A new wave of true crime documentaries has left British viewers emotionally devastated, with many reporting feelings of disgust and heartbreak. Channel 4's hard-hitting series 'Social Media Monsters' has released five brand new episodes, delving deeper into serious crimes where online platforms played a pivotal role.
Viewer Reaction: Shock and Heartbreak
The series, which first aired in 2025, returned with new instalments on 6 January 2026. The final episode of this new batch is scheduled for broadcast on Wednesday, 21 January at 10pm. However, all five new episodes are available immediately for streaming on Channel 4's platform, allowing fans to binge-watch the entire series.
On social media, viewers have been vocal about the impact of the documentary. One TikTok user urged others to watch, calling it "new shocking true crime doc to add to your watch list." Another viewer who had seen the first series described it as "absolutely shocking and heartbreaking," a sentiment echoed by many who have binge-watched the new content.
Examining the Harrowing Cases
'Social Media Monsters' examines serious crimes by meeting victims, their families, and friends, while also gaining insights from police and psychological experts. This week's episodes featured particularly distressing cases that resonated deeply with the audience.
One episode focused on the murder of James Gibbons, who was killed outside his home by a 16-year-old. On the Essex Police Facebook page, fans of the show shared their emotional responses. One person wrote: "This was just so heartbreaking... Made me cry his fiancée and mum showed such courage and dignity." Another viewer expressed anger, stating the perpetrator "should have got double the time in prison" and was a "vile little cretin."
Another case explored was that of Jay Lang, who used social media to abuse and blackmail dozens of victims.
The Final Episode and Where to Watch
The tenth and final new episode, airing this Wednesday, will highlight the story of Ali Abulaban, who gained TikTok fame before his real-life behaviour dramatically changed for the worse.
All episodes of 'Social Media Monsters' are available to stream now on Channel 4 online. The series continues to provoke strong reactions, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating real-world consequences that can stem from online interactions.
