The Unseen Side Of True Crime: 7 Shocking Facts About Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz And His Latest Projects

Dateline NBC correspondent Josh Mankiewicz remains one of the most recognizable and distinctive voices in true crime journalism, a genre that continues to dominate the cultural landscape. As of December 2025, Mankiewicz is not only anchoring new television episodes but is also deeply entrenched in the booming podcast world, launching new investigative series that showcase his signature calm, yet compelling, storytelling style. His recent work, including the highly-anticipated "Deadly Mirage" podcast and the "Mortal Sin" series, confirms his status as a pillar of the NBC News investigative team and a master of the long-form true crime narrative.

The veteran journalist, who has been with the program since 1995, continues to captivate millions by dissecting complex criminal cases with a meticulous attention to detail and a trademark dry wit. Beyond the chilling narratives he presents on screen, Mankiewicz's own background is as fascinating as any story he has ever reported, rooted in a prominent American dynasty that stretches from political power to Hollywood's Golden Age.

Josh Mankiewicz: The Journalist with a Hollywood Dynasty

Joshua Paul "Josh" Mankiewicz was born into a family with deep, influential roots in American media, politics, and film. His professional path was perhaps preordained, given his lineage, but his success on *Dateline NBC* is a testament to his own distinctive reporting prowess and dedication to investigative journalism.

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• Full Name: Joshua Paul Mankiewicz
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1955
• Place of Birth: Berkeley, California, U.S.
• Education: Haverford College, Pennsylvania
• Father: Frank Mankiewicz (Journalist, political consultant, and former President of National Public Radio—NPR)
• Grandfather (Paternal): Herman J. Mankiewicz (Famed screenwriter, co-writer of *Citizen Kane*)
• Grand-Uncle: Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Acclaimed screenwriter, producer, and director of films like *All About Eve* and *Cleopatra*)
• Career Start: Reporter and producer for ABC News before moving to NBC.
• *Dateline NBC* Tenure: Reporting for the news magazine since 1995.
• Notable Projects: *Dateline: Missing in America* podcast, *Mortal Sin* podcast, *Deadly Mirage* podcast, *The Today Show*.

The Latest True Crime Projects: Podcasting Dominance

While Mankiewicz is a staple of primetime television, his most recent and freshest updates revolve around his significant contributions to the true crime podcasting sphere. This move allows for a deeper dive into complex cases, often extending beyond the typical hour-long television format.

The Launch of the 'Mortal Sin' Podcast

One of the most recent ventures featuring Mankiewicz is the *Mortal Sin* podcast, which launched in December. This new true-crime podcast delves into the shocking death of a beloved figure and the ripple effects it had on a community. The podcast format perfectly suits Mankiewicz’s measured and detailed narrative style, allowing him to explore the psychological and legal complexities of the case.

'Deadly Mirage' and 'Missing in America'

Mankiewicz has also been a key figure in the *Dateline: Missing in America* podcast alongside fellow correspondent Andrea Canning, bringing renewed attention to cold cases of missing persons. Furthermore, his narrative work on the *Deadly Mirage* podcast has been a major focus, with the first two episodes becoming immediately available upon launch. These projects highlight NBC News' commitment to leveraging its top journalists for multi-platform storytelling, reaching a massive audience of true crime enthusiasts.

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His continued involvement in these audio projects, alongside his on-air reporting for the longest-running primetime show in NBC history, demonstrates his versatility and enduring appeal to audiences who crave in-depth investigative reporting.

Behind the Scenes: Mankiewicz's Unique Reporting Style and Philosophy

Unlike some of his true crime contemporaries, Josh Mankiewicz is renowned for his calm demeanor and distinctive, almost understated, storytelling. His approach is less about sensationalism and more about the facts, the legal process, and the human element of the tragedy.

His reporting often focuses on the communities affected by the crimes, reflecting on cases and groups that the mainstream media might have initially overlooked. This philosophy was a central point of discussion at his scheduled appearance at CrimeCon 2025, where he was slated to discuss how a *Dateline* report can sometimes spark a national conversation and bring justice to marginalized cases.

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The Power of the Interview

Mankiewicz has a knack for getting key figures in a case—from police investigators and prosecutors to family members and even the accused—to open up. His interviews are often characterized by probing, yet respectful, questions that cut straight to the emotional core or the legal turning point of the case. He has covered a wide spectrum of stories, from local murders to high-profile national scandals, and even interviewed figures like Joe Exotic for a *Dateline NBC* bonus podcast.

A Family Legacy of Storytelling

The journalist often speaks about the influence of his famous family, particularly his grandfather Herman Mankiewicz, the legendary screenwriter of *Citizen Kane*. While his family’s fame is rooted in Hollywood, Josh Mankiewicz has successfully translated that storytelling pedigree into the realm of hard news. He brings a writer’s sensibility to his investigative work, emphasizing narrative structure and character development to make complex true crime stories accessible and compelling to a mass audience.

Key Takeaways from Recent *Dateline* Episodes and Appearances

Mankiewicz continues to be a driving force in the television program's enduring success, which is now one of the longest-running primetime newsmagazines in history. His work on recent episodes demonstrates the show's commitment to tackling current and complex cases.

• The Phantom Case: In late 2023, Mankiewicz was featured discussing his episode "The Phantom" with Lester Holt, which centered on the discovery of a Colorado mother, Kristil Krug, and the subsequent investigation. This showcases his ongoing involvement in the main television series.
• The Enduring True Crime Obsession: In various interviews, Mankiewicz has reflected on why the true crime genre continues to resonate with viewers. He attributes it to the universal curiosity about human nature—specifically, why people do terrible things—and the satisfaction of seeing justice, or at least an answer, delivered.
• The Role of the Correspondent: Along with colleagues like Keith Morrison and Andrea Canning, Mankiewicz embodies the core of *Dateline*'s brand: a steady, reliable narrator guiding the audience through the labyrinthine details of a criminal investigation. His presence provides a crucial anchor for the emotional weight of the stories he tells.

In summary, Josh Mankiewicz is far more than just a voice on a true crime show. He is a journalist with a remarkable pedigree, a distinctive reporting style, and a constant flow of new, deeply researched projects across multiple platforms. His work on *Mortal Sin* and *Deadly Mirage* ensures that his voice remains at the forefront of investigative reporting, continuing to define the landscape of modern true crime storytelling well into 2025 and beyond.