The Surveillance Report: New True Crime Documentary Releases – October 2025 Edition
- The Emerald Sleuth
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
October isn’t holding back; spooky season brings a true crime calendar packed tighter than a haunted house on opening night. Nearly every day has a fresh release, from headline cases to stranger entries that lean into the Halloween mood. It’s a crowded mix worth digging through, whether you’re drawn to the infamous or curious about the oddball specials networks saved for October.
Scroll through, take notes, and don’t forget to cast your vote at the bottom of the page; we want to know which documentary you’re most excited to stream first.
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 Friday the 13th Murders
Release Date: October 1, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: ID/HBO Max
This six-part true crime series investigates real-world homicide cases tied to or occurring near the date Friday the 13th, weaving together archival records, interviews, and criminal investigations to examine how superstition, timing, and circumstance intersect in actual trauma.
New episodes debut weekly beginning October 1 on Investigation Discovery.
The Real Murders on Elm Street (Season 2)
Release Date: October 1, 2025
No of Episodes: 6
Platform: ID/HBO Max
Season 2 continues the series’ exploration of murder cases that occurred on streets named Elm across the U.S., woven together with news coverage, recordings, official files, interviews, and investigative reporting to show how seemingly quiet neighborhoods can harbor shocking violence.
New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays, beginning October 1, 2025.
Wasp Woman: The Murder of a B-Movie Queen
Release Date: October 2, 2025
No. of Episodes: 3
Platform: Sundance Now/AMC+
In December 1986, B-movie actress Susan Cabot was found murdered in her Los Angeles mansion, and suspicion fell on her son, Timothy Scott Roman. The series examines the investigation, the legal drama, and deeper undercurrents including alleged ties to experimental medical practices.
New episodes stream weekly beginning October 2.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Release Date: October 3, 2025
No. of Episodes: 8
Platform: Netflix
This installment of the Monster anthology dramatizes the life and crimes of Ed Gein, the Wisconsin grave robber and murderer whose case influenced many horror myths.
It explores his relationships, psychological decline, and how cultural horror drew from his crimes, via dramatized scenes and character perspectives. All episodes drop simultaneously.
Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story
Release Date: October 4, 2025
No. of Episodes: 1 (TV movie)
Platform: Lifetime
This movie dramatization is based on Rachel Jeffs’ memoir Breaking Free and tells the story of her life in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) under the leadership of her father Warren Jeffs. It focuses on her struggles with manipulation, abuse, her decision to escape, and her efforts to reunite with her children.
You can view the official trailer here.
Mind of a Monster
Release Date: October 5, 2025
No. of Episodes: Season count not yet confirmed
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID)
Mind of a Monster is a new anthology series from Investigation Discovery that examines the psychology and crimes of history’s most notorious killers. The premiere episode, airing October 5, centers on Ted Bundy and incorporates archival recordings, investigative materials, and accounts connected to the case.
Future installments will continue the series’ focus on other well-known serial killers, each episode using firsthand sources and expert analysis to explore the intersection of criminal behavior and its lasting impact.
New episodes air weekly on Sundays at 9/8c beginning October 5, 2025, on ID.
Update 10/5- This is a TV special that will air on the cable channel Investigation Discovery @ 9/8c on 10/5. It it unknown when it will be on streaming. I will update when more information is available.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
The Tragedy of Tricia Todd
Release Date: October 6, 2025
No. of Episodes: 1 (TV special)
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID)
This special revisits the 2016 disappearance and murder of Tricia Todd, a hospice nurse and U.S. Air Force veteran in Florida.
The case drew attention for its complex investigation, involving her ex-husband Steven Williams who ultimately confessed under a plea deal and led authorities to her remains. The program is expected to examine key evidence, investigative decisions, and the impact on Todd’s family.
The special airs Monday, October 6, 2025, at 8/7c on Investigation Discovery cable TV channel, unknown when it will air on streaming.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Fugitives Caught on Tape (Season 2)
Release Date: October 8, 2025
No. of Episodes: Full season count not confirmed
Platform: A&E
Fugitives Caught on Tape returns for its second season, continuing its format of following law enforcement officers as they pursue fugitives using multiple camera sources (dash cams, body cams, security footage, etc.).
