A+E Networks EMEA has expanded its venture into original short-form commissioning, reflecting its broader digital remit and growing success. Over the past year, A+E Networks EMEA’s Digital Originals have garnered over 10m views across social media platforms. During this time, the digital commissioning team has collaborated with 10 different production companies.
TikTok hair stylist James Busby returns with a second season of Cut to The Crime. In this series, Busby’s hairdresser’s chair serves as a “confessional,” where survivors of crime and reformed perpetrators share their remarkable stories while getting their hair cut and styled. Each episode features powerful and poignant conversations revealing the profound impact of their true crime experiences. Produced by Phoenix, the 10-part series explores cases involving survivors of acid and homophobic attacks, addiction, and personal stories from police officers and experts.
Launching in October 2024, Listen to This is a five-part short-form series from Zig Zag featuring true crime content creator Charley Bourne and comedy influencer Jack Taylor. Each episode presents a shocking new crime file, guiding viewers through twists and turns and unpacking the details from their sofas.
Unbreakable, produced by Red Sauce, is a bold and revelatory digital film and audio podcast series hosted by Nina Aouilk, a life coach and survivor of extreme childhood abuse. In each of the six episodes released in November 2024, Nina meets with survivors of violent and abusive crimes, creating a safe space for them to share their pain and incredible journeys of escape.
Released in early 2025, True Crime Secrets is a new series from Particle6 that presents raw, unfiltered real-life crime stories told by those who have experienced them firsthand. Each episode features candid street interviews from across the UK, revealing the varied impact of crime on people’s lives.
Sam Pearson, Head of Short Form Commissioning at A+E Networks EMEA, said: “With this fresh slate of short-form shows, we continue to build on our ambitious digital strategy, with new talent and voices, impactful stories, and a whole range of new entertainment formats that we hope audiences will love.”
All series can be enjoyed as a collection on Crime+Investigation Play, the A+E Networks EMEA streaming service, and on-demand video from major cable and satellite providers, with weekly releases on social media platforms.
