The true crime documentary “People Magazine: Investigative” is not for the faint of heart. Presenter Alexander Mazza also takes a look at the cases.
Alexander Mazza (51) presents several episodes of the US true crime format “People Magazine: Investigative”, which will be available on discovery+ from August 10th and will run on TLC on Saturdays from 6:15 p.m. from August 17th, 2024. In each episode, the documentary series examines a dramatic criminal case – also with the help of interviews with relatives of the victims and the investigators. Mazza guides German viewers through the show and classifies what happened and what was seen. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals what viewers can expect and which cases particularly affected him personally.
You have hosted many entertainment shows, how did you come to present a true crime format?
Alexander Mazza: It’s very simple: I was asked by the production company “Madame Zheng” and the broadcaster “TLC”. Probably because I have years of experience as a presenter and as an actor I have many roles that relate to crime series such as “SOKO”, “Die Chefin” or “Die Rosenheim-Cops”.
Crime novels and reports on real cases are very popular. Are you also a true crime fan or have you had little contact with it so far?
Mazza: The genre is of course not new to me. If you like, I grew up with the mother of true crime. We often watched “Aktenzeichen XY … ungelöst” back then. Even back then, this show encouraged you to be more aware of what was happening around you. To look more closely. To question actions and events more and, if necessary, to give clues. Today, I listen more to true crime podcasts. I like “Zeit Verbrechen” or “Verbrechen von nebenan”.
Can you understand why many people are interested in this?
Mazza: Absolutely! Evil has a certain fascination for us humans. True crime fascinates people for a variety of psychological, social and cultural reasons: be it human depths, the search for justice, voyeurism, suspense or even to cope with fear. I personally find it an exciting phenomenon that, according to statistics, more women are enthusiastic about the true crime genre.
What can viewers expect from this format?
Mazza: It shows major and spectacular criminal cases that have made headlines and caused a stir around the world. Journalists from “People Magazine” report on their own cases, which gives the format a special and personal touch.
What were the challenges for you personally in this show?
Mazza: Some cases have really upset me! Especially when it involves children.
Some cases depict horrific cruelty. Were you shocked by how brutal people can be?
Mazza: Of course it’s always shocking. But you don’t have to watch true crime shows to see what atrocities people are capable of. Unfortunately, just consuming the daily news from all over the world is enough.
Which case particularly stands out in your memory and why?
Mazza: There were many cases. In general, however, it was the so-called cold cases, i.e. the cases that could not be solved, that concerned me the most. The thought of how many perpetrators are still at large and how many relatives cannot come to terms with what happened is frightening.
Hand on heart: Were you able to sleep well after filming?
Mazza: Not really.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
