Fear City · No Strings Attached · Rebranding Justice
Plus: True-crime time machine!
the true crime that's worth your time
Netflix is taking on the Mob. The streaming service is teasing a docuseries called Fear City: New York vs The Mafia, log-lined “Five Mafia families ruled New York with a bloody fist in the 1970s and '80s, until a group of federal agents tried the unthinkable: taking them down.”
The three-parter covers the Bonannos, Colombos, Gambinos, Genoveses and Luccheses — in other words, all the boldest-faced Mafia names from that era — as they eschewed competition in favor of collaboration, leading to their power over New York “Fear” City. “Previously unheard surveillance recordings” are promised, as are “brand new interviews” from the mob-adjacent.
They’re calling it “a real life version of The Sopranos,” which feels like a reach (isn’t the Mafia interesting enough on its own?). Guess we’ll find out which Gambino is an AJ and which Bonanno is a Meadow when it drops on July 22. — EB
Forget Justice, it’s all about True Crime. Cable channel the Justice Network will relaunch as the True Crime Network on July 27, its owners announced this week. The channel says its new product will offer a unique entertainment experience for true crime fans, integrating the 24/7 multicast network with a free, on-demand streaming service and high-quality true crime podcasts from TEGNA’s VAULT Studios.”
That streaming service won’t launch until later this summer, but when it does you can expect something free, ad-supported on-demand episodes” of “true crime content and programming.” Are you wondering if you even have the Justice Network? You are not alone! Here’s a map of carriers, if that helps. — EB
This time last year on Best Evidence:
True crime author Paul Harrison was accused of making some stuff up. He hasn’t said much since, but you can still book him, it appears, as a “world class” speaker.
Leaving Neverland fans filed suit against Michael Jackson’s alleged victims. It doesn’t look like that suit’s gone much further, but accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck might still be able to sue Jackson’s estate, a court ruled last fall.
This is super spooky: Glee star Lea Michele was tweeting some weird stuff about a former castmate’s death.
There’s loads more; you can read our July 16, 2019 issue here.
That’s right! We’ve been on this for over a year. Back when we started, $55 a year didn’t seem like a lot to ask of folks, but if you’re like me, right now you’re thinking about every buck you spend. That’s why we’re so grateful to you folks who stick with a paid Best Evidence subscription, and also why we understand that right now, not everyone can swing that. But, if your Twitter bitcoin scam just netted you a load of money, your support will be welcomed (and your secret safe with us).
Ed. note: Please do not hack anyone’s Twitter account. No, not even Elon Musk. Yes, we know he’s obnoxious. But still, we can’t condone that.
New podcasts new podcasts!! Hooray, because I am running low, thanks to my new late-night cuddle buddy, crippling insomnia. These pods won’t put us to sleep, but they’ll make being awake far more interesting:
California City: I mentioned this show on an abortive, scammy Mojave Desert community a couple weeks ago, and I’m so thrilled it’s here — I’ve really been looking forward to it. The first real episode just dropped, and it’s everything I love: real estate, shattered dreams, and a shit-ton of sand. Subscribe here.
Cold Case Canada: Am I jealous of CCC host Eve Lazarus, whose last name suits her first far better than mine? Perhaps. She’s a true crime scribe by trade, and this 12-ep show is based on her 2016 book Cold Case Vancouver. The first episode, which was released last weekend, covers an unsolved slaying from the 1940s. Subscribe here.
No Strings Attached: This eight-episode show is about a “failed murder attempt” (my favorite kind) involving — brace yourself — a sabotaged parachute and an unfaithful husband. Here’s a news brief on the case if you’re cool with spoilers; the victim also wrote a book about the incident called I Survived, expected to be released next month. The first two episodes went live Monday, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Subscribe here.
Friday on Best Evidence: Is “Murder in the Outback” about the steakhouse? An investigation.
What is this thing? This should help. Follow The Blotter @blotterpresents on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to The Blotter Presents via the podcast app of your choice. You can also call or text us any time at 919-75-CRIME.