In the ever-expanding world of true crime documentaries, few series have captured the chilling essence of an unsolved mystery quite like Forensics: Murder Case, the gripping new two-part documentary narrated by the acclaimed British actress Nicola Walker. Premiering on Channel 5 on July 21, 2025, this series has sent shockwaves through its audience, with viewers confessing they’ve been left sleepless by its haunting narrative and relentless pursuit of justice. Presented by journalist Kirsty Wark and delving into the 1983 cold case murder of Aberdeen taxi driver George Murdoch, Forensics: Murder Case stands out as a masterclass in storytelling, forensic science, and emotional depth. With comparisons drawn to the genre-defining The Staircase, this series is being hailed as colder, darker, and even more unsettling. Here’s why this documentary has true crime fans buzzing and losing sleep.

A Case That Refuses to Rest

At the heart of Forensics: Murder Case lies the brutal, unsolved murder of George Murdoch, a 58-year-old taxi driver whose body was discovered beside his vehicle in Aberdeen, Scotland, on September 29, 1983. The gruesome discovery was marked by a chilling detail: a cheese wire garrote, the suspected murder weapon, was found nearby, hinting at the calculated savagery of the crime. Despite extensive police efforts—over 10,000 house-to-house inquiries and 7,000 statements—the killer vanished into the night, leaving a community in fear and a family in perpetual grief. For over four decades, the case remained a haunting enigma, with detectives describing Murdoch’s killer as “the one that got away.”

The documentary, narrated with gravitas by Nicola Walker, whose voice carries both empathy and urgency, explores not only the details of the crime but also its profound impact on those left behind. Through interviews with key figures, including Mhorvan Sherret, a former detective on the original 1983 inquiry, and David Wright, a close friend of Murdoch’s, the series paints a vivid picture of a man whose life was tragically cut short. Wright’s reflections, shared in an exclusive clip with RadioTimes.com, reveal the warmth of Murdoch’s character: “I remember always being out on his boat, we always used to catch fish. Lots of happy memories and good times with him.” Yet, the sorrow in his voice as he recounts learning of Murdoch’s death underscores the emotional weight of the case: “Part of [his wife] Jessie died that night as well, 100 percent.”

Forensic Breakthroughs and a Glimmer of Hope

What sets Forensics: Murder Case apart from other true crime documentaries is its focus on the transformative power of forensic science. In the 1980s, the absence of modern tools like CCTV and mobile phone data left investigators grasping at shadows. However, recent advancements have breathed new life into the case. The documentary details a significant DNA breakthrough: a profile extracted from preserved crime scene evidence, believed to belong to Murdoch’s killer. While this DNA has not yet matched any profile in the national database, it has provided detectives with a list of potential blood relatives, narrowing the search for the elusive murderer.

The second episode, aired on July 22, 2025, follows the police as they track these relatives across the UK, raising the tantalizing possibility that justice may finally be within reach. The series doesn’t shy away from the painstaking nature of cold case investigations, showcasing the meticulous work of modern detectives who combine cutting-edge forensics with old-fashioned tenacity. This blend of science and human determination creates a narrative that is as gripping as it is hopeful, inviting viewers to invest in the outcome of a case that has lingered unresolved for over 40 years.

Nicola Walker’s Haunting Narration

Nicola Walker, known for her roles in Unforgotten, The Split, and River, brings a unique intensity to Forensics: Murder Case. Her narration is both a guiding thread and an emotional anchor, lending the series a gravitas that elevates it beyond the typical true crime fare. Fans of Walker’s work will recognize her ability to convey deep empathy, a skill honed through her portrayals of complex characters like DCI Cassie Stuart in Unforgotten. In Forensics: Murder Case, her voice captures the anguish of Murdoch’s family and the frustration of detectives, while also highlighting the hope sparked by new forensic leads.

Walker’s involvement in true crime is nothing new—she also narrated Cold Case Forensics in 2023, which explored high-profile cases solved through forensic advancements. However, Forensics: Murder Case feels like a culmination of her ability to humanize the victims and investigators alike. Her delivery of lines like “The impact of his murder on George ‘Dod’ Murdoch’s wife Jessie was unthinkable” resonates deeply, drawing viewers into the personal toll of the tragedy. Social media posts from viewers on platforms like X have praised her narration, with one user noting, “Nicola Walker’s voice in Forensics: Murder Case is haunting. I couldn’t sleep after the first episode—it’s like the case is alive, demanding answers.”

