But some of the most popular crime shows today take a different twist.

All these crime shows have one thing in common: theyre purely fictional.

Three residents become unlikely friends when someone is murdered in their upscale building.

Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale in Poker Face

Image via Peacock

They all share one common interest: they are massive fans of true crime podcasts.

Because of this, they all believe they have the skills and intuition to help solve the real-life crime.

But in the process, they get caught up in the case.

Martin Short, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez looking off to the side confused in ‘Only Murderers in the Building’

Image via Hulu

She uses her uncanny ability to help solve them.

The cases and the main character, however, are all the things of fiction.

However, the job becomes more harrowing than she might have anticipated.

Natasha Lyonne wearing a floral dress holding a beer and looking at someone, Benjamin Bratt as Cliff in the background in a scene from Poker Face.

Image via Peacock

But none of the crimes depicted are true.

As she investigates, Dory pulls in others to help.

Each season focuses on a different character death, cover-ups, and accusations of murder.

Ava and Nathan sitting in a diner in a scene from Based on a True Story.

Image via Peacock

Its all exciting, intriguing stories, but thats all they are.

So much about the show is thoroughly entertaining, but so fantastical, it could never be real.

6True Detective (2014-)

Despite the name,True Detectiveis anything but.

Four friends stand in a park, looking at something displeasing in Search Party.

Image via TBS

The cases all seem plausible and may even have drawn inspiration from similar real-life cases.

True Detectiveis returning for a fourth season set in Alaska, which will star Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.

Despite how real the stories seem, however, they are all works of fiction.

Cassie in The Flight Attendant on a plane holding a piece of paper.

Image via HBO Max

Indeed, creator and writer Allan Cubitt did find inspiration while researching Dennis Rader, a.k.a.

It might seem like this is another show depicting an interpretation of a real killer.

But the character is entirely made up.

Matthew McConaughey as Rustin Cohle looking intently in True Detective.

Image via HBO

Thankfully, Dexter is not, nor ever was, real.

So much so that fans might actually begin to think that Hannibal is or was a real person.

In fact, the story is just that, a story.

Jamie Dornan standing against a green door covered in graffiti and looking down and to the right with a solemn expression in The Fall

Image via BBC

Its pure fiction featuring one of thebest serial killers and serial killer hunters.

Nor are any of the events depicted in the story based on fact.

But thats exactly the premise ofThe Blacklist.

Dexter from Dexter looking at one of his blood slides.

Image via Showtime

So, its no surprise that the character, though so believable, is just that: a character.

NEXT:15 Most Loved Crime Shows of the 21st Century

Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham in intimate moment.

Image via NBC

James Spader as Raymond Reddington in The Blacklist, smiling and wearing his signature hat.

Image via NBC