Amanda Knox to Host the Seven-Episode Podcast Series, Set to Roll Out on Sundance Now, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and More Starting October 25th
NEW YORK, NY, October 23, 2018 — SundanceTV and Sundance Now are delving deeper into the true crime genre space with the launch of new seven-episode podcast hosted by Amanda Knox. The series, entitled “The Truth About True Crime with Amanda Knox,” will begin by taking a detailed look at the Jonestown massacre and will serve as a companion to the upcoming television docu-series, “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” which will air on SundanceTV on November 17 and 18 at 9/8c, and move to Sundance Now, AMC Networks subscription VOD service, starting December 20.
The Knox-hosted podcast further explores the rise and fall of Jim Jones and the People’s Temple through conversations with the show’s creators, Jim Jones Jr., The Road to Jonestown author, Jeff Guinn, former members of the cult and more.
Episodes one and two will be available on Sundance Now, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and other listening platforms beginning Thursday, October 25, followed by episodes three through six on Monday, November 19, culminating in the finale, available on Friday, December 7, which will cover the 40th-anniversary memorial event, organized by Jim Jones Jr. and fellow survivors to pay tribute to the victims at Jonestown. Each podcast episode is 20-30 minutes in duration.
“In keeping with the Sundance tradition of innovation in storytelling, SundanceTV and Sundance Now are thrilled to expand deeper into true crime space, the podcasts on Jonestown being the first of which we hope to be many,” said Jan Diedrichsen, General manager of SundanceTV and Sundance Now. “While television as a format allows us to utilize archival footage, photos and videos, the podcast format allows for a deeper conversation and expansion of the story. What’s more, we have found a real-life expert in Amanda Knox, who brings a unique perspective to the true crime genre, and a humanity to the storytelling.”
“After surviving my own true crime saga, I tend not to be a fan of the genre, because it so often veers into sensationalism at the expense of the human beings involved and the truth,” said Knox. “But these stories are very important when told with compassion and context. I’m excited to partner with Sundance to bring nuance to the story of Jonestown.”
The television docu-series “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle,” airs on SundanceTV beginning Saturday, November 17, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre that claimed the lives of more than 900 people – the greatest single loss of American lives before 9/11. The two-night special event paints a picture of Jim Jones’s transformation from a charismatic preacher and champion of civil rights into an egomaniacal demagogue who led hundreds to take their own lives – both willingly and forcibly. Based on the best-selling book by investigative journalist Jeff Guinn, The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple, and featuring archival footage – including unreleased recordings and photographs taken by Peoples Temple members and previously classified FBI documents – the two-night special event will explore the full story of what transpired in the remote South American jungle and answer the questions how? and why? The definitive account also includes new interviews with survivors and Jones’s family members.
“Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” is executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson of Appian Way (The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street), author Jeff Guinn, Stephen David and Tim W. Kelly of Stephen David Entertainment (“The Men Who Built America,” “The Making of the Mob”) and is directed by Shan Nicholson (Sugar Town, Rubble Kings).
Following its run on SundanceTV, the full docu-series, “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” will move to Sundance Now starting December 20th.
About Sundance TV
Since its launch in 1996, SundanceTV has remained true to founder Robert Redford’s mission to celebrate creativity and distinctive storytelling through unique voices and narratives found in the best independent films. From delivering critically acclaimed Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Peabody Award-winning television featuring some of the world’s most talented creators and performers, to showcasing some of the most compelling and iconic films across genres and generations, SundanceTV is a smart and thought-provoking entertainment destination. SundanceTV is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.; its sister networks include AMC, IFC, BBC America and WE tv. SundanceTV is available across all platforms, including on-air, online at www.sundancetv.com, on demand and mobile.
About Sundance Now
Sundance Now is AMC Networks’ premium streaming service, offering original and exclusive dramas and true crime series, in addition to award-winning movies from every genre, including foreign-language and documentary features – all streaming commercial-free. Built on the Sundance legacy and curated by acclaimed filmmakers and cultural icons, Sundance Now is proud to present an extensive array of entertainment for a passionate and intellectually curious audience.
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