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The web series, Buzzfeed Unsolved, follows producer Ryan Bergara and his co-host Shane Madej on their journey to discuss all things unsolved. Whether it be true crime, demons, the paranormal, or anything in between, the boys cover it all while adding their own comedic commentary and a few wheezes in between.
This web series has covered some of the most famous unsolved crime cases in history, including the O.J. Simpson case and the Alcatraz Prison escape. All cases covered are guaranteed to leave anyone wondering what happened and if they will ever truly be solved. On the paranormal end, the ongoing investigation to prove to the world (and especially to Shane) that ghosts are real has brought some substantial evidence to their journey.
As summer draws near and quarantine continues, everyone is trying to find some new source of entertainment to cure their boredom. Today I would like to share my top ten Buzzfeed Unsolved episodes that will surely cure any boredom, all while picking your brain in a fun way.
1. The Grisly Murders Of Jack The Ripper
Starting the list off is the episode with the episode about the most notorious serial killer in the world, Jack the Ripper. Taking their investigation to London’s East End, Ryan and Shane actively map out the locations of the killer’s five canonical murders.
Unlike other Buzzfeed Unsolved True Crime episodes, this case features eight prime suspects (the most ever covered in a web series). Each suspect being as convincing as the next, making it understandable as to why this case has been left unsolved for over one hundred years. With doctors, painters, and even a prince on the list of possible suspects, the suspect list is filled with various characters that have been thoroughly researched by historians and theorists for decades.
Whether you become a “ripperologist” or are just left bewildered, this episode is truly a great starting point for any new Unsolved fans to get a taste at how interesting these cases can get.
2. The Chilling Black Dahlia Revisited
One of the most chilling and infamous murders in Hollywood history is number two on this list. Ryan revisits this murder for the second time with Shane as they dive deep into who killed Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia). The 1947 murder was a gruesome and sad end for this aspiring actress from Massachusetts.
Short’s murder covered headlines in Los Angeles for over a month and had police questioning hundreds of suspects, including over 300 USC medical students at the time. The case features a highly considered suspect who had a darker past beyond the Dahlia murder and even had his own children believe he was the Black Dahlia murderer. Whether it was the infamous George Hodel or not, this case continues to intrigue crime junkies today regarding who killed Elizabeth Short.
3. The Incredible Alcatraz Prison Break
Moving beyond unsolved murders, this list takes a turn to a Buzzfeed Unsolved episode that discusses one of the most famous prison breaks in all of history. Alcatraz prison, once thought to be inescapable, was deemed the opposite as four men proved that idea on a fateful night. Just off the coast of San Francisco Bay, this episode covers four men who created and executed an escape plan so daring and genius that even Shane was left impressed. A secret workshop, dummy heads with real human hair, and a life raft made of raincoats were just a few elements of this clever plan that allowed almost all the four escapees to succeed in their mission.
There are truly only two options to consider: did they survive or not? Each argument presents enough compelling evidence to agree with either side making it difficult for even scientists to explain. However, it is up to you to determine what you believed happened to those escapees that fateful night.
4. The Shocking Case Of O.J. Simpson
The case of O.J. Simpson is a very familiar one that has inspired multiple documentaries, books, and of course, online Youtube web series episodes. This Buzzfeed Unsolved episode follows Ryan and Shane as they discuss the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman, as well as diving deep into the question of whether or not O.J. Simpson is guilty.
Although the case was taken to court and O.J. Simpson was deemed not guilty, many people disagreed with the jury’s decision and still debate it today. The amount of forensic evidence points to one clear suspect, but maybe it was not enough. If the gloves fit, this might be a different story.
5. The Haunting Of Hannah Williams
This would not be a complete Buzzfeed Unsolved watchlist without a demon or two. After receiving a house call from their Buzzfeed coworker, Hannah Williams, Ryan, and Shane investigated her home for paranormal activity. After moving into her new home with her husband and two children, Hannah Williams began to experience things that made her skepticism into firm beliefs.
