Five of the most thrilling crime and mystery series to watch this Christmas

Seen enough festive films to last a lifetime? Then tune into CBS Reality at 9pm every evening between 25th-31st December for a schedule packed full of crime and mystery specials

5 mins read time  |  Written by Anya Shah

In those hazy days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, settling down on the sofa for an evening of good TV is practically a holiday tradition in itself. But whether you have exhausted your seasonal favourites back in November or have simply had enough merriment for one day, you’d be forgiven for seeking a little respite from the festivities.

That’s why this year, CBS Reality is offering you entertainment you’ll truly enjoy, with a captivating schedule packed full of true crime specials. Every evening from 9pm, you can tune in to enjoy back-to-back episodes of your favourite series including World’s Most Unexplained and 48 Hours.

It may not be the most conventional viewing for this time of year, but it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat all evening. So, if you’re excited for endless hours of gripping TV, keep reading to find out exactly what CBS Reality has in store for you this Christmas.

In the 21st century, we tend to assume that logic, reason and science can provide the answers to everything – so where do we turn when they can’t? This intriguing series probes deep into some of the most inexplicable questions humans have faced throughout history, such as the mysterious cause behind stigmata wounds, which are physically real but lack any medical explanation, or why psychics seemingly have the ability to look into the future.

48 Hours is one of the most popular true crime series on air, and it’s not hard to see why. In each episode, a prominent CBS News correspondent investigates a different true crime case that’s riddled with unanswered questions. The series has even been known to help play a part in exonerating those who have been mistakenly convicted, such as Ryan Ferguson, who was wrongly sentenced for the murder of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt in 2005.

Ever wondered what it’s like to interview a serial killer? Well, you can find out with this documentary, which puts you at the heart of the police interrogation room. Using lip-sync technology to bring audio tapes to life, every episode features a confession from a notorious murderer, including the likes of Robert Black and Ted Bundy. You’ll then find out just how the tape was used by officers and lawyers to build a case against the killers and ultimately seek justice for the victims and their families.

In this fascinating series, top psychologists examine the twisted relationship between five murderers and their mothers. Each episode explores the unhealthy dynamic between them, drawing on evidence and expert opinions to determine whether the parenting style of each of the mothers in question falls into the anti, uber or passive category. While all can be problematic, understanding which one is applicable can ensure the related convict is dealt with appropriately.

One in five murders in the UK are committed by an ex-convict, which begs the question – did anyone see it coming? In Released to Kill, journalist and criminologist Donal MacIntyre asks exactly that as he investigates recent murder cases where the perpetrator previously served time.

If you missed Donal MacIntyre's Released to Kill - catch up on episodes 1-5 with our Donal MacIntyre weekend in time for the premiere of new episodes 19th January. We'll also be showing episodes from his renowned series Donal MacIntyre's Murder Files.