Cream Productions’ John Ealer on Making Relative Secrets

Acorn TV has made the move into factual with its first-ever unscripted series: Relative Secrets with Jane Seymour. As the title suggests, acclaimed actor Jane Seymour, known for her roles in Harry Wild and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, headlines the investigative genealogy show. Each episode investigates a different everyday American family’s darkest mystery, aiming to solve it and examine how it has shaped the family over the years. Every mystery connects the American family to their U.K. heritage.

The series comes from Toronto-based Cream Productions—which has produced factual programs such as An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, The Story of Late Night and All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs—for AMC Studios. John Ealer, senior production executive at the company and executive producer of Relative Secrets, tells TV Real Weekly about the new series and what made it the perfect fit for Acorn TV.

TV REAL: How did Relative Secrets come about?
EALER: Cream has extensive experience in the true-crime space. In late 2023, we were in production of our ninth season of Fear Thy Neighbor for ID and Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot for ID and Max. Building on our expertise, we pitched multiple story concepts to AMC Networks. Although none were greenlit, the conversations were productive, fostering a genuine creative connection. Regrouping, we brainstormed innovative ways to blend true crime with another genre, specifically genealogy, to refresh the format. Searching for identity and mystery are natural allies, and a show exploring historical, familial and unresolved crimes could thrive.

AMC reached back and asked us if we were interested in developing something in this hybridized space, so we delved further to develop Relative Secrets, a series that explores a family’s darkest unsolved mysteries and their profound impact on them in the present.

TV REAL: Cream Productions has plenty of experience with the true-crime genre. How have you noticed the genre evolving over the years? And how does Relative Secrets stand out in what has become a crowded genre?
EALER: The true-crime genre has matured dramatically. What once focused mostly on shocking crimes and law enforcement procedural is now expanding into stories that are more personal, reflective and emotionally complex. Relative Secrets is part of that evolution. We’re not just telling audiences what happened; we’re also exploring why these events matter across generations. Unlike traditional true-crime storytelling, recognized for its sit-down interviews and re-creations, the investigations in Relative Secrets unfold via verité and real conversations. Notably, Relative Secrets reinvigorates the genealogy genre by prioritizing present-day family over the dusty family tree, immersing viewers in the characters’ daily lives while becoming familiar with the wills, deeds, birth certificates and newspaper clippings that shape their pasts. Unlike most genealogy shows that guide a single family member to uncover their roots, we follow an entire family on a quest to solve a mystery that has defined them for generations. This distinctive approach creates a compelling formula.

TV REAL: The series marks Acorn TV’s first original unscripted project. What makes it the perfect fit to launch Acorn’s foray into the unscripted realm?
EALER: Acorn TV has a highly dedicated fan base for its mysteries, thrillers and crime dramas, and audiences have really connected with Jane Seymour’s Harry Wild. It really felt as if the stars aligned to have Jane host and executive produce this new unscripted series. Relative Secrets has all the elements of mystery and intrigue the Acorn TV audience loves, and it delivers compelling, cost-effective nonfiction content that complements Acorn TV’s scripted offerings. By fusing true crime with genealogy, Relative Secrets engages viewers with emotionally resonant storytelling, encouraging longer viewing sessions and increasing total minutes watched. Its unique narrative could broaden Acorn’s appeal, providing viewers with a fresh alternative to scripted programming and keeping them captivated on the platform.

TV REAL: What went into the decision to have Jane Seymour host? And what are the benefits of having this kind of star talent attached?
EALER: Originally, Relative Secrets wasn’t going to have a host—just an investigator—but while Jane was filming the fourth season of Harry Wild, she showed strong interest in the series’ premise, and the format quickly developed from there. On screen, Jane brings gravitas, warmth and empathy, drawn from the dark discoveries of her own past, which we explore in Relative Secrets. She and her exceptional team, including stylist Cheri Ingle, were extraordinary to work with. Her family’s U.K. heritage aligns perfectly with Acorn’s viewership, providing a cultural foil to the American families featured in the show. More importantly, Jane’s celebrity status and cross-generational appeal deliver a built-in audience, strong personal brand and cornerstone for the campaign—all in one.

TV REAL: What part does archaeologist Natasha Billson play in the series?
EALER: Natasha is in the investigative, “boots-on-the-ground” engine of the show; she meets the families and helps look for clues. As an archaeologist, she brings a discovery-driven mindset, meticulous documentation and evidence-based storytelling that anchors each episode in real-world rigor. Her unique ability to interpret records, piece together timelines and unveil hidden truths for families fuels the series’ momentum and credibility.

More importantly, Natasha’s deep empathy shines through. She treats people with the same care as the most delicate artifact, gently probing for insights without causing harm. Like Jane, Natasha hails from the U.K., and her expertise in U.K. history enriches the show by illuminating American families’ transatlantic connections, a vital element of the show.

TV REAL: Each episode investigates a different American family’s darkest secret. How did the team choose which stories to delve into?

EALER: The first criterion was identifying American families harboring riveting, accessible mysteries with a unique hook. Second, the mystery had to have occurred within the last four to five generations—dating back no further than the late 1800s—to ensure the secrets remained vivid and relevant. We avoided older stories that might feel slightly academic or disconnected. Third, we focused on families with relatable, dynamic characters whose lives have been deeply defined by their mysteries. Finally, the family’s story must connect back to the U.K. somehow, so that we could attract both American and U.K. audiences.

TV REAL: The episodes feature access to those closest to the mysteries/crimes. Tell us about your duty of care protocols and approaching these stories with respect to those most affected by them.

EALER: It was critical to build trust from day one by showing absolute honesty throughout the process and providing emotional support. It was also important that our team showed their own humanity by remaining vulnerable and treating these families as they would treat their own (or better!) Relative Secrets would not have succeeded had we not set clear expectations because not every mystery can be solved, even though season one, fortunately, solved them all.

Our protocols rewarded us with life-changing experiences. For instance, when Willie James White (subject of episode two, “A Century of Guilt”) turned 100 years old, we were invited to his Zoom birthday party. Jane was in Ireland, I was in New York, and Natasha was on an archaeology dig, yet we got to share that special moment with him, which was even more meaningful after Willie passed away on May 23. Solving Willie’s mystery—allowing him to find peace in his final days with less guilt—is one of our proudest accomplishments.