Watch Murder, Mystery and My Family

Murder, Mystery and My Family is a gripping true-crime series that examines historic murder cases and re-evaluates the evidence in light of modern-day legal expertise. The show, which premiered on BritBox in 2018, features a team of legal experts including criminal barristers Tony Hirst and Jeremy Dein and renowned Queen's Counsel Sasha Wass.

In each episode, the team examines a case where a person has been convicted or executed for murder, but where doubts remain about the safety of the verdict. Using modern forensic techniques and legal expertise, they review the evidence and consider whether justice may have been miscarried.

The show's subjects are all real cases from British history, ranging from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. These include the cases of James Hanratty, who was hanged for the A6 murder in 1962, and Edith Thompson and Frederick Bywaters, who were executed for the murder of Thompson's husband in 1923.

The legal experts start by examining the evidence surrounding the crime, which often includes witness testimony, forensic evidence, and circumstantial evidence. They then explore the context of the crime, looking at the social and historical factors that may have influenced the verdict, as well as the legal procedures and standards of the time.

Throughout each episode, the experts grapple with the difficult ethical and procedural issues that arise in these complex cases. They must consider, for example, whether it is possible to obtain new evidence, how to balance the rights of the accused with the interests of the state, and what to do when an investigation leads to uncomfortable conclusions.

One of the show's strengths is its focus on the human dimension of these cases. The legal experts meet with the families of victims and alleged perpetrators, offering sympathetic and sensitive support as they revisit traumatic events from the past. This approach draws the viewer into the lived experience of these cases and underscores the high stakes involved in miscarriages of justice.

Another notable aspect of the show is its use of cutting-edge forensic techniques to review old evidence. The experts consult with forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and other specialists to reconsider key pieces of evidence in a new light. This allows them to uncover new insights into the cases and reveal flaws in the original investigations.

Overall, Murder, Mystery and My Family is a compelling and thought-provoking series that sheds light on some of Britain's most notorious historic murder cases. With its mix of legal expertise, forensic investigation, and emotional storytelling, the show offers a unique and insightful perspective on the complex nature of justice. Fans of true-crime shows and legal dramas alike will find much to enjoy in this expertly crafted series.

Murder, Mystery and My Family is a series that ran for 9 seasons (78 episodes) between February 26, 2018 and on BritBox