The Surveillance Report: New True Crime Documentary Releases – January 2026 Edition
- The Emerald Sleuth
- Dec 31
- 14 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
January marks the true start of the cycle. With the holiday programming cleared away, networks return to business and the true crime slate fills back in with purpose. This month brings a strong mix of new premieres, returning series, and standalone documentaries, making it one of the more active periods in the early year schedule.
This guide to New True Crime Documentary Releases – January 2026 tracks confirmed premieres, returning series, and limited-event releases across streaming, cable, and broadcast platforms. Scroll on for the complete January lineup, and don’t forget to cast your vote at the bottom of the page for the release you’re most interested in watching.
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.
The First 48 (S29)
Release Date: January 1, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
The First 48 returns with a two-hour 15th anniversary special premiering January 1, marking the start of Season 29. The long-running documentary series has followed homicide investigations across 27 U.S. cities, documenting how detectives work to solve murders during the critical first two days after a crime, when evidence and witness cooperation are most fragile. The anniversary special centers on the investigation into the murders of two women in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who were killed in separate daylight shootings. It also includes retrospective interviews with veteran homicide detectives featured throughout the series, reflecting on notable cases from the past 15 years.
Following the special, new episodes will air weekly on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming available on the A&E app.
No trailer available at this time.
Crime in Progress (S1)
Release Date: January 1, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
Crime in Progress is a new true crime documentary series that follows active investigations using body camera, dash camera, and surveillance footage. Each episode traces a case from the initial 911 call through the investigation and legal outcome, relying entirely on real-time footage rather than reenactments or narration. The series documents how cases unfold moment by moment and captures the decisions made by law enforcement as events develop.
New episodes air weekly on Thursdays on A&E, with next-day streaming availability on the A&E app.
The Cult of the Real Housewife
Release Date: January 1, 2026
No. of Episodes: 3
Platform: TLC
The Cult of the Real Housewife is a three-part documentary miniseries examining The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member Mary Cosby and the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, which she leads alongside her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. Using archival material, recorded sermons, and interviews with former congregants, family members, journalists, and a cult expert, the series explores allegations of spiritual and financial misconduct and traces the church’s evolution following a disputed transfer of leadership.
All three episodes air back-to-back on Thursday, January 1, from 8–11 p.m. ET on TLC, with streaming availability the following day on Max and Discovery+.
The Murder of Joanna Yeates
Release Date: January 2, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length (91 minutes)
Platform: Sundance Now & AMC+
The documentary revisits the 2010 killing of Bristol-based landscape architect Joanna Yeates, examining how the case unfolded amid intense media scrutiny. It traces the investigation alongside the public response, focusing on investigative missteps, media speculation, and the consequences of premature conclusions. The film also considers the broader impact of sensational coverage while documenting the path toward accountability. This documentary originally premiered in the U.K. in April 2025Â in an episodic format under the title Body in the Snow: The Murder of Joanna Yeates.
No official trailer appears to be publicly available at this time.
Stolen Girl
Release Date: January 3, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length (approximately 105–110 minutes)
Platform: Lifetime (TV) with next-day streaming on the Lifetime app
Stolen Girl is a Lifetime original docu-drama based on real-life events. The film follows Maureen Danning, whose daughter is abducted by her ex-husband and taken overseas, prompting an international search. As Maureen attempts to recover her child, she works with a former marine and child abduction specialist, leading the investigation beyond U.S. borders and into a complex web involving international jurisdictions, covert operations, and competing interests. The story focuses on the personal and logistical challenges of pursuing an international child abduction case under extreme pressure.
The film previously received a limited theatrical and digital release prior to its network premiere on Lifetime.
Snapped (S36)
Release Date: January 4, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: Oxygen
Snapped is a long-running true crime series that examines homicide cases involving women accused or convicted of murder. The series focuses on personal histories, relationships, and the circumstances surrounding each crime, using interviews, recreations, and investigative detail to trace how cases developed and how motives were identified.
New episodes air weekly on Sundays, beginning January 4, at 6 p.m. ET on Oxygen. Episodes run approximately one hour, with streaming available on the Oxygen app.
No trailer available at this time.
The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story
Release Date: January 6, 2026
No. of Episodes: 3
Platform: Investigation Discovery
This three-part documentary miniseries examines the case of Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in 2001, through a lens that extends beyond the criminal proceedings and public understanding of her mental illness. While postpartum depression and psychosis were established factors in the case, the series explores the influence of Michael Woroniecki, a fringe street preacher whose teachings and control tactics allegedly played a significant role in shaping Yates’s beliefs and state of mind. Through archival footage and interviews with family members, individuals connected to the group, and experts on coercive control, the series examines how ideological manipulation can affect vulnerable individuals and compound existing mental health crises.
