Obsession: Dark Desires is a true crime television series whose first episode aired on January 14, 2014.[1] The series initial run of four seasons ran from 2014–17, later returning for the 2019–20 television season.
| Obsession: Dark Desires | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Docudrama, Biography |
| Created by | October Films |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 42 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Jeanie Vink |
| Running time | 60 minutes (with adverts) |
| Production company | October Films |
| Original release | |
| Network | Investigation Discovery |
| Release | January 14, 2014 – January 19, 2020 |
The show dramatizes real life accounts from people who have been the victim of stalking.[2]
Production
editThe series was announced by the network Investigation Discovery (ID) in March 2013. It is an original production for British company October Films.[3]
Jane Latman, senior VP of development at Investigation Discovery, said stalking was a very important issue and October Films series would "expertly profile the courage and tenacity of the victims to give viewers a visceral portrayal of survivors' harrowing experiences."[4]
The series was produced by executive producer Jeanie Vink and producer Meghan Keener for Investigation Discovery and co-executive produced by Alex Sutherland, Steve Murphy, Matt Robins and Denman Rooke for October Films.[5] The series was directed by Tom Keeling,[6][self-published source] Jim Greayer,[7][self-published source] Jamie Crawford and Fergus Colville.
In April 2013, Cineflix announced that it had signed a two-year first-look deal to all of production company October Films new programming, which includes Obsession: Dark Desires.[8]
The series debuted on the Investigation Discovery network on January 14, 2014. Shortly afterwards, it was picked up by the United Kingdom-based version of the Crime & Investigation channel, for transmission in Europe.[9]
After a two-year hiatus, the series returned to Investigation Discovery for a fifth season in December 2019.
Episodes
editSeason 1 (2014)
edit| Episode no. (series) | Episode no. (season) | Episode title | Outcome | Original U.S. airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Paging Sarah" | A young, single mother's co-worker is found raped and murdered and she fears that she is next. | January 14, 2014 |
| 2 | 2 | "Hiding in Plain Sight" | A pregnant woman receives threatening phone calls from an obsessed pizza delivery man, and worries that her and her baby's life are in danger. | January 21, 2014 |
| 3 | 3 | "Help Wanted" | A hired hand becomes obsessed with his employer. | January 28, 2014 |
| 4 | 4 | "Screams in the Desert" | A woman deals with years of mental torture, death threats and stalking. | February 4, 2014 |
| 5 | 5 | "Number One Fan" | A man masquerading as a musical sponsor turns Opera singer, Leandra Ramm's life into a nightmare. | February 11, 2014 |
| 6 | 6 | "Just a Wall Away" | A move reveals a terrifying experience. | February 18, 2014 |
| 7 | 7 | "Serenade of a Stalker" | A customer with an obsession shatters a 33 year old's life with unprovoked violence. | February 25, 2014 |
| 8 | 8 | "Silent Scream" | Jane Jeong Trenka turns down advances of a fellow student; Jim retaliates by doing a video project that will have a deadly conclusion. | March 4, 2014 |
| 9 | 9 | "Southern Wild" | Collette Dwyer, 36-year-old single mother believes Derrick Todd Lee, who has been stalking her at home and work, is a serial killer. | March 11, 2014 |
| 10 | 10 | "Crushed" | Kathleen's teenage crush turns into an obsession; her stalker tries to transform his darkest fantasies into reality. | March 18, 2014 |
Season 2 (2015)
edit| Episode no. (series) | Episode no. (season) | Episode title | Outcome | Original U.S. airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Unlucky Seven" | Heather, a grocery store barista, has just begun dating her most recent hire, Arturo. But as time goes by, Arturo is unable to hide his dark side. His obsession with Heather comes at the expense of their relationship, his job – and her life. | January 6, 2015 |
| 12 | 2 | "Rose-Colored Glasses" | When 17-year-old Rose moves out of her parents' home, she is excited to expand her horizons. She soon meets 21-year-old Mike, who introduces her to the world of punk music and parties. But when he turns violent, Rose gets caught up in his obsessive trap. | January 13, 2015 |
| 13 | 3 | "Mad For Teacher" | Linda, a special ed teacher, has taught Todd for years. Now 17 with learning problems and a temper, Todd only wants Linda to teach him. Torn between helping him and protecting herself, Linda's world turns upside down when Todd's obsession comes knocking. | January 20, 2015 |
| 14 | 4 | "Cornered" | In spring 2003, 37-year-old single mother Karen Richardt has a chance meeting with her Brooklyn neighbor Carlito Perez. But when Karen tries to distance herself, no one could have predicted the deadly cycle of violence he would unleash. | January 27, 2015 |
