Investigation Discovery is continuing its push into scripted programming. During its upfront presentation to advertisers today, the network gave a six-episode order to scripted true crime series The Von Bulow Affair.
Based on Williams Wright's book of the same name, The Von Bulow Affair chronicles the murder trial of Danish-born aristocrat Claus von Bulow who attempted to murder his heiress wife Sunny twice by insulin overdose to inherit her millions and marry his mistress. Although her death was initially suspected to be an overdose, her son and daughter spearheaded a private investigation that ultimately convinced the Rhode Island D.A. to make their stepfather a suspect in her murder.
Claus' murder trial was considered one of the most scandalous and sensational of the 1980s. His first conviction was overturned by appeal and a second trial found him not guilty. However, many still believe he's to blame for her eventual death in 2008, more than 25 years after she fell into a persistent vegetative state. The series will examine the subsequent fall of America's aristocracy through the demise of one of its last dynastic families.
Ilene Rosenzweig is writing the series. She executive produces with Meryl Poster and Angela Bromstad. Universal Cable Productions produces.
"The Von Bulow Affair was as much a true crime whodunit as it was a family drama that opened the 'mansion door' on the dark deeds of, arguably, one of society's most infamous villains," said Henry Schleiff, President, Discovery Group. "We are thrilled to partner with the talented team at Universal Cable Productions and acclaimed producer Meryl Poster to tell this nearly unbelievable story to an entirely new generation of viewers."
"The Von Bulow family story has long fascinated America and the world. There are so many compelling, probing and conflicting facts from what we know that makes it a worthy story to dig into once again," said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President of Development, Universal Cable Productions. "ID is the ideal partner for this story with their commitment to investigating history's greatest true crime stories."