Footsteps, alarms triggering on their own, and most importantly the apparition of a little girl seemed to confirm that what was going on was otherworldly. With the aid of psychic medium AJ Barrera, a fearful Ryan, and an unbothered Shane attempt to help their friend Hannah while investigating the question: are ghosts real?
6. The Disturbing Murders Of Keddie Cabin
After 32 years, this case has only raised more questions instead of answers. After five people were murdered in cabin 28 in Keddie, California, the investigation was anything but normal. Conspiracies as to whether this small town was keeping secrets grew, and even current police investigating the case find it plausible.
This Buzzfeed Unsolved episode is sure to get anyone’s brain thinking about the questionable investigation conducted by the police. Why was there evidence kept in the dark? Was this a coverup? As the dirty secrets unravel, the perception of this case starts to change. Was the murderer not the only one guilty in this case?
7. The Terrifying Axeman Of New Orleans
Not even five minutes into the episode, Shane himself could not help but say “I love this one right off the bat.” This episode covers the ax murders from New Orleans, which is when multiple murders occurred where people were being struck by axes in their sleep from 1918 to 1919. Even as one of Buzzfeed Unsolved’s funniest episodes, this murder mystery will still make you wonder who could have committed these gruesome murders.
What makes this episode interesting is that there is no clear evidence to prove this was either one person or multiple murderers. Much to Shane’s dismay, even a paranormal entity is considered a possible theory in this case. From unbelievable survivor cases to an interesting theory list, this episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved will definitely make you question what occurred during those eighteen months in New Orleans.
8. The Horrifying Murders Of The Zodiac Killer
Prior to Shane Madej’s time at Buzzfeed Unsolved, Ryan Bergara was accompanied by Brent Bennett, who was featured in the episode. Covering one of the most notorious serial killers in history, Ryan and Brent decide to even take themselves to one of the spots the Zodiac Killer committed a murder.
What makes the Zodiac Killer unique is that he sent his cryptic letters that featured secret codes he demanded to be publicized and even a review of the Exorcist movie. This case, although intriguing, brings forth frustration towards the police who (due to racial profiling) encountered and ignored the actual zodiac killer on the streets of San Francisco. What could have happened if the police caught the man they encountered, would the case be solved? This intriguing case is sure to capture anyone’s attention and truly question who is the Zodiac Killer?
9. The Strange Drowning Of Natalie Wood
Not every Hollywood story is filled with glitz and glamour, and for Natalie Wood, this is especially true. In this episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved, the boys investigate the mysterious drowning of Natalie Wood that involves a few high profile names on the suspect list.
After a psychic reading that would ultimately predict her death, Natalie Wood grew up with a fear of water. Fast forward to November 1981, when her fear would become the ultimate cause of her death, but there are still questions unanswered. Was this an accidental drowning, or was there foul play involving her own husband? The stories constantly changing by the three men on the boat make this case puzzling, and make it easy to doubt everyone’s validity on the boat that night.
10. The Missing Identity Of The Lady Of The Dunes
The tenth and final episode on this list is definitely an overall mystery of who this woman is, and how she died. Found on the beach of Cape Cod Bay, this unidentified woman could soon become an unsolved case that has bewildered many. Was she just a movie extra in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was she a victim of an infamous mobster? The lack of identification of the body makes it extremely difficult for any decision to come out of this case.
Although the murder was only forty years ago, it may still be possible for any new evidence or DNA testing to bring forth new answers to this mystery. The episode will still leave viewers puzzled as to who this woman was, who her murderer was, and if justice will ever be served.
Buzzfeed Unsolved: The Mystifying Cure For Boredom
While quarantine boredom is inevitable, Ryan and Shane are ready to provide ample entertainment through their intriguing web series. Buzzfeed Unsolved perfectly combines true crime and the supernatural that can truly pick at anyone’s brain and leave people curious to learn more about each case. When you find yourself unsure of what to do, grab yourself a snack, search the web series, and be ready to take a journey into the world of the unsolved.
