Exciting True Crime Documentaries Set to Release in 2025: Your Essential Preview
True crime documentaries are set to hit the screens in 2025, including coverage of the murder of Gabby Petito and the Rust shooting tragedy.
In February, Hulu confirmed the release of Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna. This arrives two years after actor Alec Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges in January 2023, following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set. Baldwin was the one handling the prop gun that discharged in October 2021, resulting in Hutchins’ death and serious injuries to director Joel Souza, yet he maintains he bears no responsibility.
Baldwin has pleaded not guilty, with the charges being withdrawn in April 2023, only to be refiled. Eventually, the latter case was dismissed, and Baldwin has initiated a lawsuit against the prosecution team for alleged malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.
Additionally, Netflix is slated to scrutinize Petito’s murder, specifically the cross-country journey she took with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, prior to her death.
Ramey Photo/Mega Agency; Miles Crist/Netflix. When a true crime story captures the spotlight, there often emerge multiple programs exploring the same events in quick succession. While not all simultaneous releases are by design, notable cases like Sherri Papini’s abduction and the infamous murder trial of Erik and Lyle Menéndez illustrate this phenomenon.
Continue reading for more eagerly awaited true crime documentaries slated for 2025:
‘Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action’ (Netflix)
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is a two-part docuseries that unveils the most controversial aspects of America’s infamous talk show, revealing major scandals both in front of and behind the camera. This series specifically revisits the harrowing case of guest Nancy Campbell-Panitz, who was violently murdered by her ex-husband, Ralf Panitz, following their appearance on the show. (January 7)
‘Scamanda’ (Hulu)
Featuring exclusive interviews with friends and family, the docuseries from ABC News delves into the case of Amanda Riley, who faked cancer to exploit charitable donations for personal gain. (January 30)
‘American Murder: Gabby Petito’ (Netflix)
This documentary reveals the perspectives of Petito’s family regarding the last months before her tragic death in 2021. It incorporates insights from Laundrie’s confession and utilizes her journals, text messages, and personal recordings to tell her story. (February 17)
From Sherri Papini’s kidnapping scam to the two separate documentaries centered on Scott Peterson’s murder conviction, it’s evident that streaming platforms are heavily investing in true crime content for 2024. Netflix and Hulu generally dominate this genre by focusing on the latest and most startling cases.
‘Who is Luigi Mangione?’ (Investigation Discovery)
Just two months after Luigi Mangione was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024, Investigation Discovery examines Mangione’s past to understand what led him to his present situation. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder as an act of terrorism. (February 17)
‘Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy’ (Peacock)
This upcoming Peacock documentary is expected to investigate the events surrounding the tragic circumstances leading to Matthew Perry‘s death in October 2023, which resulted in federal charges against five individuals. Kenneth Iwamasa, an assistant to Perry, has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death, while another associate, Erik Fleming, has also pled guilty to the same crime. Additionally, Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. These individuals have cooperated during the investigation under the presumption of receiving lesser charges. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, also referred to as the “Ketamine Queen,” have entered not guilty pleas to similar charges. (February 25)
‘Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’ (Hulu)
The three-part documentary Devil in the Family will offer deeper insights into the case of former YouTube influencer Ruby Franke and her ex-business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, both of whom are serving incarceration terms after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse in 2023. (February 27)
Getty Images (3); MEGA. The slate includes upcoming scripted series examining high-profile cases, like the murder of JonBenét Ramsey and convicted killer Ed Gein. Paramount+ has specifically announced a limited series about the Ramsey family, focusing on the events surrounding JonBenét’s tragic murder in 1996 and its aftermath.
‘Chaos: The Manson Murders’ (Netflix)
While Netflix has yet to share a detailed synopsis, Chaos is expected to explore the story of cult leader Charles Manson, who was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in relation to the horrific slayings of seven individuals in 1969. (March 7)
‘Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna’ (Hulu)
This documentary chronicles the tragic incident involving Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin’s film Rust. Directed by her friend, Rachel Mason, it promises access to court records, behind-the-scenes footage, and Halyna’s archives, delving into safety protocols and the personal reflections of those involved. (March 11)
‘Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer’ (Netflix)
The documentary Gone Girls will revisit the stories of women who vanished from New York City and Long Island before the grim discovery of female remains in Gilgo Beach in 2010, which hinted at systemic connections among the deaths. (2025)
