Dark December: the darkest Advent calendar in television history.

Dark December: the darkest Advent calendar in television history.

Knock, knock. Who's there? It's definitely not Santa... This December, Viasat True Crime presents a chilling holiday treat: Dark December, a month-long event revealing the darkest true stories of America's most infamous serial killers. From 1 to 31 December at 23:00 CET, viewers can explore the minds of some of the most twisted murderers in history, including Keith Jesperson (the Happy Face Killer), Dennis Rader (BTK), Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy (the Killer Clown).

This December is not for the faint-hearted. It's the darkest Advent calendar ever made for television, with another killer waiting to be revealed behind every 'door'.

What is Dark December?

Dark December is a special month-long programming event on Viasat True Crime, featuring a new true crime documentary every night at 23:00 CET. Think of it as an Advent calendar for true crime fans, but instead of chocolates, you'll discover new crimes, investigations and spine-chilling secrets each evening.

When and where can you watch Dark December?

Catch it every night from 1 to 31 December at 23:00 CET, exclusively on Viasat True Crime. This unique TV event is designed for viewers who crave intense stories and real crime.

December premiere: Notorious: Happy Face Killer

The highlight of the season is the premiere of Notorious: Happy Face Killer on Sunday 14 December at 23:00 CET. This shocking documentary tells the story of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, a long-haul truck driver who murdered at least eight women across the US between 1990 and 1995. The documentary includes rare excerpts from nine years of prison interviews in which Jesperson describes his crimes in chilling detail, offering a disturbing yet fascinating insight into the mind of a killer. Extra showing: Friday 19 December at 23:00 CET.

The Dark December lineup

This ten-part series presents a terrifying gallery of America’s most infamous killers.

Each film reveals a different crime, a unique psychological profile and a fresh, unsettling perspective on the nature of evil.

The most shocking stories in Dark December:

BTK: Confession of a Serial Killer
Dennis Rader, also known as BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill), murdered his victims and then sent taunting letters to the police and the media. Through exclusive interviews with Dr Katherine Ramsland, who corresponded with Rader for over a decade, viewers gain insight into his twisted motives and need for control.
In The Amazon Review Killer , Todd Kohlhepp is revealed to be a seemingly successful real estate agent who led a double life as a sadistic killer. His eerie Amazon reviews of chainsaws and padlocks later became vital clues to his crimes.
The Hillside Strangler: The Devil in Disguise
Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono posed as off-duty police officers to lure and murder women across Los Angeles. This documentary explores how they managed to evade capture for so long.
Dating Death: Rodney Alcala, also known as the 'Dating Game Killer', was a photographer and murderer who appeared on a TV dating show despite already being on the run for multiple killings.
'The Clown and the Candyman' is a harrowing look at two of America's deadliest predators: John Wayne Gacy (The Killer Clown) and Dean Corll (The Candyman), who together took the lives of over 60 young men and boys.
The Toolbox Killer: After 40 years of silence, Lawrence Bittaker finally opened up about his crimes in conversations with criminologist Laura Brand. Their eerie relationship mirrors the psychological duel between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling.
Murders at the Boarding House: Dorothea Puente, the 'Granny Killer', ran a boarding house in Sacramento where she murdered her tenants and buried them in the garden. Detective John Cabrera uncovered the gruesome truth.
The Hunt for Ted Bundy: veteran detective Bob Keppel revisits the case that defined his career. Featuring rare archival footage, death row tapes and interviews with Keppel's family, the documentary dissects the charming yet monstrous Ted Bundy.
Invisible Monsters: Serial Killers in America
The final chapter of Dark December examines the deadly legacies of Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, BTK and the Green River Killer. It explores how these predators manipulated investigators and evaded capture for years.

Who is Dark December aimed at?

This chilling series is designed for true crime fans with nerves of steel. Dark December is not just a series of horrifying stories; it is also a fascinating psychological study of evil, obsession and control. It's the ultimate countdown to Christmas for fans of true crime rather than festive rom-coms.
Dark December cements Viasat True Crime's place as the home of the world’s most infamous killers and the leading destination for gripping real-life crime stories.

Key details – Dark December

FAQ – Dark December:

Is Dark December one programme?
No – it's a selection of ten different documentaries about serial killers, airing throughout December.

When does the premiere of Notorious: Happy Face Killer air?
Sunday, 14 December at 23:00 CET. It will be shown again on Friday, 19 December at 23:00 CET.

Is Dark December available online?
No, it is available exclusively on Viasat True Crime.

Are all the titles premieres?
No – only 'Notorious: Happy Face Killer' is a new premiere. The rest are iconic, must-see true crime documentaries from the channel's library.

Why should I watch Dark December?
Because it's the darkest holiday countdown ever, filled with real crime, chilling mysteries and fascinating studies of human evil. Each night brings a new story, a new killer and a new reason to keep the lights on.

Don't open the door when someone knocks this December.

It won't be Santa... It's Dark December, airing every night at 23:00 CET only on Viasat True Crime.