True crime enthusiasts can now binge-watch Series 1 and 2 of True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here, hosted by Hilarie Burton, best known for her role in One Tree Hill. The series dropped on Acorn TV this week, offering 20 episodes that delve into murder cases and crimes in small towns across America.
Series Overview and Format
Burton, who also serves as executive producer, sits down with relatives connected to each case to examine whether justice has truly been served. The official synopsis describes the show as a "powerful and captivating series" that "puts a spotlight on murder cases from small towns across America where questions remain if justice has been fully served." Each episode features Burton meeting with family members and local insiders, exploring the twists and turns of the case and uncovering the unique challenges of small-town justice.
Episode Details and Release History
Series 1 originally aired in 2021 and consists of 14 episodes, while Series 2, released in 2024, comprises six episodes, according to the Mirror. The simultaneous availability of both series allows viewers to catch up before the eagerly anticipated Season 3, which is set to premiere on August 10.
Upcoming Season 3 Locations
In the forthcoming season, Burton will visit locations including Texas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kentucky in pursuit of justice. Across the episodes, viewers can expect cases involving missing daughters, unsolved killings, and suspicious deaths.
Impact on Real Cases
Since the programme launched, Burton has spoken openly about the tangible impact the show has had on several cases she investigated. One notable case involves assisting prisoner Jason Lively, who was wrongfully convicted in 2006 for the 2004 murder and arson of Dr. Ebb Whitley Jr. After more than 14 years of incarceration, he was exonerated in 2020 after the state's own experts concluded the fire was not arson.
Burton revealed that the programme's nationwide coverage of Lively's conviction contributed to him securing a $1.56 million payout approved from the state of West Virginia for his wrongful imprisonment. She told America's People Magazine: "The calls to action that we do for each episode are really important. For anybody who's unsure if their involvement in our show matters, I'm here to tell you, my inbox is insane right now with the traction that we are finding on our cases."
She added: "We don't stop caring about the story just because it aired. We're still involved. Until the family feels like they have justice, our job isn't done."
Viewer Acclaim
Since the true crime documentary initially premiered, it has garnered widespread acclaim from audiences, with many commending the "forgotten stories" featured. One viewer said: "True crime at its finest! These are stories that you don't hear about on every other podcast. They are the forgotten stories. They are the every day people in non-salacious stories that need to be remembered."
Another viewer posted: "Great story telling. Keep these episodes coming. Hilarie does a great job at this. She may have producers but you can feel her genuine care when talking about these stories. She is refreshing. There are lots of crime documentaries out there to compete with. She really cares about getting the whole story out there."
True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here is available to stream on Acorn TV now.
