Watch Sensing Murder

Sensing Murder is a paranormal show that first premiered on New Zealand's TV2 in 2002, and subsequently aired on the Investigation Discovery channel. The show starred Australian actress Rebecca Gibney as the host and narrator. The basic premise of the show was that it followed the investigations of two psychics as they attempted to solve unsolved murder cases.

The show featured a unique format where two psychics would work on each case - one psychic would analyze the evidence and the crime scene, while the other would make a connection with the victim's spirit to gain insight into the circumstances surrounding their death. The psychics were given limited information about the cases they were working on, so that they could provide their own perspectives on the crimes without any preconceived notions. The show claimed to bridge the gap between the paranormal and law enforcement.

Each episode followed a different case and the psychics' attempts to solve it. The cases were often long-cold, unsolved murders that had stumped law enforcement officials for years. The psychics would visit the crime scene to pick up on any spirits that may be lingering there. They would then use this information and their psychic abilities to try to get closer to solving the case. The show also interviewed family members of the victims, law enforcement officials, and witnesses to gain additional information about the crimes.

Sensing Murder was unique in its approach to using psychics in the investigation of crimes. While the use of psychics and the paranormal has been portrayed in movies and television shows, Sensing Murder was one of the first to attempt to blend this phenomenon with real-life criminal cases. The show was also notable for its promotion of a kind of closure for the victim's family members, as well as its showcasing of the psychics' abilities, which had previously been dismissed by many as speculative or bogus.

Some critics have argued that the show can be seen as exploitative of grieving families, who may be left with false hope that their loved one's killer will be found or frustrations at the lack of progress in the case. Others argue that the show is a refreshing take on the typical true-crime genre and that it brought more public attention to unsolved cases that might otherwise have been forgotten.

One notable case that the show covered was that of Kevin O'Loughlin. O'Loughlin was murdered in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2000. He was found stabbed to death in his home, and despite an intensive investigation, his killer was never found. Sensing Murder featured the psychic team of Kelvin Cruickshank and Deb Webber in their attempt to solve O'Loughlin's murder. The episode was highly emotional, featuring interviews with O'Loughlin's family and friends.

Sensing Murder remained a popular show throughout its run. It was also highly criticized for its use of psychics, with the Scientific American magazine describing the show as an example of how "the media perpetuates the popularity of paranormal phenomena".

Despite the controversy, Sensing Murder remained a beloved classic for fans of true crime and the paranormal. It showcased the psychics' experience and technique, provided a kind of closure for the victim's family members, and brought attention to cold cases that were often overlooked. Ultimately, the show's legacy remains secure as a unique and groundbreaking show that tackled the intersection of the paranormal and true crime.

Sensing Murder is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (39 episodes). The series first aired on April 24, 2024.