The Serpent

Released in 2021, The Serpent redefined the true crime genre by blending 1970s chic with a cold, calculating look at the crimes of Charles Sobhraj. This BBC and Netflix collaboration captured a global audience by focusing on the 'Hippie Trail' and the bureaucratic persistence of Herman Knippenberg. Its legacy lies in its refusal to glamorize its subject, instead presenting a clinical study of manipulation. The show’s impact on British television remains significant, proving that international co-productions can achieve dominance without losing historical texture. Its success paved the way for more high-budget dramatizations of complex criminal figures. As we look back at this chilling portrayal, set a reminder for your digital calendar just in case any future revivals or spin-offs emerge from this dark history.