Genealogy Meets True Crime: Jane Seymour Uncovers Family Secrets in ‘Relative Secrets,’ Premiering June 2 on BBC America & Acorn TV

BBC America and Acorn TV have jointly announced the highly anticipated premiere of a new unscripted investigative series set to illuminate the profound impact of hidden histories within seemingly ordinary American families. Titled “Relative Secrets,” this compelling program ventures into the intersection of personal identity and historical truth, skillfully blending the intricate methodologies of genealogical research with the compelling narrative structure of true crime investigations. The series promises to offer viewers an unprecedented look at long-held family mysteries and the significant ways in which these secrets continue to shape the lives of present-day generations.

Premiere Details

The four-episode limited series is officially slated to debut on Monday, June 2, 2025. Viewers across the United States will be able to tune in concurrently on both BBC America and the streaming service Acorn TV, with the premiere scheduled for 10:00 pm ET/PT. Following the initial broadcast and stream, new episodes of “Relative Secrets” will be released on a weekly basis, airing each Monday. This dual-platform release strategy underscores the networks’ commitment to making this unique series accessible to a broad audience.

Guiding the Journey

Leading the charge as host and lending her distinct presence to the series is the internationally celebrated actress Jane Seymour. With a distinguished career marked by memorable and impactful roles, including the captivating Solitaire in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die,” the complex Cathy Ames in “East of Eden,” and the beloved frontier doctor in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” Seymour brings a depth of experience and a capacity for conveying emotional nuance that is ideally suited for the sensitive nature of the stories explored. Her involvement is expected to provide viewers with an empathetic anchor as they navigate the often-uncomfortable truths unearthed.

Investigating Hidden Lineages

“Relative Secrets” distinguishes itself by its unique approach, combining elements typically found in investigative documentaries and genealogical pursuits. The core mission of the series is to delve into the “deepest mysteries” residing within the histories of everyday American families. These are not necessarily cases of public notoriety but rather personal enigmas – questions of parentage, lost relatives, ancestral crimes, or undocumented events that have lingered unresolved for generations, often creating rifts or unanswered questions that echo into the present. The show explores precisely “how these secrets impact the family today,” examining the psychological, emotional, and relational consequences of these historical unknowns.

Integral to the investigative process featured in each episode is archaeologist Natasha Billson. Billson leads the hands-on efforts to uncover the truth. While the specific methods employed within a genealogical context by an archaeologist are intriguing, her expertise likely involves a meticulous approach to examining historical records, property histories, or even physical locations for overlooked clues, akin to excavating a site layer by layer to reconstruct the past. Her role emphasizes the rigorous and evidence-based nature of the investigations, treating family histories as complex sites requiring careful and expert analysis to reveal their hidden narratives. Each of the four episodes promises a dedicated investigation into a specific family’s particular puzzle.

Behind the Production

“Relative Secrets” is produced as an Acorn TV Original Series. The production is spearheaded by Cream Productions for AMC Studios. AMC Studios also holds the crucial role of the exclusive international distributor for the series, signaling the potential for the program to resonate with audiences globally, tapping into the universal human fascination with family history and unresolved mysteries.

The executive production team brings significant experience to the project, including David Brady, Kate Harrison Karman, John Ealer, and host Jane Seymour. The narrative framework and direction of the series are shaped by the writing and directing talents of John Ealer and Felicity Justrabo. This collaboration of seasoned professionals aims to ensure that each story is told with both journalistic integrity and compelling dramatic pacing.

Building Anticipation

In anticipation of the June 2 premiere, a trailer and key art for “Relative Secrets” have been unveiled. These promotional materials offer viewers a glimpse into the emotional stakes and the intricate investigations that lie at the heart of the series, further highlighting the promised blend of poignant family history and gripping mystery.

By bringing together the methodical search for identity found in genealogy with the suspense and revelation characteristic of the true-crime genre, “Relative Secrets” is poised to offer a distinctive and emotionally resonant viewing experience. The series provides a powerful reminder of the enduring power of the past and the often-surprising ways it continues to shape contemporary lives, inviting audiences on BBC America and Acorn TV to join in the journey of discovery beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, at 10:00 pm ET/PT.