020-07-26)0.451 [8]
Michelle's sudden death from an accidental overdose leaves friends and family distraught but also determined to continue her crusade. Michelle's husband, Patton Oswalt, researcher Paul Haynes, and true crime writer Billy Jensen finish the book that becomes a bestseller. Paul Holes, Chief of Forensics in Contra Costa County, reconstructs the killer's family tree with the help of genetic genealogist Barbara-Rae Venter following advice from Michelle.
6"Walk into the Light"Liz GarbusAugust 2, 2020 (2020-08-02)0.523 [9]
72-year-old former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo is arrested and tried. Although Michelle didn't live to see the "Golden State Killer" finally arrested, her persistence and research helped bring justice to the victims. Survivors of the attacks and relatives of DeAngelo offer their insights into the cases.
7"Show Us Your Face"Elizabeth WolffJune 21, 2021 (2021-06-21)0.198 [10]

Production

In April 2018, HBO Documentary Films acquired rights to I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, with plans to adapt the book into a docuseries, with her husband Patton Oswalt serving as an executive producer. [11] Production on the series began on April 24, 2018. [12] In May 2018, it was announced Liz Garbus would direct the series. [13] McNamara's researcher Paul Haynes and crime journalist Billy Jensen, both of whom helped Oswalt finish the book, were signed on as co-executive producers. [14] The series features interviews with detectives, survivors, family members, and Amy Ryan narrating excerpts from McNamara's book. [15]

Reception

Critical response

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 96% based on 48 reviews, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Director Liz Garbus smartly centers I'll Be Gone in the Dark around the late Michelle McNamara's passionate efforts, weaving together a heavy, but important tapestry of trauma, obsession, and survival. [16] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 80 out of 100 based on 22 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". [17]

Ratings

Viewership and ratings per episode of I'll Be Gone in the Dark
No.TitleAir date Rating
(18–49)		Viewers
(millions)		DVR
(18–49)		DVR viewers
(millions)		Total
(18–49)		Total viewers
(millions)
1"Murder Habit"June 28, 20200.10.408 [4] 0.10.3540.20.762 [18]
2"Reign of Terror"July 5, 20200.10.402 [5] —0.321—0.723 [19]
3"Rat in a Maze"July 12, 20200.10.366 [6] 0.10.3400.20.706 [20]
4"The Motherlode"July 19, 20200.10.451 [7] 0.10.3740.20.825 [21]
5"Monsters Recede but Never Vanish"July 26, 20200.10.451 [8] 0.10.3940.20.845 [22]
6"Walk into the Light"August 2, 20200.10.523 [9] 0.10.3470.20.870 [23]
7"Show Us Your Face"June 21, 20210.00.198 [10] 0.00.1470.10.345 [10]

Related Research Articles

<i>Tacoma FD</i> American television sitcom (2019–2023)

Tacoma FD is an American television sitcom set in a firehouse in Tacoma, Washington. The series premiered on March 28, 2019, on truTV. In November 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth season, premiering on July 20, 2023. In February 2024, the series was canceled after four seasons.

<i>Roswell, New Mexico</i> (TV series) 2019 science fiction drama television series

Roswell, New Mexico is an American science fiction drama television series, named after the city of Roswell, New Mexico. Developed by Carina Adly Mackenzie for The CW, it debuted as a midseason entry during the 2018–2019 television season on January 15, 2019. The series is the second television adaptation of the Roswell High book series by Melinda Metz. In January 2020, The CW renewed the series for a third season which premiered on July 26, 2021. In February 2021, ahead of its third season premiere, the series was renewed for a fourth season which premiered on June 6, 2022. In May 2022, it was announced that the fourth season would be its last. The show ended its run on September 5, 2022.

<i>Miracle Workers</i> (2019 TV series) American anthology comedy television series

Miracle Workers is an American anthology comedy television series created by Simon Rich for TBS. It is based in part on Rich's writings, with the first season being based on his 2012 novel What in God's Name, while the short story "Revolution" provided the basis for the second season. The series stars an ensemble cast comprising Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, Sasha Compère, and Lolly Adefope. The show is a co-production between TBS and FX, whose in-house production company FXP is involved.

<i>McMillions</i> True crime documentary television series

McMillions is a documentary miniseries about the McDonald's Monopoly promotion scam that occurred between 1989 and 2001. Directed by James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte, the series details how the scam was perpetrated by Jerry Jacobson, the head of security for the agency that ran the promotion, and how he recruited a wide range of accomplices. The series premiered in the US on February 3, 2020, on HBO, and all episodes were made available in the UK on May 27, 2020, on Sky Documentaries. McMillions was nominated for five Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.

