Tonight | Crime Night! on ABC: the science and limits of criminal profiling – Crime Night tackles criminal profiling in tonight’s season finale. The episode looks at the science behind it, and at where it can go wrong. It airs at 9pm on ABC and ABC iview.
Julia Zemiro hosts alongside criminologists Professor Danielle Reynald and Dr David Bartlett, with comedians Ryan Shelton and Susie Youssef.
It is episode six of six in season two. Across the series, the team has mixed real cases with expert analysis and a dose of humour.
From the Mad Bomber to the DC Sniper
First, the team examines Dr James Brussel’s pioneering Mad Bomber profile. They then look at the role of profiling in the Claremont murders.
The episode also shows how flawed assumptions sent the DC Sniper investigation in the wrong direction. That case is a reminder that a profile is only as good as the thinking behind it.
Can you spot a criminal?
Next, David puts everyday Australians to the test. He wants to see whether they can profile real criminals based on appearance alone.
Finally, the team looks at HART, an AI tool once used by Durham Police to predict future offending. They ask whether AI could shape the future of criminal profiling.
It is a fitting topic to end the season. It brings together history, psychology and new technology in one hour.
As always, the panel balances serious cases with lighter moments. The aim is to inform viewers without losing sight of the real victims behind each case.
Don’t miss the Crime Night! season finale, Wednesday 4 November at 9pm on ABC and streaming on ABC iview.
Read TV Central’s episode five highlight, and watch on ABC iview.