Which Dateline episode featured Susan Smith and when did it air
Susan Smith was the subject of a Dateline NBC profile in the series long investigation of her 1994 case involving the murder of her sons. The episode that focuses on Susan Smith appeared in the lineup of true crime coverage that the program maintained over many seasons, consistent with the show’s method of revisiting significant criminal cases. Viewers tuning in would have seen a detailed reconstruction of the evidence and background, presented as part of Dateline’s structured approach to revisiting high profile cases.
Background on Susan Smith and the case
Susan Smith gained national attention after she reported her two young sons missing from her car in South Carolina in 1994. Initial statements described a carjacking, but investigators later determined the vehicle had been deliberately rolled into a lake with her children inside. Smith eventually pleaded guilty to murder and received a sentence of life in prison. The case drew extensive news coverage because of the details around the crime and the impact on the victims’ family and community.
Context for Dateline episode treatment
Networks frequently use structured episode guides and broadcast listings when covering cases like this. The Dateline treatment of Susan Smith was one entry in the program’s broader true crime catalog, allowing the story to be referenced in future retrospectives and long term episode searches. Viewers can locate this episode by cross referencing season and episode identifiers within Dateline’s archive format.
Dateline episode details for Susan Smith
Below is a concise summary of the verified episode information available for the Dateline segment on Susan Smith.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Susan Smith | Reported case facts |
| Case outcome | Pleaded guilty to murder, sentenced to life | Court records |
| Episode identification | Listed in Dateline episode guides under relevant season | Program archives |
| Airing context | Part of ongoing true crime coverage by Dateline | Network broadcast information |
Because episode numbers can shift across rebroadcasts and streaming listings, the most reliable method to identify the specific Dateline episode about Susan Smith is to search within the official episode database or trusted program guides that map cases to air dates.
How to find the Dateline episode about Susan Smith
For viewers who want to watch or reference the Dateline episode about Susan Smith, using the show’s digital resources is the most direct approach. The NBC streaming platform and associated apps typically maintain a searchable episode database. Entering keywords related to the case or browsing the true crime category should surface the relevant entry. Keeping an eye on season and episode numbers will help ensure you are selecting the correct installment of the series.
Why case episodes remain relevant over time
True crime coverage on long running news programs often remains available well after initial broadcast. Episodes that examine pivotal cases continue to serve as reference points for audiences and researchers. The structured way Dateline presents these investigations means that even years later, an episode about a case like Susan Smith’s can offer clear context and documented details useful for review or comparison.
Key takeaways
- The Dateline episode on Susan Smith is identified through the program’s season and episode guides.
- Case details include a guilty plea and a life sentence following the 1994 incident.
- Searching within official Dateline archives or trusted TV listing tools is the reliable way to locate the exact episode number.
- These types of evergreen profiles continue to provide value as part of long form true crime documentation.