20/20 True Crime+ launches on Apple Podcasts with Mangione series
ABC News’ new 20/20 podcast subscription adds ad-free true-crime shows, early releases and new series on Luigi Mangione and the McStays.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
ABC News is putting 20/20 true crime Apple Podcasts fans behind a new paywall, launching a subscription tier called “20/20 True Crime+” on Tuesday, July 28.
The new offering gives subscribers ad-free access to “20/20” podcast material, including new episodes, older shows and narrative series. ABC News said the plan also includes early access to new releases and exclusive extras, including subscriber Q&As with Deborah Roberts, co-anchor of “20/20” and host of “20/20: The After Show.”
The subscription starts with a free seven-day trial on Apple Podcasts. After that, it costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year, according to ABC News.
What is 20/20 True Crime+ on Apple Podcasts?
“20/20 True Crime+” is a paid Apple Podcasts subscription for ABC News’ “20/20” true-crime audio programming. Subscribers get ad-free listening, early episode drops and exclusive material tied to cases covered by the long-running newsmagazine.
The launch arrives with two new ABC News Podcast Network series: “What Happened to the McStays?” and “Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione.” Subscribers get early access to the first three episodes of the McStay series and the first episode of the Mangione series.
New Luigi Mangione podcast gets early subscriber release
“Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione” is a five-part series hosted by ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmire. ABC News said Buckmire previously hosted “Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy,” described by the network as an award-winning podcast.
The first episode will be available to “20/20 True Crime+” subscribers on Aug. 7. The series will debut for non-subscribers on Aug. 10, with new episodes released weekly, according to ABC News.
ABC News said the series follows the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the search that followed and the arrest of Luigi Mangione, who is described as Thompson’s alleged assassin. ABC News said Mangione has pleaded not guilty.
According to ABC News’ description, the podcast also looks at Mangione’s background, including his Baltimore upbringing, and how the case became part of a wider argument over health care in the United States.
McStay family case returns in new series
The second new series, “What Happened to the McStays?,” is hosted by ABC News correspondent Ashan Singh. It premieres July 28 for paid subscribers and Aug. 11 for non-subscribers.
The podcast covers the McStay family case. ABC News said the family disappeared from their Southern California home on Feb. 4, 2010, setting off an investigation that initially led officials to believe they had gone to Mexico.
ABC News’ show description says that theory later fell apart after developments in the Mojave Desert and that investigators were eventually led to a suspect they did not expect.
Katie den Daas, senior vice president of global newsgathering at ABC News, told Variety the subscription is designed for devoted true-crime listeners. She said ABC News believes its edge is using “fact-based, true-crime journalism” to tell the stories.
Den Daas also told Variety that the tier is starting on Apple Podcasts because of the platform’s broad reach and because the network wants to make access easy for listeners.
Janice Johnston, executive producer of “20/20,” told Variety the subscription gives the team room to use additional material from cases that have aired on television, including interviews and details that could not fit into broadcast episodes. She said some cases contain powerful interview material that can get more space in extended podcast form.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.