Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is a 2026 American true-crime documentary series blending investigative journalism and psychological analysis.
It is directed by Brian Ross and Rhonda Schwartz and focuses on a real criminal case. The series features interviews with investigators, legal experts, victims’ families, and psychological specialists. It explores the rise of online obsession surrounding convicted killer Wade Wilson while recounting the crimes and their aftermath.
The three-part docuseries examines the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in Florida. Rather than glamorizing violence, it interrogates how social media transformed a violent offender into an internet fixation.
The narrative follows the manhunt, arrest, interrogation, and trial, including the death-penalty phase. It premiered on Paramount+ on January 20, 2026.
Handsome Devil: Charming Killer Age Rating
Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is rated TV-MA by Paramount+ due to graphic descriptions of real-world violence, disturbing psychological content, strong language, and mature themes involving sexualized criminal obsession.
This rating reflects the documentary’s unfiltered use of interrogation audio, police bodycam footage, and explicit discussion of murder methods.
The series is designed strictly for adult viewers and is not intended for children or teenagers. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Violence & Peril
The violence is strong and deeply unsettling, though largely non-graphic visually. Episodes include detailed verbal descriptions of strangulation and blunt-force trauma based on confessions and forensic findings. Police footage and crime-scene imagery are used to establish realism, creating a tense and emotionally heavy atmosphere. The focus remains on the consequences of violence rather than spectacle.
Language
Strong and frequent profanity appears throughout the series. Language comes directly from police interrogations, courtroom audio, and real recordings tied to the case.
Some language is aggressive, threatening, or emotionally raw due to the nature of the material. This contributes to the TV-MA classification.
Mature Themes
Mature themes dominate the entire series. The documentary addresses sexualized fascination with killers, online radicalization, and psychological manipulation.
It also explores grief, trauma, exploitation of tragedy, and the ethics of true-crime fandom. Drug use, mental health deterioration, and capital punishment are discussed in serious detail.
Is Handsome Devil: Charming Killer Suitable for Teens?
Ages 17–18: With Strong Parental Guidance. Older teens may understand the critical message, but the emotional weight and content remain intense. Parents should be prepared to discuss violence, internet obsession, and media ethics afterward.
Ages 13–16: Not Recommended. The documentary’s themes, language, and real-world brutality are inappropriate for this age group. The material may be disturbing or distressing for developing viewers.
Under 13: Not Suitable. This series is intended strictly for adults due to graphic subject matter and psychological intensity.
Overall recommendation: Suitable for adults 18+ only.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare viewers by explaining that the series critiques true-crime culture rather than glorifying criminals.
- Watch together if teens insist on viewing, and pause to discuss emotional reactions and ethical questions.
- Encourage conversations about social media responsibility and empathy toward victims.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Handsome Devil: Charming Killer?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for graphic descriptions of violence, strong language, and disturbing themes.
Q: Is Handsome Devil: Charming Killer appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No. It is intended for mature adult audiences only.
Q: Does the series show graphic violence?
A: It includes detailed descriptions and real footage, though explicit gore is limited.
Q: Is there strong language in the documentary?
A: Yes. Frequent profanity appears in real police and courtroom recordings.
Q: Does the series contain sexual content?
A: There is no explicit sex, but it discusses sexualized obsession with criminals.
Q: Where can I watch Handsome Devil: Charming Killer?
A: The docuseries is streaming exclusively on Paramount+.