All three episodes air consecutively on Tuesday, January 6, from 8–11 p.m. ET on ID. Episodes will be available to stream on Max following the broadcast.
Alaska State Troopers (S9)
Release Date: January 7, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
Alaska State Troopers returns for its ninth season, following the work of law enforcement officers responsible for policing one of the largest and most remote jurisdictions in the United States. The series documents patrols across Fairbanks, the Mat-Su Valley, and hundreds of isolated villages accessible only by boat or aircraft. Through ride-alongs and field footage, the show captures criminal investigations, search and rescue operations, and emergency responses shaped by extreme weather, vast distances, and limited resources.
New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays beginning January 7 at 8 p.m. ET on A&E, with next-day streaming availability.
Ozark Law (S2)
Release Date: January 7, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
Ozark Law returns for its second season, continuing to follow the Lake Ozark and Osage Beach Police Departments as they police one of Missouri’s busiest tourist destinations. Set during the peak summer season, the series documents law enforcement responses to boating incidents, alcohol-related offenses, large-scale holiday crowds, and routine patrols intensified by a surge of visitors. The season also examines internal and external pressures facing local agencies, including the challenges of onboarding new officers and navigating legal disputes that affect policing tools and authority.
New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays beginning January 7 at 9 p.m. ET on A&E. Episodes run approximately one hour, with next-day streaming availability.
Desert Law (S1)
Release Date: January 7, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
Desert Law is a new true crime series following the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as deputies patrol more than 9,000 square miles of desert terrain in southern Arizona. Filmed primarily during overnight hours, the series documents patrol operations, DUI enforcement, and investigative work in and around Tucson, highlighting the logistical and environmental challenges of policing a vast and rugged region. The show focuses on how deputies, DUI units, and detectives respond to calls that range from traffic enforcement to serious criminal incidents in remote areas.
New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays beginning January 7 at 10 p.m. ET on A&E. Episodes run approximately one hour, with next-day streaming availability.
No trailer is available at this time.
Harlan Coben’s Final Twist
Release Date: January 7, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: CBSÂ & Paramount+
Harlan Coben’s Final Twist is a true crime documentary series that examines real-life cases involving murder, deception, and unresolved questions. Hosted by novelist Harlan Coben, the series applies a narrative structure drawn from his fiction work to factual investigations, focusing on how hidden motives, false assumptions, and overlooked details shaped the outcomes of high-profile crimes. Using interviews and archival material, each episode revisits a case with an emphasis on unraveling conflicting narratives and exposing previously obscured elements.
New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays beginning January 7 from 10:00–11:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Episodes will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+, with next-day streaming for select subscription tiers.
View the official trailer here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GD1CMvf82/
Accused: The Karen Read Story
Release Date: January 10, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length
Platform: Lifetime
Accused: The Karen Read Story is a Lifetime original docu-drama based on the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe, who was found unresponsive outside a residence in Canton, Massachusetts. The film centers on Karen Read, who was charged in connection with O’Keefe’s death and maintains her innocence. Focusing on the legal proceedings and public response surrounding the case, the film examines how the investigation and trials unfolded amid intense scrutiny, community division, and growing national attention.
People Magazine Investigates (S9)
Release Date: January 12, 2026
No. of Episodes: 12
Platform: Investigation Discovery
People Magazine Investigates returns for its ninth season, continuing its focus on headline-making crimes from across the United States. Drawing on reporting from PEOPLE’s true crime team, the series revisits both recent cases and long-running cold cases, examining how investigations unfolded and how lives were permanently altered. The new season covers a range of crimes, including high-profile murders and complex cases that reveal hidden relationships, long-buried evidence, and unexpected developments.
New episodes air weekly on Mondays beginning January 12 at 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery. Episodes will be available to stream on Max and discovery+ following broadcast.
The Curious Case Of… (S2)
Release Date: January 12, 2026
No. of Episodes: 8
Platform: Investigation Discovery
The Curious Case Of… returns for its second season, continuing its focus on real-life scandals involving deception, manipulation, and abuse of trust. Hosted by legal analyst Beth Karas, the series examines cases where public personas and private actions sharply diverged, resulting in financial harm, physical danger, or loss of life. Through investigative reporting, interviews, and archival material, each episode traces how unchecked influence and false credibility led to devastating consequences.
New episodes air weekly on Mondays beginning January 12 at 10 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery. Episodes will be available to stream on Max following broadcast.