| 15 | 5 | "Occult Following" | Krystal is a teacher and practicing Pagan living happily with her husband Bill. When she takes part in a local Wiccan-themed TV show, she catches the eye of the show's host. As his keen interest turns into obsession, he vows to claim her as his own. | February 3, 2015 |
| 16 | 6 | "Apocalypse Now" | 41-year-old single mother Patty is excited about a new chapter in her life when she begins dating one of her customers, Vietnam veteran Dale. But when Dale becomes violent on their first date, Patty is quickly sent into a desperate struggle for survival. | February 10, 2015 |
| 17 | 7 | "SOS SMS" | Hardworking nurse Tara opens a chilling text from a nameless sender; someone who knows her and means her harm. As she fights to protect herself and her family from this invisible enemy, she begins to question everyone – especially those closest to her. | February 17, 2015 |
| 18 | 8 | "Home Sweet Hell" | Everything is looking up for 27-year-old Kisha Kelly after she buys her first home in Dallas, Texas. But within days of moving in, she encounters the former owner of the property and immediately realizes he has taken on a deadly obsession. | February 24, 2015 |
| 19 | 9 | "Multiple Personalities" | When attorney Marc successfully defends a client, he has no idea that her gratitude will soon become a nightmare. Marc's ex-client causes chaos and suffering in a terrifying mission to win his affection. | March 3, 2015 |
| 20 | 10 | "Going Postal" | When Kim accepts a ride to the fair from a quiet co-worker, she has no idea that she will become the center of a terrifying campaign of stalking, harassment, and obsession. | March 10, 2015 |
Season 3 (2016)
edit| Episode # (Series) | Episode # (Season) | Episode title | Outcome | Original U.S. airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Garden of Evil" | A young single mom accepts a phone number from a landscaper, only to have him stalk and harass her for the next year. | February 9, 2016 |
| 22 | 2 | "Exposed" | When young professional Hannah Arbuckle moves into the house of her dreams, her privacy is shattered after a mysterious man begins filming her through her window. As his obsessive and threatening behavior escalates, she gambles on a violent confrontation to save her life. | February 16, 2016 |
| 23 | 3 | "A Dangerous Mind" | When senior psychiatric nurse Maria Jordan fires disgruntled- junior nurse Denis Czajkowski, it triggers an all-consuming and violent obsession that will result in a hostage siege and innocent lives being lost. | February 23, 2016 |
| 24 | 4 | "Burning Love" | Yvette and Roger's marriage has broken down but Roger can't stand to see Yvette with another man and decides she must die -- in front of all her colleagues. If he can't have her, then no one will. | March 1, 2016 |
| 25 | 5 | "The Devil in the Pews" | To fellow parishioners of his Mormon church, Bill is a reformed convict. But when he meets Jennifer, the Bishop's 18 year old daughter, he becomes obsessed. By day, he sends her thousands of cards and gifts. By night, he digs out his basement, determined to make Jennifer his, forever. | March 8, 2016 |
| 26 | 6 | "Beauty in the Bronx" | Ramon is muscular, good looking and charming too. For 20 year old trainee pharmacist Evimer, it is an irresistible combination. But Ramon quickly reveals a possessive side and his violent episodes soon leave Evimer fighting for her life. | March 15, 2016 |
| 27 | 7 | "Cross Your Heart & Hope to Die" | Sarah is dating a young, handsome pastor but soon discovers her preacher man is hiding unholy secrets on a biblical scale. He is prepared to silence Sarah and her whole family to stop her leaving him. | March 22, 2016 |
| 28 | 8 | "Campaign Trail of Fears" | Kathleen's husband, Bob Krueger, is running for Senate in Texas. When they hire a private aircraft to take them on the campaign trail, the pilot, Tom Humphrey, becomes increasingly obsessed with Kathleen. Now he'll do anything to destroy her husband and make her his, including using his plane as a deadly weapon. | March 29, 2016 |
| 29 | 9 | "Final Fantasy" | Kaylyn is an introverted high school student, bullied by the popular kids and struggling to fit in. But then she finds the perfect soulmate in newcomer Paul. Sharing a passion for comics and escapism, they fall in love but when Kaylyn starts a new life at college, Paul becomes increasingly jealous. Unable to contain his simmering rage, Paul will turn his car into a deadly weapon and leave Kaylyn's life hanging by a thread. | April 5, 2016 |
| 30 | 10 | "There's Something About Mary Lynn" | Single mom Mary Lynn Witherspoon falls for divorcee Edmonds, but early on she realizes there is something not quite right about his 10 year old son, Tennent. What she doesn't know is that Tennent doesn't just like Mary Lynn, he wants to become her. It's the beginning of a terrifying 22 year obsession that will devastate both families. Note: This is the only episode with a tragic ending for the victim. Mary Lynn is played by an actress. | April 12, 2016 |
Season 4 (2017)
