The Surveillance Report: New True Crime Shows & Documentaries – April 2026 Edition
- The Emerald Sleuth
- 7 hours ago
- 8 min read
Welcome to The Surveillance Report for April 2026, your monthly briefing on every confirmed true crime show and documentary arriving this month. Release dates, platforms, trailers, and a brief on what each one is about, all verified and in one place. New to the report? This is your starting point. Returning? The case files are waiting.
Work through the lineup below, then cast your vote at the bottom for the release you're most interested in watching. Think of it as the jury's preliminary verdict.
Disclaimer: I have not viewed any of the documentaries listed in this post. All descriptions and details have been compiled from official press releases, streaming platform announcements, and other publicly available sources. Information is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Spotted an error or omission? The comments and my inbox are open.
Dear Killer Nannies
Release Date: April 1, 2026
No. of Episodes: TBA
Platform: Hulu, streams on Disney+
Dear Killer Nannies is a scripted dramatization depicting the childhood of Juan Pablo Escobar, known as “Juampi,” as he recounts his childhood inside the Medellín Cartel. Raised in extreme wealth under constant protection, his early perception of safety begins to unravel as he realizes the armed men surrounding him (posing as caretakers and companions) are hired assassins. The series presents his perspective as the son of Pablo Escobar, tracing how loyalty, fear, and identity are shaped within one of the most powerful criminal organizations of its time.
The series debuts Tuesday, April 1, with availability on Hulu and streaming access on Disney+.
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson
Release Date: April 3, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-Length Documentary
Platform: Netflix
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson is a feature-length documentary (95 minutes) examining the life and 2022 murder of professional cyclist Moriah Wilson. The film outlines her rising career in competitive gravel cycling before shifting to the investigation into her death in Austin, Texas.
The documentary explores the personal relationships surrounding the case and how they intersected with the events leading up to the killing. Through interviews with family and friends, along with police body camera footage, surveillance video, and interrogation recordings, the film documents both the impact of Wilson’s death and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Rescued by Faith: The Connie and Larry Van Oosten Story
Release Date: April 4, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-Length
Platform: Lifetime
Rescued by Faith: The Connie and Larry Van Oosten Story is a feature-length dramatization based on the 2017 kidnapping of an Illinois couple who were taken from their home and held for several days in a concealed underground space. The film depicts their captivity under an armed assailant attempting to access their finances, as well as the steps that led to their eventual rescue.
The dramatization highlights how the couple navigated the situation through a combination of resourcefulness and communication, the narrative also reflects the role their personal faith played in enduring the ordeal.
The film premieres Saturday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
Trust Me: The False Prophet
Release Date: April 8, 2026
No. of Episodes: 4
Platform: Netflix
Trust Me: The False Prophet is a four-part documentary series examining the rise of Samuel Bateman within a breakaway faction of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Following the imprisonment of Warren Jeffs, the series documents how Bateman positioned himself as a successor figure and consolidated control within the group.
The series follows investigators who embed themselves within the community to document internal practices, including allegations of systemic abuse and coercion. Through interviews, firsthand footage, and expert analysis, the documentary examines the structure of authority within the sect and the conditions that allowed the group to operate in isolation.
Original Gangsters with Sean Bean
Release Date: April 9, 2026
No. of Episodes: 4
Platform: Sundance Now, streams on AMC+
Original Gangsters with Sean Bean is a documentary series that examines notorious criminal figures through a combination of dramatized reenactments, expert commentary, and archival material. Originally released in the U.K. in 2025, the series receives its U.S. debut with a four-episode run.
The series explores the rise and decline of figures including Al Capone, the Kray twins, and early organized crime groups such as the Peaky Blinders. Each episode focuses on how power, reputation, and internal conflict shaped these criminal networks and contributed to their eventual downfall.
New episodes begin streaming Thursday, April 9, with episodes releasing weekly on Sundance Now between 3-4:00 a.m. ET, and are also available to stream on AMC+.
Philly Homicide (S2)
Release Date: April 11, 2026
No. of Episodes: 10
Platform: Oxygen
Philly Homicide returns for its second season with Chris McMullin guiding viewers through homicide investigations tied to the Philadelphia region. Drawing on his background in local law enforcement, McMullin provides context and analysis for each case, focusing on the investigative process and the individuals involved.
The series combines archival footage, dramatized recreations, and interviews with current and former detectives to document how cases were handled and ultimately resolved. Each episode centers on crimes connected to a region known for its dense history and complex urban landscape, offering an inside look at the challenges faced by investigators.
New episodes begin airing Saturday, April 11, at 8:00 p.m. ET on Oxygen, with episodes releasing weekly.
Boy Band Confidential: A Hollywood Demons Event
Release Date: April 13, 2026
No. of Episodes: 2 (Special Event)
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID), streams on Max
Boy Band Confidential: A Hollywood Demons Event is a two-night documentary special examining the rise of late 1990s and early 2000s boy bands and the industry systems that shaped them. Featuring firsthand accounts from artists and insiders, the special focuses on how young performers were developed into commercial products while navigating intense pressure, public scrutiny, and behind-the-scenes control.
