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True crime, live trials and why we can’t look away
Edison Research reports 42% of Americans aged 13 and older listen to true crime podcasts for insight into criminal motives and legal proceedings.
- In 2024, Edison Research found that 84% of the United States population consumes true crime media in any format, making it a dominant cultural force reaching record levels.
- Since the success of Serial in 2014, true crime has become the fastest-growing podcast theme, with Netflix docudramas like The Speedway Murders and The Murdaugh Murders now drawing larger audiences than traditional documentary formats.
- The movie Primetime, based on the stories of Chris Hansen and Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator, earned $19.2 million at the box office, while 15% of all new podcasts released in 2026 center around true crime.
- Lawyers are increasingly utilizing narrative techniques from true crime entertainment to strengthen cases, presenting 3D models and virtual crime scenes to walk a panel of 12 peers through evidence timelines.
- Researchers suggest consuming true crime may serve as a fear inoculation, though experts warn improperly handled podcasts can compromise investigations; anecdotally, 1 in 3 true crime fans who were victims claim content helped them react to incidents.
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28 Articles
28 Articles
True crime, live trials and why we can’t look away
True crime is arresting. In September, the movie “Primetime,” based on behind-the-scenes stories of Chris Hansen and Dateline NBC’s “To Catch a Predator,” earned $19.2 ... Read moreThe post True crime, live trials and why we can’t look away appeared…
·Indiana, United States
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Total News Sources28
Leaning Left10Leaning Right5Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 36%
C 46%
R 18%
Factuality
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