True Crime, Where There's Nothing Hotter Than a Cold Case
Updated on: September 27, 2026 / 10:20 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- True crime coverage is experiencing a surge in popularity across multiple platforms.
- The genre's appeal can be traced back to the 1960s, exemplified by Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood.'
- Human psychology draws people to true crime due to its engagement with profound emotions, mortality, and violence.
- Podcasts like 'My Favorite Murder' have built massive audiences and entertainment empires.
- CrimeCon brings together fans and creators, though some express concerns about trivializing real tragedies.
- Online sleuths attempt to solve cold cases, but this can sometimes lead to the misidentification of innocent individuals.
- Families of victims, like the Goncalves, are now using the true crime platform to fund investigations and advocate for justice.