Episode 1 pits law enforcement against a suspect in a box truck who causes multiple collisions on the highway, escalates to a shootout at an airport, and triggers a K-9 pursuit against a fugitive wanted for aggravated battery.
Season premiere on A&E with back-to-back episodes at 10/9c on October 8.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
The Alabama Solution
Release Date: October 10, 2025
No. of Episodes: 1 (feature documentary)
Platform: HBO / HBO Max
This documentary investigates alleged abuses and corruption inside Alabama’s prison system. It follows incarcerated individuals who risked exposure by smuggling footage, and filmmakers who spent years working to bring those hidden conditions into public view.
My Father, the BTK Killer
Release Date: October 10, 2025
No. of Episodes: 1 (feature documentary)
Platform: Netflix
This documentary tells the true story of serial killer Dennis Rader, known as BTK (“Bind, Torture, Kill”), through the eyes of his daughter, Kerri Rawson. It investigates how Rader maintained a double life and examines the lasting effects of his crimes on his family and community, blending archival footage, interviews, and Rawson’s personal reflections.
Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story
Release Date: October 11, 2025 (8/7c), stream next day on Lifetime’s platform
No. of Episodes: 1 (TV movie)
Platform: Lifetime
This dramatization tells the harrowing tale of Stacey Kananen, who endured abuse in her childhood only to face an even darker betrayal when her brother Rickie later confessed to killing their parents, and accused Stacey of helping him.
Mother, May I Murder? (Season 2)
Release Date: October 14, 2025
No. of Episodes: Season count not yet confirmed
Platform: Investigation Discovery
Mother, May I Murder? returns for a second season examining cases in which the parent-child bond turns deadly. The series combines interviews, police archives, and investigative reporting to detail how family loyalty, manipulation, and motive intersect in these crimes.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Murdaugh: Death in the Family
Release Date: October 15, 2025
No. of Episodes: 8
Platform: Hulu
This series is a dramatization inspired by the real events surrounding the Murdaugh family of South Carolina. It portrays the downfall of a powerful dynasty following a deadly boat crash and explores the chain of suspicious deaths and scandals that came to light in its aftermath.
The first three episodes debut October 15, with additional episodes released weekly.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
Release Date: October 16, 2025
No of Episodes: 8
Platform: Peacock
This scripted limited series dramatizes the life and horrific crimes of John Wayne Gacy, focusing particularly on the investigation, the victims’ stories, and institutional failures that allowed his atrocities to continue.
The series builds on forensic records, trial transcripts, and survivor/family accounts to present a layered narrative of Gacy’s double life.
All eight episodes will be available to stream beginning October 16 on Peacock.
The Perfect Neighbor
Release Date: October 17, 2025
No of Episodes: 1 (feature documentary)
Platform: Netflix
In her newest documentary feature, director Geeta Gandbhir (Katrina: Come Hell and High Water) turns her lens on the realities of “stand your ground” laws in the United States. The Perfect Neighbor examines a close community facing escalating conflict with a hostile neighbor that ends in tragedy.
Drawing on police body camera footage and firsthand accounts, the film highlights how these controversial laws shape both law enforcement response and neighborhood dynamics.
The documentary will be available to stream in full beginning October 17 on Netflix, following a limited theatrical release on October 10.
Turn of the Tide: The Surreal Story of Rabo de Peixe
Release Date: October 17, 2025
No of Episodes: Not officially confirmed
Platform: Netflix
This documentary revisits the 2001 event in which a large quantity of cocaine washed ashore in the Portuguese fishing village of Rabo de Peixe. Through testimony and archival material, it explores the immediate fallout in the community and the wider legal consequences that followed.
Viewers may recognize the story as the inspiration behind Netflix’s scripted drama Turn of the Tide (released in 2023), but this new title is a factual account of the real events.
The documentary will be available to stream beginning October 17 on Netflix.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia
Release Date: October 22, 2025
No of Episodes: 3
Platform: Netflix
This three-part docuseries explores the violent conflict within the Philadelphia mob during the 1980s and 1990s.
