New three-part series follows Tennessee students investigating decades-old cold cases
Prime Video has announced that its upcoming true-crime docuseries Murder 101 will premiere globally on July 13, 2026, bringing to audiences a story that blends education, investigative work, and the pursuit of justice.
The three-episode documentary series is based on the successful true-crime podcast created by KT Studios and iHeart Media. Prime Video released the official trailer, key art, and premiere date this week, confirming that all episodes will be available simultaneously in more than 240 countries and territories.
High school students revisit a cold case that had faded from public memory
Set in the small town of Elizabethton, Tennessee, Murder 101 follows a high school sociology class led by teacher Alex Campbell as students examine the so-called Redhead Murders, a series of unsolved killings that once drew significant attention across the southern United States.
What begins as a classroom assignment gradually develops into a far-reaching investigation. As students revisit evidence and explore decades-old leads, they uncover new information and connect overlooked clues tied to victims whose stories had largely disappeared from public view.
According to Prime Video, the series highlights not only the investigative process but also the broader human impact of the case. The students’ work brings renewed attention to victims and demonstrates how determination and curiosity can contribute to meaningful discoveries, even from unexpected sources.
The documentary explores how education can extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries, showing students engaging directly with real-world issues while learning critical thinking and research skills.
Series debuted at Sundance Film Festival
Before its global streaming release, Murder 101 received early industry attention when its first episode premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the Nonfiction Pilot Showcase.
The project is directed by filmmaker Stacey Lee, who said the series focuses as much on mentorship and personal growth as it does on the criminal investigation itself.
“At its heart, Murder 101 is a story about what happens when someone believes young people are capable of extraordinary things,” said Stacey Lee, Director of Murder 101. “Mr. Campbell didn’t just create a class; he created a space where students could think critically, engage deeply, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. The power of a great teacher isn’t just what they teach you; it’s how they change the way you see yourself. That’s something you can’t find in a textbook.”
The documentary presents Campbell’s classroom as a catalyst for student engagement, with participants taking an active role in examining evidence, conducting research, and pursuing answers to longstanding questions surrounding the case.
Experienced production team behind the project
Murder 101 is produced by KT Studios and Freshman Year, bringing together a team with experience across film, television, and documentary storytelling.
Executive producers include Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Stephanie Lydecker. Watts is known for directing major studio productions, while the broader creative team has been involved in a range of documentary and narrative projects.
The series arrives amid continued audience demand for true-crime programming, a genre that has become a significant driver of engagement for streaming platforms worldwide. By combining investigative journalism elements with an educational setting, Murder 101 aims to offer a distinctive perspective within the crowded true-crime landscape.
Prime Video’s release of the series further expands its documentary catalogue, adding a story that explores both unsolved crimes and the impact that educators can have on shaping young people’s confidence and ambitions.
With all three episodes launching on July 13, viewers around the world will be able to follow the students’ journey as they seek answers to a mystery that has remained unresolved for decades, while shedding light on the victims whose stories risked being forgotten.