Curiosity Launches New Original CSI on Trial

The new Curiosity original series CSI on Trial, which questions crime scene investigation methods, has made its world premiere on Curiosity Stream.

The six-episode series aims to expose the lack of scientific validity behind the investigative practices of forensic science—firearms analysis, bloodstain patterns, footprints—through real-life criminal cases, the stories of the wrongly convicted who are now free and those believed innocent who remain behind bars.

Filmmaker and series executive producer Molly Hermann from The Biscuit Factory narrates the docuseries. Hermann interviewed nearly 70 scientists, practitioners, attorneys, judges and innocent people who were convicted by flawed forensic evidence.

“I believed the old adage that the U.S. criminal justice system isn’t perfect but is still the best in the world,” said Hermann. “But what I discovered is that many methods of forensic science used to build criminal cases aren’t just imperfect; they’re irresponsible and unscientific with a profound impact on human lives. And that’s our mission—to investigate how and why most forensic methods are flawed and explore how we can make the justice system more accountable and more fair.”

“CSI on Trial is an amazing example of what Curiosity Stream does best—dive deep into realms you thought you knew to reveal stunning new insight,” said Rob Burk, Curiosity’s head of content. “I had heard of the so-called ‘CSI effect’—but was shocked to learn how little science there is behind most forensic science disciplines—and the incredibly high price so many have paid because of it. We hope this series contributes to a healthy dialog about the real capabilities and limitations of forensics science.”