Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told follows Poppy Scoville, a veteran true crime podcaster who believes a convicted killer may not have paid for his crime. As she reopens a case that many would rather forget, she uses the podcast as a lens to question the line between journalism and sensationalism. The show dives into media ethics, police procedure, and the real lives touched by a high profile crime, including those of the accused, the victims, and the host herself. Without offering easy answers, it asks whether pursuing the truth is worth the danger and how fame can distort the search for justice. Tensions rise as old loyalties collide with new evidence. The series also leans into a detective vibe.

Premiering on Apple TV+ in 2019, Truth Be Told was created by Nichelle D Tramble. The series uses a rotating team of directors across episodes and situates investigative podcast style within a courtroom driven drama for fans and newcomers alike, for a wide audience.

Truth Be Told entered the public conversation about true crime and podcast culture by dramatizing how a show's narrative can influence real lives. Viewers discussed questions of bias, responsibility, and how media shapes memory of crime, creating a talking point beyond the screen. It also sparked debate about monetizing tragedy.

Critically the show was praised for Octavia Spencer's intense performance and for its uneasy meditation on justice, ethics, and the cost of seeking truth in a culture hungry for answers. The writing centers character flaws, moral ambiguity, and the harsh costs of pursuit. It further probes truth's fragility under pressure.

The series earned recognition at awards ceremonies for its performances and production quality, reflecting the strong acting and the series ambitious handling of sensitive subject matter, as well as its willingness to tackle complex questions about truth, justice, and the media.