Watch The Genetic Detective

2020
1 Season
7.8 (375)

The Genetic Detective is a true-crime series that premiered on ABC on May 26, 2020. The show follows genetic genealogist CeCe Moore as she uses her expertise in DNA testing to help solve crimes and identify unknown victims. Steve Armentrout, the CEO of Parabon NanoLabs, and Ellen Greytak, the Director of Bioinformatics at the company, work with CeCe to analyze and interpret the DNA results. Each episode of The Genetic Detective highlights a different case, ranging from decades-old cold cases to more recent crimes. CeCe begins her investigation by analyzing DNA evidence gathered at the crime scene, which could include items like clothing, hair, or blood. She uses this evidence to create a genetic profile, which is then entered into public genealogy databases in an effort to find potential relatives of the suspect or victim. From there, she works to piece together a family tree and narrow down potential suspects. The show not only focuses on the investigative side of genetic genealogy but also emphasizes the emotional impact on the families involved. Many of the cases highlighted on the show involve long-standing mysteries, and the possibility of finally discovering the truth can be life-changing for those affected. The Genetic Detective showcases the power of DNA testing and how it can provide closure for loved ones of the victims and keep communities safe. The show has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to true-crime storytelling. By highlighting the use of genetic genealogy, The Genetic Detective adds a new dimension to the genre and showcases how advancements in technology can help solve crimes that were previously thought unsolvable. Additionally, many viewers appreciate the show's focus on the emotional impact of these cases and the importance of bringing closure to the victims' families. CeCe Moore, the star of the show, is a genetic genealogist with over a decade of experience in this field. She has worked on over 100 cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer case, where her work led to the identification and arrest of the perpetrator. Her knowledge and experience make her an expert in her field, and her compassion and dedication to the victims' families make her a relatable and compelling figure on the show. Steve Armentrout and Ellen Greytak, who work with CeCe on the technical side of the investigations, are also highly respected in their fields. Parabon NanoLabs is a forensic DNA analysis company that has worked with law enforcement agencies across the country to solve crimes using genetic genealogy. Ellen Greytak, the Director of Bioinformatics at the company, is responsible for analyzing DNA data and creating reports that CeCe and law enforcement agencies can use to identify suspects. Overall, The Genetic Detective is a thrilling and emotionally impactful true-crime series that showcases the power of genetic genealogy in solving crimes. CeCe Moore, Steve Armentrout, and Ellen Greytak are a formidable team that uses science, technology, and compassion to bring justice to those affected by these cases. The show is must-watch television for true-crime fans and anyone interested in the intersection of science and justice.

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Seasons

6. The Hot Case

June 30, 2020

CeCe Moore gets an email from a St. George, Utah, detective asking her to work her first "hot" case, the rape of a 79-year-old woman that happened just three weeks prior. CeCe gets to work, knowing the rapist could easily strike again. Also: CeCe sees the first jury trial conviction from a case on which she worked, the suspect identified in the murder of Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg from the series premiere.

5. The Phantom Of Ramsey Street

June 23, 2020

The Genetic Detective follows investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore as she uses her unique research skills to transform the face of crime solving.

4. The Deadly Playdate

June 16, 2020

The killer of 8-year-old April Tinsley taunted police for decades in Fort Wayne, Indiana, leaving notes and threats with viable DNA samples, but they still couldn't catch him until now. Interviews featured in the episode include April's mother, Janet Tinsley, and cousin Kristina Snyder; Fort Wayne Police Department's Detective Brian Martin and retired detective Danny Jackson; coroner Chris Meihls; retired forensic scientist Linda McDonald; reporter Jamie Duffy; and Parabon NanoLabs' founder Steve Armentrout and director of bioinformatics Ellen Greytak.

3. Who Killed Angie Dodge?

June 9, 2020

CeCe Moore's work on the 1996 rape and murder of an 18-year-old in Idaho leads police to the potential killer and helps exonerate the wrongly accused man who spent 20 years in prison for the crime.

2. Hunt for the Runaway Killer

June 2, 2020

Investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore works with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department on the 1998 murder of Sherri and Megan Scherer, a mother and daughter from New Madrid, Missouri. As the investigation takes Moore and detectives on a series of unexpected detours across the country, they uncover the identity of a previously unknown serial killer and Moore ends up meeting with the killer's daughter. The episode features interviews with Steven Scherer, son and brother to the victims; law enforcement from New Madrid and Greenville, South Carolina, and Memphis, Tennessee; the killer's daughter Deborah Brashers-Claunch; DNA expert Ruth Montgomery; and TV reporter Kathy Sweeney.

1. The Case of the Missing Lovebirds

May 26, 2020

Moore works with Seattle's Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and takes on her first-ever cold case as a genetic genealogist - the double homicide of Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg. The young couple disappeared in 1987 after taking a ferry from Vancouver to Seattle and were later found miles apart, gagged, bound and brutally murdered. With a smattering of clues, but no real leads, the case was cold for 30 years. The episode includes interviews with Jay's parents, Gordon and Leona Cook; Tanya's brother, John Van Cuylenborg; Snohomish County law enforcement retired Sheriff Rick Bart and Detective Jim Scharf; and radio reporter Hanna Scott.

Description

Each episode of The Genetic Detective highlights a different case, ranging from decades-old cold cases to more recent crimes. CeCe begins her investigation by analyzing DNA evidence gathered at the crime scene, which could include items like clothing, hair, or blood. She uses this evidence to create a genetic profile, which is then entered into public genealogy databases in an effort to find potential relatives of the suspect or victim. From there, she works to piece together a family tree and narrow down potential suspects.

The show not only focuses on the investigative side of genetic genealogy but also emphasizes the emotional impact on the families involved. Many of the cases highlighted on the show involve long-standing mysteries, and the possibility of finally discovering the truth can be life-changing for those affected. The Genetic Detective showcases the power of DNA testing and how it can provide closure for loved ones of the victims and keep communities safe.

The show has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to true-crime storytelling. By highlighting the use of genetic genealogy, The Genetic Detective adds a new dimension to the genre and showcases how advancements in technology can help solve crimes that were previously thought unsolvable. Additionally, many viewers appreciate the show's focus on the emotional impact of these cases and the importance of bringing closure to the victims' families.

CeCe Moore, the star of the show, is a genetic genealogist with over a decade of experience in this field. She has worked on over 100 cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer case, where her work led to the identification and arrest of the perpetrator. Her knowledge and experience make her an expert in her field, and her compassion and dedication to the victims' families make her a relatable and compelling figure on the show.

Steve Armentrout and Ellen Greytak, who work with CeCe on the technical side of the investigations, are also highly respected in their fields. Parabon NanoLabs is a forensic DNA analysis company that has worked with law enforcement agencies across the country to solve crimes using genetic genealogy. Ellen Greytak, the Director of Bioinformatics at the company, is responsible for analyzing DNA data and creating reports that CeCe and law enforcement agencies can use to identify suspects.

Overall, The Genetic Detective is a thrilling and emotionally impactful true-crime series that showcases the power of genetic genealogy in solving crimes. CeCe Moore, Steve Armentrout, and Ellen Greytak are a formidable team that uses science, technology, and compassion to bring justice to those affected by these cases. The show is must-watch television for true-crime fans and anyone interested in the intersection of science and justice.

The Genetic Detective is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on May 26, 2020.

Where to Watch The Genetic Detective

The Genetic Detective is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Genetic Detective on demand at and ABC.