The documentary explores allegations of exploitation, financial manipulation, and substance-related struggles within the pop music industry, presenting these experiences through interviews with performers, managers, and others directly connected to the era. By combining personal testimony with industry context, the special documents the structural dynamics that influenced both the success and long-term consequences faced by those involved.
The event airs Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14 from 9:00–11:00 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, with episodes available to stream on Max.
SKYKING: Panic in the Sky
Release Date: April 14, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-Length
Platform: Hulu, streams on Disney+
SKYKING is a feature-length documentary examining the 2018 incident involving Richard Russell, a ground service agent who stole a commercial aircraft and conducted a 70-minute unauthorized flight over the Pacific Northwest. The film reconstructs the sequence of events leading up to and during the incident, incorporating air traffic control recordings and firsthand accounts from those involved.
Through interviews with family members, coworkers, and aviation personnel, the documentary explores the personal circumstances surrounding Russell’s actions and the broader response to the event. The film also situates the incident within discussions of mental health, drawing on newly released audio and participant testimony to document the case from multiple perspectives.
Homicide Hunter: American Detective (S10)
Release Date: April 15, 2026
No. of Episodes: TBA
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID)
Homicide Hunter: American Detective returns for its tenth season with Joe Kenda guiding viewers through homicide investigations handled by law enforcement agencies across the United States. Rather than focusing on his own cases, Kenda provides analysis and commentary on cases investigated by other detectives, breaking down the decisions and strategies that led to their resolution.
The series combines dramatized reenactments with interviews and case details to reconstruct each investigation, emphasizing the reasoning process behind identifying suspects and securing arrests. Each episode highlights the challenges faced by investigators while documenting the impact of violent crime on victims and their families.
Season 10 premieres Wednesday, April 15, at 9:00 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, with new episodes airing weekly. Streams the next day on Max.
On the Case with Paula Zahn (S29)
Release Date: April 15, 2026
No. of Episodes: TBA
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID)
On the Case with Paula Zahn returns for its twenty-ninth season, continuing to examine homicide cases through a narrative-driven, interview-focused format. The series centers on the experiences of victims, families, and investigators, using firsthand accounts to reconstruct the events surrounding each case and the path to resolution.
Each episode combines interviews with law enforcement, legal professionals, and individuals directly connected to the crimes, emphasizing the emotional impact alongside investigative developments. The series often highlights cases that required sustained effort to solve, including those involving delayed breakthroughs or critical pieces of evidence that shifted the direction of the investigation.
Season 29 premieres Wednesday, April 15, at 10 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, with new episodes airing weekly. Streams the next day on Max.
Hollywood Demons (S2)
Release Date: April 20, 2026
No. of Episodes: TBA
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID), streams on Max
Hollywood Demons returns for its second season, continuing its examination of crime, misconduct, and systemic issues within the entertainment industry. The series revisits well-known cultural properties and public figures to explore allegations of abuse, exploitation, and other harmful practices that occurred behind the scenes.
Through interviews, archival material, and investigative framing, the series documents how fame, industry pressure, and institutional failures intersected in cases involving child performers, celebrity-associated scandals, and individuals connected to high-profile tragedies, including those involving Matthew Perry and Prince. Each episode presents a case-focused narrative that examines both personal impact and broader industry patterns.
Season 2 premieres Monday, April 20, at 9:00 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, with new episodes airing weekly. Episodes will also be available to stream on Max.
Trailer not available at the time of this writing.
UNTOLD: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill
Release Date: April 21, 2026
No. of Episodes: 1 Feature-Length Documentary
Platform: Netflix
UNTOLD: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill examines the 2019 shooting involving Michael Barisone and his student Lauren Kanarek at a New Jersey training facility. The documentary reconstructs the escalating conflict between the two, including allegations of harassment, disputes within the equestrian community, and the events leading up to the shooting.
The film follows the case through the legal proceedings, documenting Barisone’s defense and the outcome of the trial. Featuring interviews with both individuals, the documentary presents differing accounts of the events while examining how the incident affected those involved and the broader competitive dressage world.
Should I Marry a Murderer?
Release Date: April 29, 2026
No. of Episodes: TBA
Platform: Netflix
Should I Marry a Murderer? is a documentary series centered on Dr. Caroline Muirhead and her relationship with Alexander McKellar, who confessed to his involvement in the killing of cyclist Tony Parsons. The series reconstructs the events surrounding the 2017 incident in Scotland, including the hit-and-run and subsequent concealment of the victim’s body.
The documentary follows Muirhead’s role after the confession, documenting how she worked with authorities and became a key witness in the investigation. Through interviews and case details, the series examines both the criminal case and the personal impact of discovering that a partner was involved in a violent crime.
New True Crime Shows & Documentaries – April 2026 Closing Notes
April's docket is now closed. The new true crime April 2026 premieres above have been verified and logged, new seasons and fresh investigations alike. Should the networks shuffle their schedules or slip in a late addition, the record will be updated accordingly.
Now the jury deliberates. Cast your vote below for the title you're most eager to watch, and see where the rest of The Crime Scene Society stands.
If March's case files are still open on your end, the previous Surveillance Report remains in the archives. To have future editions delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.
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Which April 2026 true crime release are you most interested in? Click to vote.
Dear Killer Nannies
Moriah Wilson
Rescued By Faith
Trust Me: The False Prophet
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