Apple TV+ is capitalizing on the popularity of true-crime podcasts with “Truth Be Told,” a murder mystery debuting December 6.
The 10-episode series is not based on a specific podcast, but on a novel about a true-crime podcaster, played by Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer.
The script is based on Kathleen Barber’s novel “Are You Sleeping.”
Spencer is joined by a terrific cast, including Lizzy Caplan, from “Mean Girls” and “Masters of Sex,” and Aaron Paul, best known from “Breaking Bad.”
The first three episodes, 45 minutes each, are available on launch day. Then, one episode a week will air for the next seven weeks. Apple TV+ hopes to build audiences — and suspense — by relying on a traditional weekly format, versus Netflix’s binge mentality.
Since it’s an Apple production, there is ample product placement, including the Voice Memos app.
Danish filmmaker Mikkel Nørgaard, known for his work on “Klown,” directed the first episode.
Other Apple TV+ originals include “The Morning Show, “ Servant” and “Dickinson.” The video streaming service runs $5 a month.