Booked: First Day In (S4)
Release Date: January 13, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: A&E
Booked: First Day In returns for its fourth season, following individuals as they move through the jail booking process after arrest. The series documents the initial hours of detention, capturing interactions between arrestees and law enforcement while detailing the administrative, legal, and emotional realities of being booked into custody. This season features facilities in Virginia Beach, Flagler County, Stanislaus County, Mesa County, Hancock County, and Clay County, presenting the process from both officer and detainee perspectives.
New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays beginning January 13 at 10 p.m. ET on A&E, with next-day streaming availability.
Trailer for season 4 unavailable at this time.
Evil Lives Here (S19)
Release Date: January 13, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Evil Lives Here returns for its nineteenth season, continuing its focus on firsthand accounts from people who lived alongside individuals who later committed serious crimes. The series centers on personal testimony, exploring how warning signs were overlooked or misunderstood and how relationships shifted once criminal behavior came to light. Through interviews with family members and close associates, the show examines the long-term emotional impact of discovering that someone trusted was capable of extreme violence.
New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays beginning January 13 at 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery. Episodes will be available to stream on Max following broadcast.
Killer Confessions: Case Files of a Texas Ranger
Release Date: January 13, 2026
No. of Episodes: Not announced
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Killer Confessions: Case Files of a Texas Ranger is a new true crime series centered on post-conviction interviews and interrogations conducted by Texas Ranger James Holland. The series revisits cases that were once stalled or unresolved, focusing on how direct questioning, psychological pressure, and sustained interrogation led to confessions or new insights into violent crimes. Through interviews and case reconstruction, the show examines offender behavior and the methods used to elicit admissions in complex investigations.
New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays beginning January 13 at 10 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery. Episodes will be available to stream on Max following broadcast.
Homicide Squad New Orleans (S3)
Release Date:Â January 15, 2026
No. of Episodes:Â Not announced
Platform:Â A&E
Added: 1-10-26
Homicide Squad New Orleans returns for its third season, continuing to follow homicide detectives in New Orleans as they investigate some of the city’s most violent and complex cases. Each episode focuses on a single investigation, including fatal home invasions, drive-by shootings, and deadly altercations that require extensive evidence gathering and witness coordination.
Produced by Dick Wolf, the series documents how detectives navigate high-pressure investigations, combining forensic evidence, interviews, and professional judgment as they work toward resolution. Season three continues to highlight the challenges of policing a city with persistent violent crime and the impact these cases have on investigators and communities alike.
New episodes air weekly on Thursdays beginning January 15 at 9 p.m. ET on A&E. Episodes will be available to stream next day on the A&E app and website.
I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco
Release Date: January 17, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length
Platform: Lifetime
Post Updated: 1-8-26
I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco is a Lifetime original docu-drama that revisits the 1992 shooting of Mary Jo Buttafuoco outside her Long Island home. The film centers on Buttafuoco’s experience following the attack carried out by Amy Fisher, the teenage mistress of her husband, Joey Buttafuoco.
Told from Mary Jo’s perspective and narrated by her, the film examines the immediate aftermath of the crime, the intense media attention that followed, and the long-term physical and psychological impact of surviving a highly publicized act of violence. It also explores her path toward recovery, resilience, and advocacy in the years since the shooting.
The film premieres Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
The Hillside Strangler
Release Date: January 18, 2026
No. of Episodes: 4
Platform: MGM+
Edited for clarity: 1-10-26
This four-part documentary miniseries revisits the Hillside Strangler murders that terrorized Los Angeles during the late 1970s, a period marked by multiple active serial killers operating simultaneously in the city. The series examines the abduction, sexual assault, and murders of women and girls whose bodies were left in public areas across Los Angeles, and traces the investigation that became the largest manhunt in the city’s history.
Through archival material and new interviews, the docuseries explores the role of lead homicide detective Frank Salerno, whose pursuit ultimately revealed that the crimes were committed by two perpetrators, Kenneth Bianchi and his cousin Angelo Buono. The series includes interviews with Salerno reflecting on the case decades later, as well as on-camera participation from Bianchi, who speaks publicly about the crimes for the first time.
The four-part series premieres Sunday, January 18 at 10 PM ET on MGM+, with one new episode released each week.
Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer
Release Date: January 20, 2026
No. of Episodes: 3
Platform: Paramount+
Post Updated: 1-8-26
Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer is a three-part true crime documentary series examining the case of Wade Wilson, a Florida man convicted in 2019 of murdering Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.
