Netflix's new true crime series 'Killer Ratings' has been called "horrifying and insane"

10 June 2019, 14:08

By Jazmin Duribe

This. Is. Terrifying.

Netflix's chilling new true-crime documentary Killer Ratings is creating a stir online. The seven-part series hones in on the story of Brazilian presenter turned politician Wallace Souza, who reportedly started having local people murdered to feature on his TV show and boost the show's ratings.

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Wallace Souza was the host of Canal Livre from 1989 to 2008. The show was kind of like Crimewatch in the UK and focused on highlighting and investigating crime in Manaus, Brazil. The programme became the most popular show in Manaus and people viewed Souza as a "hero".

However, viewers began to grow suspicious when Souza's camera crew managed to show up at murder scenes way before the police did, which meant the former police officer had the opportunity to call out corruption within the force. They would also take graphic clips of murder scenes and let slip exactly when it happened to take place.

It's alleged that this is because Souza was actually setting up the crimes so that he could "solve" them on air.

In 2009, Souza was charged with running a criminal organisation as well as hiring people to complete to murder at least five others. He maintained that he was innocent, but went on the run from the police, before giving himself in.

Souza never paid for his alleged crimes after suffering a heart attack while awaiting trial in 2010, dying shortly after.

The series was released on to Netflix on May 31 and already fans have called it "fascinating and horrifying".

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