Forensic Files ended in 2011, but Forensic Files II airing in 2020 has had success with viewers. Forensic Files II will renew for a second and third season with a total of 32 new episodes for HLN, according to The Hollywood Reporter. CNN executive Ken Jautz, who oversees WarnerMedia cable network HLN, told The Hollywood Reporter that Forensic Files II “exceeded expectations and was an unequivocal hit among viewers.” The reboot series stays true to the original format and experience, changing only with new technology and production.
The original documentary style crime series focused on tales of violent crimes, and how forensic science can be used to solve these mysteries. It grew a dedicated fan base; even Ben Camp (The Night of, Joker) told The Hollywood Reporter that he “got immediately hooked” on the original series. He has been narrating the reboot since it aired in February 2020 and will continue to for the upcoming seasons.
“So many documentary crime series have tried to copy it or take it to a different place or frame it in a different way,” Camp said to The Hollywood Reporter. “But not to the degree of success that they’ve been able to do.”
Nancy Duffy (Jurassic World, Land of The Lost), executive producer, told The Hollywood Reporter that law enforcement was happy for the return of Forensic Files and was eager to offer up cases for the show to focus on, some of which became episodes.
“Our goal was to continue the Forensic Files legacy, telling new stories about how science and advanced forensic techniques are used to crack the most difficult cases….the loyal Forensic Files fan base responded enthusiastically,” Duffy said to The Hollywood Reporter.
Forensic Files II season 2 will be released in 2021, but no firm release date is known.