The series explores the circumstances surrounding the crimes, the investigation and trial, and the factors that contributed to Wilson becoming an online fixation, including the role of social media attention during and after the case. Using police body camera footage and interviews with people connected to the investigation, the docuseries examines how public fascination, media coverage, and violent crime intersected in a highly scrutinized case.
All three episodes will be available to stream beginning January 20 on Paramount+.
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart
Release Date: January 21, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length (91 min)
Platform: Netflix
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is a documentary revisiting the 2002 abduction of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home and her nine-month captivity.
Told through Smart’s own words along with archival and previously unseen footage, the film includes interviews with family members, investigators, and others closely connected to the case to trace how the abduction unfolded, how the search progressed, and how the experience has shaped Smart’s life in the decades since.
Available to stream beginning January 21 on Netflix.
London’s Gangsters
Release Date: January 22, 2026
No. of Episodes: 2
Platform: Sundance Now & AMC+
This two-part documentary revisits the rise and fall of twin brothers Reggie and Ronnie Kray, who dominated East London’s criminal underworld during the 1960s.
Drawing on archival material and previously unheard prison recordings, the series examines the brothers’ relationship, contrasting personalities, and the power dynamics that fueled both their success and eventual collapse. It traces their path from poverty and boxing to organized crime and celebrity, while exploring how violence, notoriety, and internal conflict ultimately led to their downfall.
Both episodes premiere Thursday, January 22, on Sundance Now and AMC+.
No official trailer appears to be publicly available at this time.
The Big Fake
Release Date: January 23, 2026
No. of Episodes: Feature-length
Platform: Netflix
The Big Fake is a feature-length docu-drama that examines the life of Toni Chichiarelli, an Italian art forger whose technical skill drew him into an international web of deception.
The film traces Chichiarelli’s arrival in Rome as an aspiring painter and his gradual transition into large-scale forgery, exploring how his work circulated beyond the art world and intersected with criminal networks and political interests in Italy. Told through dramatized sequences, the film focuses on ambition, fraud, and the consequences of a double life built on imitation and secrecy.
Fatal Attraction: I'd Kill to Be You
Release Date:Â January 26, 2026
No. of Episodes:Â Not announced
Platform:Â TV One
Added: 1-10-26
Fatal Attraction: I’d Kill to Be You is a new true crime series expanding the Fatal Attraction franchise, focusing on real-life cases driven by jealousy, envy, and obsession. The series examines situations in which admiration turns into resentment, leading individuals to attempt to take over another person’s life, identity, or relationships, sometimes resulting in violence or murder.
Using dramatized reenactments alongside expert commentary and real-life interviews, the series explores how friendships, romantic relationships, and rivalries spiral out of control. Each episode traces how fixation and social comparison escalate into criminal behavior, highlighting cases involving identity theft, betrayal, and deadly outcomes.
The series airs Mondays beginning January 26, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET on TV One.
Court Watch: January 2026
A brief overview of notable criminal cases expected to receive live or ongoing coverage on Court TVÂ this month.
GA v. Sarah Grace Patrick
Sarah Grace Patrick, 17, is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault in the February 20, 2025 deaths of her mother, Kristen Brock, and stepfather, James Brock. The couple was found fatally shot inside their Georgia home, after Patrick’s younger sister discovered the bodies. Authorities allege Patrick shot both victims and later called 911 to report the killings. Patrick was arrested in July 2025 following the investigation. Her trial is scheduled to begin in January, with coverage expected on Court TV as proceedings get underway.
VA v. Brendan Banfield
Brendan Banfield is charged in the February 24, 2023 deaths of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan, who were fatally shot inside the Banfield family home in Virginia. Investigators allege the killings were part of a broader plan involving Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães, an au pair employed by the family with whom Banfield was having an affair. On the day of the shootings, Magalhães made multiple calls to 911 before reporting the incident, after which Banfield stated he had shot a man who he claimed stabbed his wife. In 2024, Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Ryan’s death. Banfield’s trial is scheduled to begin in January, with proceedings expected to draw significant attention.
New True Crime Documentary Releases January 2026 – Final Thoughts
That closes out the confirmed January lineup of true crime releases across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. The month brings a mix of new investigations and returning series as the year’s programming cycle begins to settle in. As always, schedules can shift and late additions do happen, especially on streaming platforms. This report will be updated if new titles surface or dates change as the month unfolds.
You can cast your vote below on the release you’re most interested in and see what other members of The Society are most excited to add to their watchlists.
If you missed any December premieres or want a broader look at what carried over into the new year, the full rundown is available in last month’s report.
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Which January true crime release are you most interested in? Click to vote.
Crime In Progress (S1)
The Cult of the Real Housewife
The First 48 (S29)
The Murder of Joanna Yeates