Two new true crime television series airing this month will debut with two-hour season premieres focusing on the unsolved Long Island Serial Killer investigation shortly before the six-year anniversary of the case.
People Magazine Investigates, which promises to tell the stories of the families behind some of the nation’s most infamous crime stories, debuts at 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 on Investigation Discovery. The Killing Season, a documentary series that explores possible connections between unsolved serial killer cases nationwide, debuts at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 on A&E. The creators of both series say they’ve uncovered new evidence in the cases.
“People pays tribute to the victims, and provides their friends and families an opportunity to tell their stories,” said Jess Cagle, the magazine’s editorial director. “This approach distinguishes People’s coverage, as we identify the most compelling local stories and give them a national forum.”
The LISK case has drawn national and international media attention ever since the first four women were found dead in the brush on the side of Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach in December 2010. When Suffolk County police expanded their search to surrounding beaches over the following year, investigators found the human skeletal remains of four more women, a man in women’s clothing, and a toddler.
Only six of the 11 have been identified and were last known to be working as sex workers. Among those identified is Shannan Gilbert, who police were searching for when they discovered the other remains. Police have said they don’t believe Gilbert was murdered, but her family thinks otherwise.
Both The Killing Season and People Magazine Investigates are comprised of one-hour weekly episodes. The first two episodes of both series—which will be aired back-to-back for their premieres—focus on the LISK case. The Killing Season runs eight episodes and People Magazine Investigates runs 10.
The first two episodes of The Killing Season screened last month at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
“The Killing Season takes viewers on a chilling ride through the unknown and is a perfect example of impactful storytelling that drives the cultural conversation,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, head of programming at A&E.
