Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries
By: Drizia Bolaños
Tags: True Crime, Netflix, Criminal Justice, Unsolved Mysteries, Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism has been molding societies ever since William Thomas Stead (5 July 1849–15 April 1912) a British newspaper editor introduced it to us.

As the pioneer of Investigative journalism, Stead paved the way to modern tabloid where social issues are being challenged and fought for.

Though W.T Stead lost his life in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. His legacy lives on. This branch of journalism stayed afloat as it reaches the masses through different types of media.

The 21st Century was truly a rebirth to the so-called Watchdog journalism. Through a podcast format, it was given a fresh take.

A podcast is an audio blogging rooted way back in the 1980s. In 2004, it was given a modern name coined by Ben Hammersley, a columnist for The Guardian and a BBC journalist.

The first viral podcast, Serial, pioneered the combination of Investigative journalism and podcasting in 2014. Though the case wasn’t completely solved, it has drawn meticulous conclusions that shed some light to the case.

This changed the game in Investigative journalism, as it encouraged other journalists and podcasters to drive content on this form.

Due to its overwhelming reception, the Pulitzer Prize Board announced in 2019 that “audio reporting,” will be part of the Journalism prize category.

While Investigative Journalism flourishes through its various platforms. The most renowned streaming service Netflix is also jumping the bandwagon as they adopt one of the longest-running programs in the history of television, Unsolved Mysteries which premiered on NBC in January 1987.

Unsolved Mysteries started the audience-interactive “call-to-action” series. Where viewers were asked to provide credible tips to help solve a case. This television series cracked 260 cases and possibly more with Netflix involved.

Why Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries is important?

If we’ll observe again, Investigative journalism is taking a new shape, this time through a renowned streaming service. Netflix has over 182 million streaming subscribers worldwide.

Netflix’s massive reach gives a better chance to expose the case to the public who can help the authorities.

From a streaming entertainment service company, they’re also allowing the platform to be an avenue for public service, just by allowing Unsolved Mysteries stream in their platform.

It helps us to be aware

Crimes happen 24/7 around the world. Fighting the idea that it doesn’t, breeds ignorance, and robs us of the lives that we can possibly save just because we’re afraid of reality.

Being vigilant helps lives. We can’t fight something if we don’t know the enemy and if you say ignorance is bliss. Here, ignorance will also cause someone’s life.

By educating people it helps us identify red flags easily. It raises awareness of how we can protect ourselves and others.

By opening our eyes, we are not tolerating the evil that lurks in our society.

It helps us think

No stone will be left unturned.

Given that these are active cases, the program gives us insights into the case by not demeaning their viewers. Authorities know anyone can help, especially for missing person cases.

Based on the evidence presented, it guides viewers in drawing conclusions objectively. Regardless of your background, it encourages us to think and be informed of our surroundings.

At the end of the day, two heads are better than one.

The program involves its viewers in solving the case

As a viewer, most of the time film is a passive engagement.

Often, we’re used to programs wherein we are only a spectator, but with the rise of these interactive programs, it helps us realize that though we’re in the comfort of our own home, we can still do something. We can still help.

At the end of every episode, they encourage viewers to reach out if they can provide credible tips about the incident.

Hopefully, this merge in investigative journalism and the streaming company will bring forth justice to those who seek it.

If you want to know more about the program, check it here.