Why It’s Colder Than The Staircase

The comparison to The Staircase, the landmark 2004 documentary series directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, is inevitable. Both series delve into complex murder cases with layers of ambiguity, but Forensics: Murder Case feels colder, more visceral, and arguably more haunting. While The Staircase focuses on the legal machinations and personal drama surrounding Michael Peterson’s trial for the death of his wife Kathleen, Forensics: Murder Case is grounded in the raw, unresolved pain of a community and a family still searching for closure. The lack of a definitive suspect in Murdoch’s case, coupled with the chilling imagery of the cheese wire garrote, creates an atmosphere of lingering dread that surpasses the psychological complexity of The Staircase.

Viewers have taken to X to express how the series has left them rattled. One post read, “Forensics: Murder Case makes The Staircase feel like a warm hug. The way they describe that cheese wire scene… I’m still shaken.” Another viewer commented, “I binged both episodes last night, and I swear I checked my locks twice before bed. Nicola Walker’s narration is like a ghost telling the story.” The series’ ability to evoke such visceral reactions speaks to its power as a true crime narrative that doesn’t just inform but unsettles.

A Broader Impact on the True Crime Genre

Forensics: Murder Case arrives at a time when true crime documentaries are more popular than ever, yet it manages to carve out a distinct niche. Unlike sensationalized series that prioritize shock value, this documentary balances emotional storytelling with a forensic focus, offering a rare glimpse into the mechanics of a cold case investigation. Channel 5 has become a hub for true crime content, with series like The Mushroom Murders and Lucy Letby: Did She Really Do It? drawing significant audiences. However, Forensics: Murder Case stands out for its restraint and depth, avoiding exploitative tropes in favor of a narrative that honors the victim and the ongoing quest for justice.

The series also highlights the evolution of the true crime genre since The Staircase debuted in 2004. While The Staircase pioneered the long-form documentary format, Forensics: Murder Case benefits from modern production techniques and a greater emphasis on forensic science. It also engages the public directly, emphasizing the role viewers can play in helping solve the case by providing information about potential DNA matches. This interactive element adds a layer of urgency, making the audience feel like active participants in the investigation.

Critical Reception and Viewer Reactions

Since its premiere, Forensics: Murder Case has garnered widespread acclaim. HELLO! magazine described it as “a must-watch for true crime fans,” praising its detailed exploration and Walker’s compelling narration. RadioTimes.com highlighted the emotional impact of the exclusive clip featuring David Wright, noting how it humanizes the tragedy. On X, viewers have been vocal about the series’ intensity, with posts like, “This is the most gripping true crime doc I’ve seen in years. The DNA chase in episode two had me on edge!” and “Nicola Walker’s voice is perfect for this—chilling and heartbreaking at the same time.”

Critics have also noted the series’ ability to balance technical forensic details with human stories. The inclusion of interviews with Murdoch’s friend and former detectives adds authenticity, while the focus on Jessie Murdoch’s enduring grief underscores the lasting impact of violent crime. Some viewers have expressed frustration at the lack of resolution, a common critique of cold case documentaries, but most agree that the series’ strength lies in its refusal to sensationalize or offer false closure.

A Haunting Legacy

Forensics: Murder Case is more than just another true crime documentary—it’s a testament to the enduring power of hope, science, and storytelling. Nicola Walker’s narration, combined with Kirsty Wark’s incisive presentation, creates a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally devastating. For fans of The Staircase, this series offers a colder, more haunting experience, one that lingers long after the credits roll. As detectives continue their search for George Murdoch’s killer, Forensics: Murder Case serves as a powerful reminder of the lives touched by unsolved crimes and the relentless pursuit of justice that keeps their stories alive.

For those brave enough to dive into this chilling tale, be warned: you may find yourself checking the locks and leaving the lights on. Forensics: Murder Case is available to stream on Channel 5’s platform, and it’s a journey into the heart of a mystery that will haunt you long after the screen goes dark.