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Harper (‘CSI: NY’) Hosts 12-Episode Series that Revisits and Reveals New Answers to Biggest Crimes, Mysteries, Trials, and Celebrity Tragedies of Our Time
Episodes Include Menendez Brothers Murder Trial, JFK Jr. Plane Crash, and DC Madam Sex Scandal, Among Others
First New Series for HLN Developed by CNN Original Series Team
All future episodes will premiere at 9 p.m. ET on Fridays only on HLN. Episodes will also be available the following day on HLN On Demand.
Hosted by critically-acclaimed actor Hill Harper, best known for his role on “CSI: NY,” “How It Really Happened with Hill Harper,” will delve deeply into some of the most notorious crimes, mysteries, trials, and celebrity tragedies of our time.
From the tragic plane crash of JFK Jr., and sudden deaths of music royalty Prince, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston, “How It Really Happened with Hill Harper,” leverages CNN’s expansive archives to comb for missed clues and reexamine conspiracy theories to unveil new information that may have emerged since the case made headlines. The series will include fresh accounts from witnesses that have never spoken publicly who can give new perspective to these stories that shocked our nation.
“I am so thrilled to be part of this new series for HLN,” said Harper. “Each episode will allow viewers and arm chair detectives to dissect new clues and theories to these infamous trials and mysteries we have been obsessed with over time.”
Following are descriptions of the remainder episodes of “How It Really Happened with Hill Harper:”
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Prince: The End (Airdate: Feb. 10th)
What led to the sudden death of one of music’s most talented and most private superstars? Tragically, Prince was found dead and alone in the elevator of his home just days after his last live performance. This episode pulls back the curtain to expose the secret struggles the music genius faced and traces the early years of his life up to his final days.
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JFK Jr.’s Tragic Final Flight (Airdate: Feb. 17th)
When the plane John F. Kennedy, Jr. was piloting crashed near Martha’s Vineyard, it seemed as though the “Kennedy Curse” had claimed another victim. The country was stunned. How could this have happened? This hour examines what factors led to that fateful flight and features a never-before-seen interview with the person who may have been the last to speak with JFK Jr. just moments before the tragic accident.
Who Killed JonBenet? (Airdate: March 3rd)
The shocking murder of JonBenet Ramsey remains unsolved and dogged investigators
continue to work the case – looking at clues and tips to generate new theories about who killed her. A wide range of suspects are brought to light in this episode, including the Ramsey’s maid and the man who portrayed Santa Claus at a holiday party, days before JonBenet was found murdered.
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The Death of Michael Jackson (Airdate: March 10th)
The “King of Pop” was found dead in his home under mysterious circumstances. What did Michael Jackson’s children and trusted staff witness prior to his sudden death?
Did his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, cause Jackson’s demise? Some suggest Jackson took his own life and others claim he was murdered by those who thought Jackson’s worth was more dead than alive.
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The Strange Case of Jeffrey Dahmer (Airdate: March 17th)
In the Spring of 1991, police had no idea a serial killer was on the loose. This gripping hour explores how Dahmer carefully selected his victims and how he evaded police scrutiny for years. The episode includes a chilling account by one of his victims who lived to tell his harrowing story.
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The Final Days of Whitney Houston (Airdate: March 24th)
This episode takes a closer look at the final days of Whitney Houston who was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The pop star was on the brink of a comeback and scheduled to perform at a Grammy Awards party that night. What were the circumstances that led to her misfortune? This episode uncovers details of Houston’s last days and her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown.
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The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith (Airdate: April 7th)
Anna Nicole Smith was an American model, actress, and 1993’s Playboy Playmate of the Year, who was best known for her public court battle over her late husband’s multimillion-dollar estate. She lived a glamorous life that was cut short when she was found dead at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This episode examines what led to her mysterious death and how it happened.
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What Killed Heath Ledger? (Airdate: April 14th)
To many Heath Ledger had it all – wife, baby, and burgeoning career, but this episode reveals things are not as they seem. Ledger finished filming his Oscar-worthy performance of his gritty portrayal of the Joker in the “The Dark Knight.” Ledger’s body was found in his apartment and investigators were led to discover bizarre drawings and puzzling clues, including a diary Ledger created detailing his immersion of the Joker persona. Did this dark role impact his real life and what was his connection to Mary-Kate Olsen?
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Capturing The Unabomber (Airdate: April 28th)
This episode takes viewers inside the FBI’s investigation of one of America’s most notorious terrorists, “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski. The nation was on edge as a string of bombings killed and injured innocent Americans. How did the Unabomber choose his targets and elude capture for so long? Also featured is a new interview with his brother, the man who ultimately turned him in to authorities.
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DC Madam: The Woman Who Knew Too Much (Airdate: May 5th)
“DC Madam” Deborah Jean Palfrey, ran a high-end escort service who catered to DC’s most powerful players. She was charged with racketeering and threatened to expose names on her client list. Palfrey was found hanging on her mother’s property. Investigators ruled it a suicide, but was her death something more sinister?
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