3 True Crime Shows You Should Watch On HBO Max In May

1. Toxic

In Toxic, journalist and entrepreneur Elizabeth Chambers reclaims her voice by stepping into the role of investigative storyteller. But this time, she's not just a reporter; she's also a survivor.

The six-part docuseries, which premiered on May 5 and is now available to stream on Max, explores the emotional and psychological damage caused by toxic relationships. Elizabeth draws on her own divorce and public fallout with actor Armie Hammer to have honest conversations with survivors of domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.

"When it comes to toxic relationships, no one is immune. Navigating through my own heartbreak took me back to my roots as an investigative journalist," she said in the show's trailer.

The debut episode of Toxic centered on Kelly Sutliff, a woman who survived a brutal attack by her husband and went on to create a nonprofit pairing fellow survivors with trained protection dogs. Throughout the show, themes of gaslighting, manipulation, and love-bombing are tackled, making it an important watch for everyone.

2. The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood

Grief, mystery, and a relentless fight for justice all intersect in The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood, a true crime docuseries that premiered on May 11. Based on a 2022 Marie Claire feature, the show follows three mothers from Bakersfield, California, who become allies in a real-life nightmare.

In the spring of 2018, Diane Byrne's son, James Kulstad, was shot and killed, Cheryl Holsonbake's son, Micah, disappeared and was later confirmed to have been murdered, and Jane Parrent's daughter, Baylee Despot, vanished without a trace.

As the women began to connect the dots, they believed their children's cases weren't isolated incidents but instead part of something bigger. The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood follows their transformation into advocates as they relentlessly pursue answers. You can now stream all three episodes on Max.

3. The Playboy Murders (Season 3)

The Playboy Murders has returned for its third season, hosted and executive produced by former Playboy model Holly Madison. This six-episode installment, which debuted on May 5, peels back the curtain and exposes the darker realities behind the brand's glamorous image, "recounting the shocking intersections of murder and mystery within the world of the iconic adult men's magazine, Playboy," the show's synopsis reads.

Madison, who lived through her own complex relationship with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner from 2001 to 2008, stated that discussing her experience is both challenging and "healing."

"It is very healing, but every time I talk about it, it is kind of, like, reawakening the trauma a little bit. So I'm kind of careful about when I talk and in what context," she said.

Season 3 starts with the death of casting assistant Kimberly Fattorini and dives into other shocking cases involving former Playmates and associates, including Kerissa Fare, Jackie Hendrickson, Adrienne Pollack, and more.

"I'm beyond excited for the new season of The Playboy Murders. This one is more intense and revealing than ever," Madison explained.

"We're diving deep into the dark truths hidden behind the glamor, uncovering shocking twists and heartbreaking realities. These stories are raw and powerful, and I can't wait to take you on this eye-opening journey with me."

The first three episodes of The Playboy Murders Season 3 are currently available to stream on Max.