As documentaries gain greater reach through streaming platforms,true-crime documentaries continueto reign supreme. They generally tell the stories of murders, kidnappings, or other horrifying events that take place in real-world communities. These documentaries used to air on TV channels, but they have since found greater prominence through streaming.
Netflix, Max,and other streaming giantshave developed documentaries of their own that are designed to attract viewers. These include coverage of well-known crimes, current events, and even decades-old mysteries that have never been resolved. It remains a relatively low-cost production that interests a wide swathe of viewers.
While most of these documentaries focus on older events, Peacock’s latest hit focuses on events that occurred just three years before its release. The documentary went into development before the suspect even pleaded guilty, and it was released just one day after the official plea. Its timeliness ensured that it is one of Peacock’s most-viewed shows right now.
The Idaho Student Murders Is Drawing Viewers
Peacock Has Another Tragic Hit
The Idaho Student Murdersis already proving to be a massive hit on streaming. It tells the story of the University of Idaho murders, during which four students were attacked and killed by Bryan Kohberger on August 14, 2025. Kohberger pleaded guilty on July 2, agreeing to serve four consecutive life sentences in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
There isno clear motive for why Kohberger committed these murders. The victims — Ethan Chapin (20), Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison Mogen (21), and Xana Kernodle (21) — had not engaged with Kohberger, nor did he attack the two survivors. The murders remain baffling, which is why Peacock’s documentary chose to focus on the potential reasons for the murders.
Kohberger was arrested on July 28, 2025.
According to a report byFlixPatrol,The Idaho Student Murdersnow has thehighest viewing ratings on Peacock. That milestone accomplishment comes despite Peacock recently receiving the rights toFurious 7(2015),Goodfellas(1990), andMission: Impossible(1996). Peacock has the exclusive rights toThe Idaho Student Murders, which appears to be a massive success.
Our Take On The Idaho Student Murders' Streaming Success
True Crime Continues To Dominate The Charts
True-crime documentaries are nearly always a good investment for streaming services, given their limited budgets and their high viewership draw. This documentary, in particular, exploded due to its well-planned release date. After all, Kohberger’s decision to plead guilty came just one day before its release. As news broke of his plea, the documentary drew viewers wanting to learn more.
This is not the first documentary to cover this topic, as Prime Video’sOne Night In Idaho: The College Murdersalso tackles Kohberger’s crimes. That particular documentary series is set to be released on July 11, which is also a fairly fitting release schedule, which should draw similar levels of attention.
For Peacock, the timing played more of a role in its success than anything else and could inspire more well-timed documentaries. As other killers head to court, they may become the subject of documentaries developed before even knowing how the trial will proceed.The Idaho Student Murderscould easily usher in a series of documentaries that hope to match its remarkable success.
