Variety Hosts Inaugural True Crime Summit at SXSW

Variety is set to host its inaugural True Crime Summit at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 13, 2026. Presented by Investigation Discovery, the event aims to gather influential figures from the true crime genre, which has become a dominant force in entertainment. The summit will explore the global fascination with stories of mystery, justice, and deception across various media, including documentaries, television series, and podcasts.

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The day will commence with a keynote conversation featuring Nancy Grace, a legal commentator and host of “Crime Stories With Nancy Grace.” Grace will discuss the evolution of crime coverage and the responsibilities that come with reporting on real-life cases. Dea Lawrence, co-president and publisher of Variety, emphasized the importance of connecting fans with creators in the true crime space, stating, “As true crime series, movies, and podcasts continue to grow in popularity, Variety recognizes the value of connecting fans with creators and experts in the genre.”

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The summit will feature a variety of panels and discussions. One notable session, “Stopping the Story Before It Starts,” will include Hooman Shahidi, Chief Product Officer of SimpliSafe, discussing how technology can enhance home safety and prevent crime. Another session, “The Booming Business of True Crime Storytelling,” will be moderated by Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld and will examine the genre's rapid growth and competitive landscape.

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Prominent figures from the industry, including Jonathan Hirsch of Sony Music Entertainment and Kate Navin of Audible, will share strategies for expanding global audiences. Additionally, a special session will spotlight “The Red Weather,” a podcast by Rider Strong that merges personal narrative with true crime elements.

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While the true crime genre enjoys widespread popularity, it has faced criticism regarding ethical considerations in storytelling. Critics argue that the genre can sometimes exploit real-life tragedies for entertainment purposes. The summit will address these concerns, with discussions focusing on balancing truth-seeking with respect for victims' families.

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Jason Sarlanis, President of Investigation Discovery, remarked on the significance of the summit, stating, “Partnering with an esteemed outlet like Variety on this summit underscores just how significant and dynamic this genre has become.” He expressed pride in leading the true crime space and highlighted the importance of the storytelling craft in driving societal conversations.

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As the appetite for true crime content continues to grow, the True Crime Summit at SXSW is positioned to be a pivotal event for industry leaders and fans. The discussions will unpack the storytelling techniques, ethical considerations, and business strategies that define this influential genre. For more information and to RSVP, interested parties can visit variety.com/truecrime.

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