5 Shocking Revelations About Nancy O'Dell's New True Crime Series: Everything You Missed In 2025

Nancy O'Dell, the familiar face of entertainment news for decades, has made a monumental and intriguing pivot in her career as of late 2024 and early 2025. After years covering the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the Emmy Award-winning journalist has plunged into the dark world of true crime, launching a major new syndicated series that has captivated audiences.

This dramatic shift from red carpets to real-life investigations marks a bold new chapter for the veteran television host. As of December 2025, her new show is a major topic of discussion, proving that O'Dell is a force of journalistic talent ready to tackle any genre. Here is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown of her life, career, and the explosive success of her latest television venture.

Nancy O'Dell: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Nancy O'Dell, born Nancy Evelyn Humphries, has built a career spanning over three decades, establishing herself as one of the most respected and recognizable figures in American broadcast journalism. Her journey from local news to the pinnacle of entertainment reporting is a testament to her versatility and dedication.

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• Full Name: Nancy Evelyn Humphries (Professionally known as Nancy O'Dell)
• Date of Birth: February 25, 1966
• Place of Birth: Sumter, South Carolina, U.S.
• Education: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Clemson University in 1990. She was also a former Miss South Carolina.
• Early Career: Began her career as a reporter for various local news stations, including an anchor role at WCBD-TV in Charleston and WCPX (now WKMG-TV) in Orlando.
• Major Career Milestones:
  • Access Hollywood (1996–2009): Served as a co-anchor and correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news program.
  • Entertainment Tonight (ET) (2011–2019): Co-anchored the flagship entertainment news show, becoming one of its longest-serving hosts.
  • HGTV Host: Hosted the popular show Celebrities at Home.
  • Special Contributor: Named a Special Contributor for PEOPLE (the TV Show!), continuing her connection to celebrity news.
• Awards and Recognition: Multiple Emmy Awards for her work in journalism and hosting.
• Author: She is a published author, known for books like Full of Life: Mom to Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me and Secret Ingredients: The New Truth About Food and Cooking.
• Personal Life: Has one daughter. She has been a vocal advocate for the MeToo movement, sharing her own experiences.

Her transition away from daily entertainment news in 2019 allowed her to pursue a broader range of passion projects, which culminated in the launch of her new true crime venture, shocking many who only knew her for her Hollywood coverage.

The Shocking Pivot: Why Nancy O'Dell is Now a True Crime Powerhouse

The biggest story in Nancy O'Dell's professional life is the September 2024 premiere of her new daily syndicated half-hour true crime series, "Crime Exposé with Nancy O'Dell." This move was not just a simple change of scenery; it was a strategic and intentional shift into one of television's most popular and enduring genres. The series has secured significant clearances, airing on major Fox-owned stations and other affiliates, ensuring a massive audience reach well into 2025.

The show's premise is a deep dive into compelling criminal cases, taking viewers inside the process as police departments and investigators work to crack the cases. O'Dell’s background as a seasoned journalist, not just a celebrity interviewer, provides the necessary gravitas and investigative skill for the format.

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This project leverages her extensive experience in broadcast journalism, giving her a platform to explore more serious, non-fiction storytelling. The shift highlights a trend among veteran anchors who are moving beyond traditional entertainment reporting to explore more substantive, long-form, and topical content. Her ability to connect with an audience, honed over years on Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, is now being applied to the intense, high-stakes world of criminal justice.

5 Key Revelations About "Crime Exposé with Nancy O'Dell"

The success of her new true crime series is rooted in several key elements that differentiate it from the crowded field of crime programming. The following points highlight what makes this show a must-watch and a major career success for O'Dell in 2025:

1. A Daily Syndicated Commitment: Unlike many true crime specials or limited series, "Crime Exposé" is a daily, half-hour commitment. This ensures constant, fresh content and a steady presence in the syndicated television market, a difficult feat to achieve in today's fragmented media landscape.
2. Focus on the Investigative Process: The show’s core intention is to take viewers "along as police crack" the cases. This focus on the *how*—the forensic science, the detective work, and the legal maneuvers—provides a more educational and in-depth perspective than sensationalized retellings.
3. Leveraging Her Journalistic Credibility: O'Dell’s reputation as an Emmy Award-winning entertainment journalist lends immediate credibility to the series. Viewers trust her to handle sensitive topics with professionalism and respect, a critical element in the true crime genre.
4. Strategic Market Placement: The series secured a coveted launch on Fox-owned stations in 11 major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, guaranteeing a strong initial viewership and long-term viability. This strategic distribution is key to its 2025 longevity.
5. A Post-Entertainment Tonight Evolution: This project is the clearest manifestation of O'Dell’s post-ET career evolution. It shows her dedication to being a producer and author in her own right, moving from reporting on celebrity lives to investigating the complexities of human nature and the justice system.

Beyond the Headlines: O'Dell's Continued Influence and Other Projects

While "Crime Exposé" is her current flagship project, Nancy O'Dell has maintained a diverse portfolio, ensuring her topical authority across multiple media platforms. Her work is not limited to the daily true crime grind; she remains a significant voice in other areas.

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Special Contributor and Red Carpet Return

Despite her focus on true crime, O'Dell has not entirely abandoned her roots in entertainment news. She continues to serve as a Special Contributor for PEOPLE (the TV Show!). This role allows her to stay connected to the world of celebrity news and high-profile events, providing expert commentary and analysis. This balance showcases her unique ability to pivot between the lighthearted world of Hollywood and the serious nature of criminal investigations.

Advocacy and Personal Storytelling

O'Dell has also used her platform for important advocacy work. Her candid discussions about the MeToo movement, drawing on her own experiences, have resonated with many and demonstrated her commitment to social issues beyond the scope of a daily news program. Furthermore, her books, which focus on motherhood and lifestyle, reveal a personal side that connects deeply with her audience, proving she is more than just an on-screen personality.

Her previous hosting role on HGTV's Celebrities at Home also highlights her versatility. This show gave viewers a glimpse into the private lives and homes of stars, a stark contrast to her current true crime endeavor, but one that showcases her comfort in a variety of hosting environments.

Nancy O'Dell's Legacy and Future Outlook

Nancy O'Dell's career trajectory into 2025 is a masterclass in professional reinvention. By successfully transitioning from an entertainment news icon to a formidable true crime host, she has secured her relevance and influence for a new generation of viewers. Her ability to anchor a major syndicated show like "Crime Exposé with Nancy O'Dell" demonstrates that her journalistic skills are timeless and transferable across genres.

As the true crime series continues to gain momentum, it solidifies O'Dell's legacy as an Emmy Award-winning journalist who is unafraid to tackle challenging and important stories. Her continued presence on television, whether covering a high-profile murder case or offering lifestyle advice, ensures that Nancy O'Dell remains one of the most dynamic and enduring figures in American media.