Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle Expands With Companion Podcast Series

SUNDANCE TV AND SUNDANCE NOW TO LAUNCH A COMPANION PODCAST FOR THE ALL NEW TELEVISION DOCU-SERIES “JONESTOWN: TERROR IN THE JUNGLE”

Amanda Knox to Host the Seven-Episode Podcast Series, Set to Roll Out on Sundance Now, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and More Starting October 25th

NEW YORK, NY, October 23, 2018 — SundanceTV and Sundance Now are delving deeper into the true crime genre space with the launch of new seven-episode podcast hosted by Amanda Knox. The series, entitled “The Truth About True Crime with Amanda Knox,” will begin by taking a detailed look at the Jonestown massacre and will serve as a companion to the upcoming television docu-series, “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” which will air on SundanceTV on November 17 and 18 at 9/8c, and move to Sundance Now, AMC Networks subscription VOD service, starting December 20.

The Knox-hosted podcast further explores the rise and fall of Jim Jones and the People’s Temple through conversations with the show’s creators, Jim Jones Jr., The Road to Jonestown author, Jeff Guinn, former members of the cult and more.

Episodes one and two will be available on Sundance Now, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and other listening platforms beginning Thursday, October 25, followed by episodes three through six on Monday, November 19, culminating in the finale, available on Friday, December 7, which will cover the 40th-anniversary memorial event, organized by Jim Jones Jr. and fellow survivors to pay tribute to the victims at Jonestown. Each podcast episode is 20-30 minutes in duration.

“In keeping with the Sundance tradition of innovation in storytelling, SundanceTV and Sundance Now are thrilled to expand deeper into true crime space, the podcasts on Jonestown being the first of which we hope to be many,” said Jan Diedrichsen, General manager of SundanceTV and Sundance Now. “While television as a format allows us to utilize archival footage, photos and videos, the podcast format allows for a deeper conversation and expansion of the story. What’s more, we have found a real-life expert in Amanda Knox, who brings a unique perspective to the true crime genre, and a humanity to the storytelling.”

“After surviving my own true crime saga, I tend not to be a fan of the genre, because it so often veers into sensationalism at the expense of the human beings involved and the truth,” said Knox. “But these stories are very important when told with compassion and context. I’m excited to partner with Sundance to bring nuance to the story of Jonestown.”

The television docu-series “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle,” airs on SundanceTV beginning Saturday, November 17, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre that claimed the lives of more than 900 people. The two-night special event is the definitive account of Jim Jones’ transformation from charismatic preacher and champion of civil rights into egomaniacal demagogue who led the biggest mass suicide in American history. Based on the best-selling book by investigative journalist Jeff Guinn, and featuring archival footage – including secret FBI and CIA recordings, unreleased photographs and previously classified documents, “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” will attempt to answer the questions how and why? “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” is executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson of Appian Way, author Jeff Guinn, and Stephen David of Stephen David Entertainment (“The Men Who Built America,” “Making of the Mob”).

Following its run on SundanceTV, the full docu-series, “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” will move to Sundance Now starting December 20th. (Sundance TV | JD)