True Crime Fans Deluged with New Documentaries and Shows in 2026
True crime fans are being thoroughly spoilt this year, with an abundance of fresh documentaries and series available to stream across various platforms. Although we are only at the beginning of 2026, numerous compelling contenders have already emerged, ensuring viewers never need to be without their crime fix. From Netflix to the BBC, ITVX, and Channel 4, there is a rich selection of content, meaning even those who avoid subscription services have plenty of options to explore.
The Investigation of Lucy Letby (Netflix)
This documentary premiered on the streaming service Netflix on February 4, 2026. It delves into the harrowing case of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby, aged 36, who made headlines after being convicted of murdering seven infants between June 2015 and June 2016. Additionally, she was found guilty of the attempted murder of eight young children under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital during that twelve-month period.
Lucy Letby was arrested three times, in July 2018, June 2019, and November 2020, before eventually being charged with murdering and harming children in her care. The 90-minute film focuses on the investigation into her crimes, featuring unseen footage of the serial baby killer being arrested in her bed. It also includes clips of her police interviews, testimony from senior detectives, and an interview with the mother of one of her victims. This marks the first time a family member involved in the prosecution has spoken in a television documentary.
Netflix's synopsis describes it as revealing "unseen footage and unheard insider accounts" that expose the divisive and tragic case of Lucy Letby.
Killer In The House (ITV)
This new series, which aired on the popular channel earlier this year, focuses on some of the most shocking cases in the UK. Apple TV's synopsis notes it "delves into the UK's most extraordinary cases, including a passionate affair that led to a double murder and a body buried in a teacher's garden." Two episodes have been released so far: the first explores the murder of Nicholas Billingham by his partner Fiona Beal in 2022, and the second covers the murders of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan.
Lover, Liar, Predator (BBC)
Premiering on the BBC on February 1, 2026, this documentary examines the stories of four women—Jenni, Natalie, Shannon, and Robyn—who all became trapped by Aaron Swan. It unpicks how Swan evaded justice for so long, despite being placed on the sex offenders register twice. The women share their experiences in their own words, revealing how later victims, with the help of his first wife, finally secured his imprisonment.
One victim, Jenni, endured years of coercive and controlling abuse from Swan, who targeted her online when she was a vulnerable 16-year-old. Despite his prior conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage girl, he managed to move her nearly 200 miles from Sheffield to Jedburgh, where she faced manipulation, threats, rape, and life-threatening situations.
Murder Case: The Hunt For Arlene Fraser's Killer (BBC)
Set to air on the BBC in February, this two-part series focuses on the murder case of Arlene Fraser from the late 1990s. Her husband was convicted of her murder after she disappeared on April 28, 1998, though her body has never been found. The documentary includes interviews with detectives, media reporters, and Arlene's family, providing insight into the police work involved in solving this high-profile Scottish case.
David Harron, Commissioning Editor for Factual at BBC Scotland, praised the series for its care and sensitivity, noting it offers a "fascinating and moving" look at the investigation.
Confessions of a Killer (BBC)
Released on iPlayer on January 20, 2026, this two-part series follows the double killing of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan in 1991. The murders were committed by Lesley's husband Colin Howell and his former lover Hazel Stewart, who confessed eighteen years later. Titled Killer in the Room and Judgement Day, the documentary features original audio recordings of Colin's confession in a police station, along with insights from those who knew the pair, journalists, legal experts, and family members.
Catching a Killer: Buried Truths (Channel 4)
The third series of this true crime docu-series, which began in 2017, aired on January 6, 2026. Titled Buried Truths, it focuses on the murder of Cumali Turhan, aged 45, whose body was found in a landfill site in Chelmsford in November 2024. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe and Police Sergeant Simon Gray discuss the 47-day search, with the synopsis describing how Turhan was "lured into a bar by his love rival" and a witness saw his body discarded with rubbish, sparking a murder enquiry.
This installment continues the series' tradition of offering gripping access to police investigations, part of Channel 4's true crime offerings.
