Great news for Forensic Files fans: After years of repeats, CNN Program Development is producing 16 new, 30-minute episodes of the popular true-crime docuseries, which will air on sibling network HLN beginning in February.
HLN, home of the Forensic Files library, acquired the rights from Medstar Television to produce new episodes of the series, which has been a mainstay on HLN in reruns since the program ended production in 2011.
The updated series is named Forensic Files II, and will showcase new, fresh cases, and feature the same format, title music, story type and similar content as the original.
“Forensic Files is the most recognized, celebrated and imitated series within its genre,” said CNN evp Ken Jautz, also the exec in charge of HLN. “After more than 20 years, it’s amazing that one of the earliest crime docu-series still boasts the most loyal viewers and fan base. It’s a testament to the excellent work of Paul Dowling and his team, and HLN is honored to continue the Forensic Files legacy,” he added.
Forensic Files has been HLN’s top-rated program in recent years (out-performing the network’s live news programming), and for a while had been one cable news’ top-rated shows in Saturday prime time among younger news viewers.
Additionally, in light of the passing of the original Forensic Files narrator Peter Thomas in 2016, a new narrator will be announced.
Forensic Files debuted as a series called Medical Detectives in 1996 on the cable network TLC, now owned by Discovery. It would eventually move to CourtTV, and became known as Forensic Files.
“For the past eight years, a multitude of networks have vied for the rights to this exceptional program,” said Nancy Duffy, vice president, program development, CNN and executive producer, Forensic Files II. “We are so grateful to Paul Dowling who agreed that HLN was the logical choice to pick up the mantle and refresh, not re-invent, the series,” she added.