Toronto Sun Readers Select Top True Crime Documentaries in Streaming Era
In a revealing poll of audience preferences, Toronto Sun readers have declared Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart as their favorite true crime documentary currently available on streaming platforms. This selection highlights the enduring public fascination with high-profile criminal cases and the powerful impact of survivor-led storytelling in the digital age.
Elizabeth Smart's Harrowing Story Captivates Audiences
The documentary chronicles one of the most shocking abduction cases of the 21st century. In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was taken at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home by self-described prophet Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Ileen Barzee. The Mormon-raised teenager endured nine months of captivity during which she was sexually assaulted daily, sometimes multiple times each day.
Smart's rescue occurred in 2003 in Sandy, Utah, after she was recognized by concerned citizens. Mitchell received a life sentence without parole for kidnapping and sexual assault, while Barzee served most of a 15-year sentence before being paroled. Now 38 years old, Smart has transformed her traumatic experience into a mission of child safety advocacy, using her platform to protect vulnerable youth across North America.
Survivor-Centered Storytelling Approach
In a recent interview with TrueCrime AZ Live podcaster Briana Whitney, Smart explained her decision to participate in the documentary project. "I feel like stories and storytelling is so powerful," she revealed. "What I appreciated about this documentary was that the production company didn't just steal my story and run away with it. They were conscientious in their production and they wanted me to be very heavily involved."
Smart emphasized the importance of survivor agency in true crime narratives, noting that initial edits of the documentary were almost too sensitive about her experience. "I remember giving them some feedback," she recalled. "I was like, 'I love how sensitive you are towards me in this but it's okay to talk about what I went through because if you didn't know it kind of looks like I just went on vacation for nine months and I didn't.'"
Toronto Sun Readers' Complete Top 5 True Crime Documentaries
Following the top selection, Toronto Sun readers identified four additional true crime documentaries that have captured their attention:
- Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart - The top choice highlighting Smart's abduction and recovery journey
- My Father The BTK Killer (Netflix) - Keri Rawson's perspective as the daughter of serial killer Dennis Rader, who murdered at least 10 people in Wichita, Kansas between 1974 and 1991 while maintaining a facade as a community churchgoer and Boy Scout leader
- Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer (Netflix) - Examination of the Gilgo Beach murders through victims' perspectives, focusing on accused killer Rex Heuermann whose trial is scheduled for shortly after Labor Day 2026
- Evil Influencer: The Jody Hildebrandt Story (Netflix) - Investigation into Utah life coach Jody Hildebrandt who was arrested for child abuse alongside disgraced parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke
- The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets (Prime Video) - Three-part docuseries produced by rapper 50 Cent featuring exclusive interviews with Heuermann's family members who claim ignorance of his alleged double life
Cultural Impact of True Crime Documentaries
The popularity of these documentaries reflects broader cultural trends in media consumption. True crime content has evolved from sensationalized reporting to more nuanced examinations that often center survivor perspectives and explore complex psychological dimensions. The Toronto Sun readers' selections demonstrate particular interest in cases involving family dynamics, religious manipulation, and community betrayal.
Smart's advocacy work continues to influence how media approaches sensitive criminal cases. Her insistence on being "the one kind of leading their stories" represents a significant shift in documentary ethics, prioritizing survivor agency over exploitative storytelling. This approach appears to resonate strongly with Canadian audiences who increasingly seek authentic narratives in their true crime consumption.
The Toronto Sun has invited readers to suggest future top five categories, ranging from local dining establishments to Ontario weekend getaway destinations, indicating ongoing engagement with audience preferences across multiple lifestyle and entertainment categories.
