LONDON, UK – True crime shows have proven to have a powerful impact beyond entertainment, as they often lead to real-world changes. From reopening cold cases to overturning murder charges, these shows have made a difference in the lives of those affected by injustices.
One such show is ITVX’s “Mr Bates vs the Post Office,” which shed light on the story of Alan Bates, a sub-postmaster who led a legal battle after postmasters around the country were falsely accused of theft and fraud. The show’s portrayal of the scandal prompted over 100 people to come forward for the first time, leading to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling it an “appalling miscarriage of justice.” Additionally, it resulted in the ex-Post Office CEO Paula Vennells handing back her CBE.
Another case is that of Kristin Smart, whose disappearance in 1996 was the focus of the podcast “Your Own Backyard.” The podcast gained attention and eventually led to the arrest and sentencing of Paul Flores, who had helped Smart get home on the night of her disappearance.
Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries” included the story of Kayla Unbehaun, whose age-progressed photo led to a store owner in North Carolina spotting the missing teenager, ultimately resulting in the arrest of her mother, Heather, for child abduction.
The impact of true crime shows is not limited to the present day. The 1988 film “The Thin Blue Line” contributed to the release of Randall Dale Adams, who had been wrongfully convicted and placed on death row. Six months after the film’s release, his sentence was overturned, but he never received compensation for his wrongful conviction.
The power of these shows also extends to high-profile cases, such as the one explored in the podcast “Serial,” which prompted a new trial for Adnan Syed after new DNA evidence appeared to show that he was not involved in the murder of Hae Min Lee.
In all these cases, the influence of true crime shows has led to real-world outcomes, from the resolution of cold cases to the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. These shows continue to shed light on injustices and serve as a driving force for change in the criminal justice system.