Deadly Women

Format

Filmed in Sydney and its nearby suburbs, the show uses Australian and New Zealand actresses to portray its subjects. Each episode revolves around a central theme—such as jealousy, financial gain, mental illness, or crimes committed by teenagers or the elderly—and the episode titles reflect that idea. The stories are presented through a mix of reenactments and interviews. Contributors from law enforcement, legal, media, forensic, and medical fields appear regularly; frequent guests include Diane Fanning, M. William Phelps, Gregg Olsen, Wensley Clarkson, Joan Renner, and Dr. Janis Amatuzio. Occasionally, family members or friends of the subject or victims provide additional context. At the close of each segment, the subject—and any male or female coconspirators—directly face the camera as their fates are disclosed. Starting with the ninth season, actual photos of the subjects are shown, typically mugshots taken after their arrests, or artist renditions for those who lived before modern photography.