SundanceTV Orders True-Crime Franchise

AMC Networks’ SundanceTV has launched True Crime Story, a franchise that will focus on a variety of true-crime stories from different perspectives.

The first two series announced under the True Crime Story banner are It Couldn’t Happen Here, hosted by Hilarie Burton Morgan (One Tree Hill, The Walking Dead, Friday Night in with The Morgans); and Indefensible, hosted by Academy Award nominee Jena Friedman (The Daily Show). AMC Studios Content Distribution is managing worldwide sales.

Produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment, It Couldn’t Happen Here will put a spotlight on small-town American crime stories that show how crime impacts these tight-knit communities. Indefensible, from Left/Right, looks into cases where the outcome is shaped by more than what initially meets the eye. It Couldn’t Happen Here premieres on Thursday, September 9, while Indefensible will launch on Thursday, October 14 on SundanceTV and AMC+.

Blake Callaway, general manager of SundanceTV, IFC and BBC America, said: “Some of the most memorable programs on SundanceTV in recent years have focused on true-crime stories, as we’ve built the category into an important part of the network’s brand. Working with Hilarie Burton Morgan and Jena Friedman to bring their talents and points of view to this new franchise is an exciting next step. We can’t wait to share these two new series that will offer a unique take on the genre this fall.”

Burton Morgan said: “Advocating for small towns has been the primary focus of my adult life, whether it’s fighting for mom-and-pop shops or public schools or facilities like Astor Services. I believe deeply in the value of these small communities. Last year, my husband and I were able to team with the AMC family to shed light on a number of the struggles our community was facing during Covid-19, as we had local friends and neighbors from the Hudson Valley on as guests for our show Friday Night in with The Morgans. Continuing my relationship with the AMC family at SundanceTV and digging deeper into the issues that are specific to small towns is a mission that I’m honored to be part of.”

Friedman said: “Many Americans don’t think about our criminal justice system until they’re in it. I hope this show gives viewers insight into some of the ways in which the system is flawed, so at the very least, they’ll be a little more prepared in the event they ever end up on a jury.”