Human CaptivesLists about real people who were held against their will, the monsters who tormented them, and the grisly details of what went on during those dark times.
Updated September 13, 2023 677 votes 346 voters 37.2K views
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Vote up the best scripted and unscripted shows or miniseries that center their stories around kidnapping and abduction.
It's every parent's greatest fear and every adult's biggest nightmare: kidnapping. TV shows about kidnapping tear at our hearts and make us want to see what happens next. Will the kidnapped ever get free and will their captors get what's coming to them? Whether or not a kidnapping is central to the plot of a TV series or it becomes a major issue within a season, TV shows about kidnapping make for some compelling television. While some of the best shows about kidnapping are typically popular crime dramas, abduction shows span other genres.
Of the many shows about kidnapping, most of the truly harrowing ones are about adult kidnappings instead of kids. Shows like NBC's Kidnapped tracks a new kidnapping each season with the people behind law enforcement working tirelessly to solve the crime. Then you have top crime shows like Sherlock that aren't always about kidnapping, but do often center them heavily in the plot. Whatever your interest in the genre, there's definitely a recommendation or two on this list you will enjoy watching.
For more recommendations on good kidnapping TV shows, browse this list - then vote up the kidnapping shows you think are the best of the decade and see where your favorite shows about abduction rank.
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174 votes
Thirteen
A chilling tale about a young woman, abducted as a teenager and held captive for 13 years, finally escaping her captor. Her return home shatters the newfound peace of her family, as they begin to question her story and dark secrets begin to unravel. Watch as this gripping series takes you on a thrilling ride into the disturbing reality faced by kidnapping victims and their families.
Delve into a supernatural thriller where a sinister figure abducts children, whisking them away to a terrifying place called "Christmasland." However, our protagonist possesses a unique ability to track him and sets out on a dangerous mission to rescue the missing kids. This eerie yet captivating adaptation of Joe Hill's novel will keep viewers glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting each chilling twist and turn.
Actors: Zachary Quinto, Ashleigh Cummings, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Jahkara J. Smith, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Embark on a high-stakes race against time as wealthy parents fight to rescue their teenage son from ruthless kidnappers. This nail-biting series expertly weaves multiple perspectives and characters while illustrating the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of abduction. A show that keeps tension at an all-time high, it's sure to satisfy even the most discerning thriller fan.
Actors: Jeremy Sisto, Delroy Lindo, Dana Delany, Timothy Hutton, Mykelti Williamson
Enter the world of an elite police unit specialized in locating missing individuals in real-time. Follow their heart-stopping missions as they race against the clock to locate each person before it's too late. Discover the different methods investigators employ to solve these cases in a captivating series that keeps you at the edge of your seat, episode after episode.
Actors: Scott Caan, Dania Ramirez, Adeola Role, Ryan Broussard, Graham Verchere
Witness the genius detective we all know and love unravel some of the most convoluted abduction cases. Each episode challenges viewers' minds with intricate puzzles and clever clues, as Holmes and Watson race to find hapless victims before time runs out. The show's superb acting and fresh take on a literary classic make it a must-watch for fans of both mysteries and Sherlock Holmes lore.
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott, Vinette Robinson, Tanya Moodie
This compelling family drama revolves around a teenager discovering her entire life was a lie – she was abducted as a child. The story portrays her struggle to adapt to her biological family while trying to untangle the truth behind her upbringing. Toeing the line between family values and dark secrets, this addictive series will keep you hooked until the very end.
