This New 100%-Rated TV Series Is a Shocking Crime Gem Based on Real Events

The new British series Believe Me is based on the real-life case of John Worboys, one of the most notorious sex offenders in modern British history.

Unlike other true crime series that romanticize serial killers, creators Jeff Pope and Julia Ford take a different approach. They're not interested in the rapist's biography or the reasons behind his behavior, rather, they focus on the people who suffered from his actions.

What Is 'Believe Me' About?

Sarah hadn't seen her friends in a while because of the birth of her child. So when a friend invited her to his birthday celebration at a bar, she happily accepted. She decided to take a taxi home because she thought it was the safest option.

However, the driver became overly attentive: he asked about her friends and family and then shared that he had won a large sum at the casino that day. He was sad that he wouldn't be able to celebrate because of his long shift.

To avoid seeming rude, Sarah participated in the conversation. When the driver opened a bottle of champagne and asked her to toast him, she refused several times before taking a couple sips. Sarah's story is just one of many.

'Believe Me' Is Based on a Real Bone-Chilling Crime

Believe Me is based on the true story of John Worboys, one of the most notorious sex offenders in modern British history. In 2009, the London taxi driver was convicted of multiple crimes.

According to official figures, at least 12 women were his victims. Police later acknowledged that the actual number of victims may exceed 100.

Worboys drove the streets at night, searching for women returning from parties. He would strike up a conversation, talk about casino winnings, and offer to "celebrate" with champagne, which he had laced with drugs.

Some took a few sips out of politeness, others took a few sips out of fear. Those who refused faced an even more unpleasant fate: Worboys would force them to take the drugs anyway and then would then rape the unconscious women right in the taxi and drive them home.

Numerous police reports were shelved for years due to negligence and bias. Investigators admitted to intentionally excluding complex sexual assault cases from the database to improve the department's statistics.

'Believe Me' Is a Rare True Crime Project Focusing Exclusively on Victims & the Systems That Failed Them

In Believe Me, the crime remains hidden – we only see what the victims can recall. Memory is full of painful gaps, and viewers exist within the same disorienting reality.

Women recount their experiences to staff from various agencies while enduring humiliating medical examinations and formal interrogations. This depiction helps us understand why many victims choose not to report violence to the police.

Worboys remained free for so long, not because he was particularly clever or resourceful, but because the system was focused on the wrong thing.

No one can consent to sexual intercourse while under the influence of certain drugs. The credits remind us that women are still forced to endure humiliating procedures to prove the violence they suffered.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Believe Me'?

• Believe Me has 100% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.6/10.

Where to Watch 'Believe Me'?

Believe Me is available to stream on ITVX.