Spelarserver
Avsnitt
Säsong
Truth Be Told
20197
DramaMystik
Släppt
06 dec. 2019
Land
USA
Produktioner
Hello SunshineChernin EntertainmentEndeavor ContentOrit EntertainmentWith an NFifth Season+1
En inblick i brottspoddarnas värld. Detta drama, som belönats med NAACP Image Award, har Octavia Spencer i huvudrollen som poddutsändaren som riskerar allt – även sitt liv – för att sanning och rättvisa ska segra.
About
Quick guide
Truth Be Told follows Poppy Parnell, a podcast host who revisits a decades‑old murder case to uncover the truth.
Truth Be Told centers on Oakland journalist Poppy Parnell, a popular true‑crime podcaster who revives a 1999 murder investigation to find justice. After new evidence points to a wrongful conviction, Poppy navigates family secrets, legal obstacles, and the pressures of public scrutiny. Over three seasons, the series explores how a single story can ripple through a community, test personal relationships, and expose the limits of the criminal‑justice system. With a mix of intimate interviews, courtroom drama, and investigative intrigue, the show keeps audiences engaged while probing themes of truth, accountability, and the cost of speaking out.
What to know
- 3 seasons, 28 episodes total, ran 2019‑2023
- Original on Apple TV+, creator Nichelle Tramble Spellman
- Runtime 39‑52 minutes per episode
- Lead cast: Octavia Spencer, Aaron Paul, Lizzy Caplan, Elizabeth Perkins, Mekhi Phifer
- Based on novel “Are You Sleeping” by Kathleen Barber
- Show explores wrongful conviction, family drama, legal intrigue
- Contains mature themes, strong language, crime‑related violence
Watch if
Watch if you enjoy tight‑knitted true‑crime investigations, powerful performances by Octavia Spencer, and a series that blends podcast storytelling with courtroom tension. The show offers a deeper look at the ripple effects of a single case on a city and its people.
Skip if
Skip if you prefer light‑hearted dramas, dislike legal proceedings, or cannot handle the series’ dark tone, mature content, and strong language. The show is not for viewers seeking a straightforward mystery without deep character conflict.
dark toneinvestigation heavypsychological elementsmature themessuspensefullanguage strongcrime violence
Premise
Premise: Poppy Parnell, an Oakland journalist, revives her hit true‑crime podcast to dig into a 1999 murder. Fresh evidence suggests the convicted killer was innocent, pushing her into a legal minefield, family drama, and the ethics of public scrutiny. As the story unfolds, the series exposes how a single case can ripple through a community and challenge notions of justice.
Cast & Characters
Cast & Characters: Octavia Spencer leads as Poppy Parnell, a determined podcaster. Supporting roles feature Aaron Paul as Warren Cave, the convicted murderer; Lizzy Caplan and Elizabeth Perkins as the victim’s twins and mother; Mekhi Phifer as a former detective; and recurring talents like Merle Dandridge and Tracie Thoms. Each actor adds depth to the intertwined legal and personal narratives.
Episode Structure
Episode Structure: Each 45‑minute episode blends investigative reporting, courtroom scenes, and character interviews. The show follows a serialized mystery, with each episode adding clues and emotional stakes. Poppy’s podcast format allows viewers to hear her narration alongside live reactions, while flashbacks and legal commentary provide context for the unfolding drama.
Critical Reception
Critical Reception: Reviews were mixed; praise focused on Spencer’s performance and the show's thematic ambition, while critics felt pacing faltered and plot twists lacked payoff. The series earned a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for season one. Despite low scores, fans appreciate its layered storytelling and real‑life implications.
Themes & Style
Themes & Style: The series dives into truth vs. perception, the ethics of public justice, and the weight of personal history. Visually, it employs a gritty, realistic aesthetic, with handheld camera work and subdued color palettes. Dialogue‑heavy scenes and intense investigative moments create a tense atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles.
Production Notes
Production Notes: Created by Nichelle Tramble Spellman, the series adapts Kathleen Barber’s novel “Are You Sleeping.” Filming took place across Los Angeles and Oakland, with a single‑camera setup that enhances its documentary feel. Apple TV+ released the series in December 2019, renewing it for two additional seasons before cancellation in 2023.
How to Watch
How to Watch: “Truth Be Told” streams exclusively on Apple TV+. New episodes debuted December 2019, with all seasons available for binge‑viewing. Subscribers can download episodes for offline playback or stream via the Apple TV+ app on iOS, Android, or smart TVs. A free trial is available for first‑time users.
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FAQ
20 Q&A
Who is the main character in Truth Be Told?
Poppy Parnell, played by Octavia Spencer, is an Oakland journalist and true‑crime podcaster who uses her platform to investigate unsolved cases.
What case does the series start with?
The first season centers on the 1999 murder of Stanford professor Chuck Buhrman and the subsequent conviction of Warren Cave, which Poppy suspects may be wrongful.
How many seasons does the show have?
Truth Be Told ran for three seasons, totaling 28 episodes, from 2019 to 2023 before its cancellation.
Who created the series?
Nichelle Tramble Spellman created the show, adapting Kathleen Barber’s novel “Are You Sleeping.”
Is the show based on a real case?
While the narrative is fictional, it draws inspiration from the true‑crime podcast genre and real legal challenges faced in high‑profile investigations.
What happens in season 2?
Season 2 follows Poppy’s investigation into the mysterious death of filmmaker Micah Keith and the complex relationships that threaten to compromise her objectivity.
Are the characters based on real people?
The characters are original creations, though they embody archetypes common in legal and investigative drama.
How long is each episode?
Episodes run between 39 and 52 minutes, depending on the season.
Why was the series canceled after season 3?
Apple TV+ chose not to renew the show, citing strategic shifts in content priorities, not a reflection on its quality.
Where can I watch the series?
It is available exclusively on Apple TV+, accessible to subscribers of the service.
Is there a free trial for Apple TV+?
Yes, new users can start a complimentary trial before committing to a subscription.
Does the show contain strong language or violence?
The series includes mature themes, occasional strong language, and crime‑related violence, suitable for adult audiences.
Who else stars in the series?
Supporting cast includes Aaron Paul, Lizzy Caplan, Elizabeth Perkins, Mekhi Phifer, and others who bring depth to the legal and personal storylines.
How does the podcast format influence the storytelling?
The podcast allows the show to blend first‑person narration with interviews, creating a layered perspective and engaging the audience directly.
Does the show explore media ethics?
Yes, it frequently examines the responsibilities and pressures that come with publicly broadcasting investigative findings.
What themes are explored in season 3?
Season 3 addresses missing girls in Oakland, political opportunism, and the personal history that ties Poppy to her city.
Is there an official soundtrack?
John Paesano composed a soundtrack that accompanies the series, available through streaming services.
Can the show be streamed on other platforms?
No, it is exclusive to Apple TV+ and is not available on other streaming services.
Is the series suitable for younger viewers?
The show contains mature content, strong language, and crime themes, making it unsuitable for minors.
Are there any spin‑offs or related projects?
No official spin‑offs have been announced; the series stands alone.