edit| Episode # (Series) | Episode # (Season) | Episode title | Outcome | Original U.S. airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 1 | "The Salon Stalker" | When Idaho hairdresser Makaela Zabel-Gravatt begins cutting the hair of truck driver Christopher Wirfs, little does she realize that it signals the start of a two-year long nightmare that will end in the most heart-stopping and disturbing way. | February 27, 2017 |
| 32 | 2 | "High School Reunion" | When single mother of two Latasha Edwards bumps into her old schoolmate Dammon, she thinks she's met her soul mate. But his charm hides a possessive, violent man. After they separate, Dammon's obsession deepens and Latasha fights to protect her family. | March 7, 2017 |
| 33 | 3 | "The Olympic Creep" | When Olympic gold medallist Sheila Taormina agrees to help wannabe triathlete James Ludham, she doesn't know he wants more than just coaching. His dark fantasies take over her life until she has no other choice but to face him, and her fears, head on. | March 13, 2017 |
| 34 | 4 | "Texts, Lies, and Videotape" | Katie Call's life spirals into a terrifying nightmare as her ex, Todd, refuses to accept the collapse of their relationship. Without her knowing, he hides video cameras & microphones in her home, biding his time to wreak a bloody revenge. | March 20, 2017 |
| 35 | 5 | "Married to the Devil" | Christine's life with abusive husband Shane is a constant cycle of fear, humiliation and violence. When she finally escapes with her kids, Shane sets off in pursuit, kicking off a series of terrifying and shocking events leading to a bloody conclusion. | March 27, 2017 |
| 36 | 6 | "A Man and His Gun" | Michelle has ended her relationship with alcoholic Richard and is looking forward to getting on with her life. But Richard can't let go and as his obsession grows deeper it's clear their lives will be ripped apart by the violent consequences. | April 3, 2017 |
Season 5 (2019–20)
edit| Episode # (Series) | Episode # (Season) | Episode title | Outcome | Original U.S. airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 1 | "The Good Neighbor" | Excited about a fresh start, young single mom Savannah and her son move to a new neighborhood. When her seemingly friendly next-door neighbor offers her help, she has no idea that a dangerous obsession will grow on the other side of her wall. | December 15, 2019 |
| 38 | 2 | "The Stalker's Imagination" | When Katerina leaves her husband, he fights back in imaginative ways to cause her pain, including getting Katerina locked up for a crime she hasn't committed. Katerina must do the unthinkable if she wants to escape forever. | December 22, 2019 |
| 39 | 3 | "Friend Request" | When single mom Rosita accepts a stranger's friend request, she has no idea he's hiding a terrifying secret that will lead to a deadly game of cat and mouse. | December 29, 2019 |
| 40 | 4 | "Cabin in the Woods" | Sandra never expected such extreme reprisals from Norman, a man she once called her partner. But when her daughter is caught in the crosshairs, no one can predict how far Norman will go. | January 5, 2020 |
| 41 | 5 | "Fixer Upper" | Following her divorce, Cristi buys a new home that needs work. Hoping handyman Curtis can fix it up, she ends up getting more than she bargained for. Curtis becomes fixated with Cristi and will stop at nothing until she becomes his. | January 12, 2020 |
| 42 | 6 | "Can't Let Go" | When 18-year-old Misty falls in love with a man nearly 15 years her senior, Misty's parents warn against the relationship. But no one could predict the danger Misty is in, or how this man will change all their lives forever. | January 19, 2020 |
References
edit- ^ Ng-See-Quan, Danielle (12 April 2013). "ID finds "Obsession" with October Films". Realscreen. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
Obsession: Dark Desires from British producer October Films. Cineflix Rights will distribute the series internationally...
- ^ "Discovery taps into October Films' Dark Desires". tbivision.com. 11 April 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
- ^ "Greenlit: Obsession: Dark Desires, Investigation Discovery". tvmole.com. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
- ^ Brown, Kristin; Kuhlman, Reenie (4 April 2013). "Investigation Discovery Announces Largest Slate in Network History for 2013-14 Upfront Season" (Press release). Discovery Corporate. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
- ^ "Televisual - NEWS & COMMENTS". www.Televisual.com. Retrieved 18 October 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Tom Keeling » credits". www.tomkeeling.tv.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Greayer, Jim. "Jim Greayer Director & Writer | Obsession 2". jimgreayer.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ Akyuz, Gün (11 April 2013). "October exposes stalking for Discovery". c21media.net. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ "Obsession: Dark Desires". Crime & Investigation. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
