Reelz Premieres Original Series MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS Tonight

REELZ announced new original series MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS premieres tonight, August 15 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT examining killers who gained public notoriety when their crimes whipped up a media frenzy. The unnerving psychology behind murder has long been source material for television, books and movies - celebrities like Rob Lowe, Mark Harmon and Dean Cain have all portrayed criminals discussed in this series - but why do certain killers capture the attention of millions? Each one-hour episode of MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS presents dramatic recreations of well-known crimes using archival material and insightful commentary from those connected to the case to help unravel the twisted personalities that were thrust into the spotlight. MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS is produced by AMS Pictures. New episodes will air Saturdays at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT.

Murder Made Me Famous shares personal accounts from victims' family members, jurors, members of law enforcement and journalists involved with each case to give viewers an intimate perspective and disclose new information. Featured commentator for every episode is author and PEOPLE crime reporter, Steve Helling, who has covered several high-profile crime stories including the Natalee Holloway and Laci Peterson disappearances.

The MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS premiere on August 15 spotlights convicted killer Jodi Arias whose case triggered a flood of public involvement and social media activity. This past April Arias was sentenced to life in prison without parole having been found guilty of shooting and stabbing her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander, to death in the shower. The premiere episode dives into Arias' transgressions and includes interviews with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and veteran AP journalist Brian Skoloff whose book Killer Girlfriend: The Jodi Arias Story presents a comprehensive account of the investigation and events leading up to this dramatic trial.

Future episodes of MURDER MADE ME FAMOUS explore the following cases:

Scott Peterson- In a case that unfolded like a Hollywood script, millions were engrossed in the investigation of Peterson's missing wife, Laci, only to find that confident and charismatic Scott was also a cold-blooded killer who had everything to do with her disappearance.

Menendez brothers-When their parents were killed in their Beverly Hills mansion, Erik and Lyle Menendez took the public on a ride with a tale full of mobsters and mystery but the pieces didn't add up and the brothers became a national sensation when they confessed their guilt and claimed years of sexual abuse.

Ted Bundy- One of the most notorious criminals of the late 20th century, serial killer Ted Bundy used his good looks to charm his victims. He was put to death in 1989 after being convicted of murdering two college women and a young girl - although before his execution he confessed to dozens more.

Drew Peterson- The trial that sparked creation of an Illinois law dubbed "Drew's Law" allowing hearsay evidence to be used in court, in 2007 the former police sergeant became a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, leading police to re-open the case surrounding the death of Kathleen Savio, Peterson's third wife who was murdered three years earlier.

Joran van der Sloot- The Dutch citizen made U.S. headlines for his involvement in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, an Alabama teen vacationing in Aruba, as well as for the murder of Stephany Flores Ramirez in Peru on the exact same day, five years later.

About ReelzChannel - Hollywood Happens Here(TM)

REELZ is a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network, connecting its viewers across America with the magic, wonder and excitement of Hollywood wherever it happens. The network is home to cutting-edge factual entertainment and reality programs, compelling television events, miniseries, movies and series featuring big stories and big stars. Programming ranges from the critically acclaimed and award-winning The Kennedys to Hollywood Hillbillies, Master P's Family Empire, The Kennedys-After Camelot, Beverly Hills Pawn, Branson Taxi, Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... , Celebrity Legacies, OK! TV, HOLLYWOOD SCANDALS and much more that connects directly to the world of entertainment. REELZ also showcases top movie and entertainment expert Leonard Maltin who provides specific on-air recommendations for movies viewers can watch at home.

REELZ reaches 70 million homes on DIRECTV channel 238, DISH Network channel 299, Verizon FiOS TV channel 233, AT&T U-verse channels 799/1799HD and cable systems nationwide. Find REELZ in your area by visiting www.reelz.com. REELZ is a High-Definition network and if a cable or satellite provider doesn't carry it that way, we encourage viewers to call and ask for REELZ in HD. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZ is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM with national ad sales based in New York City with offices in Boston and Chicago. As one of the last truly independent television networks remaining in today's media landscape REELZ has created the Independence Happens Here(TM) website to help keep free thought and innovation alive by highlighting the importance of independent businesses. The website can be found at http://IndependenceHappensHere.com.

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