Very Scary People on HLN: The Story Behind Very Scary Lovers
Donnie Wahlberg presents the sixth season finale about deadly relationships and cold-blooded murderers
What is the series about?
Very Scary People (HLN, 2026) is a documentary series that sheds light on some of the most terrifying criminals in American history through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and reconstructions. In season 6, episode 8, titled 'Very Scary Lovers', the focus shifts from lone wolves to crimes committed within the confines of close, romantic relationships. Host Donnie Wahlberg guides viewers through the complex sequences of events where trust and intimacy are weaponized by perpetrators against their victims. The series is produced for HLN and Investigation Discovery and has gained significant popularity since its debut in 2019 for its factual approach to the true crime genre.
The real case
In the episode, the phenomenon of dangerous lovers is examined, covering cases where the perpetrator has either teamed up with a partner to commit crimes or has targeted their attacks against partners and vulnerable individuals in their social circle. Although the specific main case in this episode draws on several historical cases from the USA, the theme centers around manipulation and the psychopathic behavior that often underlies serial killers who operate in secrecy under the guise of a normal life. Read more about American serial killers here . The documentary utilizes expert testimonies from psychologists and investigators to explain how these individuals manage to maintain a facade of love while planning or committing brutal acts.
Timeline of the case
The developments in the cases presented in 'Very Scary Lovers' span several decades, where police investigations were often hindered by the perpetrators' ability to manipulate their surroundings. In many of the cases that Donnie Wahlberg presents, a pattern emerges where the first signs of danger were overlooked by both relatives and authorities. See how modern investigations solve old cases . The timeline in the program follows the crucial moments from the initial suspicious disappearances to the final arrests and trials that brought justice to the victims and their families.