Devotees of the true crime genre have been left stunned and horrified after Channel 5 discreetly added a brutal new instalment of its hit documentary series, Murder Suspect No.1, to its schedule earlier this month.
A Quiet Release Sparks Major Shock
Without fanfare, Channel 5 released a brand new episode for a fresh season of the gritty documentary in January 2026. The show, which first aired in 2025, has built a loyal following by shadowing top homicide detectives during intense murder investigations, with fans previously comparing its quality to the acclaimed 24 Hours in Police Custody.
The latest episode plunged viewers into the investigation of a man's brutal death after he was beaten in a basement. The graphic and disturbing nature of the content prompted an immediate and visceral reaction from the show's audience, many of whom took to social media to express their shock.
Viewers React with 'Horror' and Disbelief
On platforms like TikTok, fans described watching the new episode "in horror" and "in shock". One avid viewer labelled the series a "brilliant series" and a "need to watch", but admitted they were unable to fully articulate their feelings about a suspect due to platform restrictions.
The community response was one of unified dismay. "I just watched it oh that one was awful," one viewer replied. Another commented, "I couldn't believe it, just awful, what a crazy world we live in." A third stated simply, "It was a shocking watch," while a fourth echoed the sentiment of many by saying, "I watched it in horror."
Future of the Series Remains Unclear
The surprise release has led to confusion among fans regarding the structure of the new season. Many have questioned why only one episode has appeared, wondering if more will follow.
In a statement likely to disappoint, Channel 5 confirmed to the Mirror that there is currently just a single episode. The broadcaster has not yet confirmed whether additional episodes will be released at a later date.
For those who missed the broadcast, the chilling new episode – along with all previous instalments – is available to stream on-demand via Channel 5's online platform.