Avenue 5 is a science fiction comedy television series created by Armando Iannucci that premiered on HBO in the United States on January 19, 2020. It stars Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad in lead roles as captain and owner of a fictional interplanetary cruise ship Avenue 5. HBO produced the series in the United States and Sky UK in the United Kingdom. In February 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic led to worldwide lockdowns, the series was renewed for a second season; filming moved forward in late 2021, with a release date of October 10, 2022. In February 2023, the series was cancelled after two seasons.

Christina on the Coast is an American home renovation television series featuring Christina Hall, centered around properties in Southern California. In June 2018, HGTV announced that Hall would be receiving her own Flip or Flop spin-off series. The series premiere focused on Hall renovating her new home following her divorce; with the remaining seven episodes focusing on her fixing up other people's homes. Filming began in fall 2018, for a spring 2019 premiere. On February 13, 2019, it was announced that the series would premiere on May 23, 2019.

<i>The Outsider</i> (miniseries) 2020 American television series

The Outsider is an American psychological thriller-horror crime drama television series based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Stephen King, adapted for television by Richard Price. It was ordered to series on December 3, 2018, after being optioned as a miniseries by MRC in June 2018. It premiered on HBO on January 12, 2020. It stars Ben Mendelsohn, Cynthia Erivo, Bill Camp, Paddy Considine, Julianne Nicholson, and Jason Bateman.

<i>Perry Mason</i> (2020 TV series) 2020 American period drama television series

Perry Mason is an American period drama television series created by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald for HBO. Based on the character of the same name by Erle Stanley Gardner, the series stars Matthew Rhys in the title role and premiered on June 21, 2020.

<i>NCIS: Los Angeles</i> season 12 Season of television series

The twelfth season of NCIS: Los Angeles, an American police procedural drama television series, began airing on CBS on November 8, 2020, and ended on May 23, 2021. The season included 18 episodes. This is the final season to feature Linda Hunt, Barrett Foa, and Renée Felice Smith as series regulars.

<i>Worlds Funniest Animals</i> American reality television program

World's Funniest Animals is an American video clip television series produced by Associated Television International that premiered on The CW on September 18, 2020.

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter is an American reality television series broadcast by MTV. It premiered on September 6, 2022.

References

  1. ↑ Hersko, Tyler (May 4, 2020). "I'll Be Gone in the Dark' Trailer: True Crime Docuseries Brings Michelle McNamara's Book to HBO". IndieWire . Archived from the original on May 17, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  2. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (May 27, 2021). "HBO Announces New Episode of True Crime Docuseries 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 27, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  3. ↑ Alter, Ethan (June 25, 2020). "Patton Oswalt reflects on 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' and Michelle McNamara's accidental overdose: 'There were signs that I didn't know to look for'". Yahoo!. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  4. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (June 30, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.28.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  5. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (July 7, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.5.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (July 14, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.12.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  7. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (July 21, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.19.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  8. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (July 28, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.26.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (August 4, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.2.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 Berman, Marc (June 22, 2021). "Monday Ratings: The Bachelorette Leads ABC to Diluted Victory". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  11. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (April 9, 2018). "Docuseries Based On Michelle McNamara's 'I'll Be Gone In The Dark' True-Crime Book In Works At HBO". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  12. ↑ Raphael, Michele (April 25, 2018). "Arrest of 'Golden State Killer' Mirrors Prediction in Michelle McNamara's Book". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  13. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (May 1, 2018). "Docuseries Based On Michelle McNamara's Golden State Killer Book 'I'll Be Gone In the Dark' Greenlighted By HBO". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  14. ↑ Rico, Klaritza (May 4, 2020). "TV News Roundup: 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' Premiere Date Announced". Variety. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  15. ↑ "I'll Be Gone in the Dark". HBO . Archived from the original on May 17, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  16. ↑ "I'll Be Gone in the Dark: Season 1 (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  17. ↑ "I'll Be Gone in the Dark: Season 1". Metacritic . Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  18. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (July 28, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: 'Greenleaf' Fifth Season Premiere Among the Top 20 Raw Gainers in Adults 18-49". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  19. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (July 28, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: 'Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story' More Than Triples its Live+Same Day Adults 18-49 Audience, Leads in Overall Percentage Lifts". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  20. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (July 28, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: Bravo Network Shows Take Three of the Top Five Spots Among Raw Gainers in Adults 18-49". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  21. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (July 28, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: 'The Alienist: Angel of Darkness' Premiere Ranks in Top Ten of Total Viewer Raw Gainers". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  22. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (August 4, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: 'Tyler Perry's The Oval' Concludes its Inaugural Season on a High Note". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  23. ↑ Pucci, Douglas (August 10, 2020). "Live+3 Weekly Ratings: 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' is Wednesday's Top Telecast in Adults 18-49". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.