Drawing on court testimony, investigative files, and media coverage, it examines the struggle for control inside one of America’s most notorious organized crime families and the law enforcement response to years of bloodshed.
All three episodes will be available to stream beginning October 22 on Netflix.
The Monster of Florence
Release Date: October 22, 2025
No of Episodes: 4 episodes
Platform: Netflix
This limited series dramatizes one of Italy’s most infamous serial killer cases, focusing on a string of double murders that terrorized couples over decades.
Based on real investigations, it delves into the judicial proceedings, the suspects, and the mysteries that linger around the unresolved crimes.
All four episodes will be available to stream beginning October 22 on Netflix.
Don’t Date Brandon
Release Date: October 28, 2025
No of Episodes: Not officially confirmed Platform: Paramount+
This true-crime docuseries follows a modern relationship that morphs into a dangerous web of deceit. It explores how one partner’s online persona unravels, the revelations that emerge, and how multiple voices contribute to understanding the deception behind it.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
American Monster (Season 13)
Release Date: October 28, 2025
No of Episodes: Not officially confirmed
Platform: Investigation Discovery (ID)
The long-running Investigation Discovery series American Monster returns for its 13th season. Known for combining personal home video, archival footage, and interviews, the series explores crimes committed by people who once seemed like ordinary neighbors, friends, or family members. As with prior seasons, it focuses on cases where outward appearances masked darker realities.
Details on specific episodes and subjects have not yet been released, but new episodes are set to begin airing October 28 on ID.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers
Release Date: October 30, 2025
No of Episodes: 1 (feature documentary)
Platform: Netflix
This documentary revisits the life and crimes of Aileen Wuornos, one of the few female serial killers in U.S. history. It uses archival interviews, first-person audio accounts, and investigative records to explore her background, victims, and the legal aftermath of her case.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Murder at the Motel (Season 2)
Release Date: October 31, 2025
No of Episodes: Not officially confirmed
Platform: A&E
The true crime series Murder at the Motel returns for a second season, continuing its focus on homicide cases that unfolded in and around roadside motels.
Using case files, interviews, and archival material, the series highlights how seemingly ordinary overnight stops became the scenes of violent crimes and complex investigations.
Season 2 premieres October 31 on A&E.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
Murder on Trial
Release Date: October 31, 2025
No of Episodes: Not officially confirmed
Platform: A&E
This new series presents homicide cases from the courtroom perspective, focusing on how prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors examine the evidence that determines outcomes. The program combines trial footage, testimony, and legal analysis to show how criminal justice decisions unfold in real time.
The series premieres October 31 on A&E.
🎃 No trailer available at the time of this publication 🎃
New True Crime Documentaries October 2025 – Final Thoughts
That wraps the lineup of confirmed true crime documentaries and series arriving in October 2025. It’s a crowded calendar, with releases landing almost every day, enough to keep even the most tireless sleuths busy. As always, streaming platforms have a habit of sneaking out late additions, so keep an eye on this post; I’ll update here if more surface.
Which of these will you be queuing up first? Cast your vote below so we can see what’s making your watchlist from this month’s new true crime releases.
If you missed any of September’s cases, you can catch the full list here.
Want this roundup sent straight to your inbox each month? You can subscribe to The Crime Scene Society newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.
And if you’d like to support the site and help keep it ad-free, you can always Buy the Sleuth a Coffee. Every contribution helps keep the red string taut. If that’s not possible right now, you can still help by commenting, sharing posts, recommending the site, or following/liking on social media. Every small act keeps the investigation alive.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Case closed.🔍 Verdict delivered. ⚖️
Stay hydrated.💧 Candy corn isn’t evidence. Don’t bag it, just toss it. 🍬
🕵️♀️ The Emerald Sleuth, calling it a night. 💚
Which of these will you be queuing up first?
The Friday the 13th Murders
Murders on Elm Street (S2)
Wasp Woman: The Murder of a B-Movie Queen
Monster: The Ed Gein Story