Seduced by Madness

Based roughly on real-life events, this miniseries recounts the story of Jefferson, Wisconsin teacher's assistant Diane Borchardt, who hired teen students first to spy on her cheating husband and later to kill him. The film begins with the murder then traces in flashback the events leading up to it, followed by the subsequent police investigation leading to arrests and eventual murder convictions of both Borchardt and the teens.

Directed by Carmen Culver, Seduced by Madness leans on a strong ensemble — Ann-Margret, Peter Coyote, Leslie Hope — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1996.