Elisa Donovan Launches “Killer Thriller” Podcast With Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes | Inside the New True-Crime Sensation
Actress and author Elisa Donovan, known worldwide for her unforgettable roles in Clueless, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is stepping into a new realm — and it is darker, deeper, and far more psychologically riveting than anything she has done before. Donovan has officially become the host of “Killer Thriller,” a new true-crime podcast distributed by iHeartPodcasts under the Popworthy slate, executive produced by dynamic broadcasting duo Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes.
True-crime podcasts dominate the digital audio landscape, consistently ranking among the most streamed genres. Yet few shows attempt to bridge real-life crime, Hollywood portrayals, psychology, and storytelling the way “Killer Thriller” does. With Donovan at the helm, the series promises to examine the real crimes, the dramatizations, and the actors who bring notorious criminals to life on screen.
This expanded partnership marks a major moment not only for Robach and Holmes’ “Popworthy” brand but also for Donovan herself as she transitions into a new creative era.
A Deep Dive Into the World’s Most Controversial Cases
“Killer Thriller” is set to explore some of the most sensational—and often divisive—cases in modern history. The show promises a wide-ranging look at:
The Menendez Brothers – the parricide case that continues to spark debate
The Murdaugh Murders – a Southern legal dynasty unraveling into chaos
Amanda Knox – wrongful conviction, international intrigue, and media frenzy
Elizabeth Holmes & Theranos – Silicon Valley’s biggest deception
O.J. Simpson – one of the most analyzed trials in American history
Anna Delvey – the con artist who became a cultural antihero
And many more upcoming episodes spanning fraud, cults, murders, abductions, and psychological manipulation.
While true crime podcasts are not new, what sets this series apart is its unique structure: Donovan will not only break down the cases but also interview actors who portray the criminals in film and TV.
This offers listeners an inside look at:
How actors research real criminals
The emotional burden of playing dark roles
How Hollywood decides what to dramatize and what to omit
The ethical considerations of turning real tragedies into entertainment
It’s a fresh, dynamic take on a genre that continues to evolve.
Elisa Donovan: Why True Crime Captured Her Imagination
Elisa Donovan has long been associated with bright, comedic roles from the 1990s and early 2000s — roles that defined an era. But off-screen, she admits she has always been fascinated by true crime.
Her Personal Reflection
In the podcast’s premiere episode, Donovan reveals:
“I think I am not alone. I have a disturbing obsession with true crime. I’ve tried to figure out why, and eventually realized it’s not just me. There’s something about human behavior that we’re all trying to understand.”
Her words echo a broader trend. Millions are drawn to true-crime stories not because they glorify violence, but because they help us:
Make sense of behavior we cannot comprehend
Understand criminal psychology
Explore the darker corners of humanity from a safe distance
Question systems, justice, and societal norms
Donovan acknowledges this complexity and embraces it as part of her mission for “Killer Thriller.”
Acting Meets Analysis: Donovan’s Unique Approach
As an actor, Donovan has spent decades studying character development, exploring motivations, and depicting complicated personalities. This background provides her with a distinctive lens through which to analyze real-world cases.
In her conversation with Robach and Holmes, she explains:
“As actors, we’re often asked to get into the mind of a person—sometimes a difficult or broken one. That’s why I’m so fascinated by talking to actors about how they approach these roles. Do they visit the real locations? Do they study footage? How much creative license do they allow themselves?”
This actor-focused angle allows “Killer Thriller” to stand apart from traditional true-crime podcasts by:
Blending performance, psychology, and criminal analysis
Exploring the ethics of storytelling
Revealing how artists emotionally process dark material
Showing the intersection between real trauma and fictional portrayal
It’s a show where crime meets cinema — and where audiences gain fresh insight into how culture shapes the stories we tell about criminals.
Inside Popworthy: Robach & Holmes Build a True-Crime Empire
The podcast is part of the larger Popworthy slate created under the collaboration of Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, whose partnership continues to expand across multiple projects.
And “Killer Thriller” fits perfectly into that vision.
Robach expressed her excitement:
“We can’t wait to listen to the first episode and then have these meet-and-greets and discussions to talk about them. I love seeing the creative process behind the stories that resonate with people.”
Holmes added that more true-crime projects are already in the works for 2026, signaling that the duo is heavily invested in building a substantial true-crime content portfolio.
Elisa Donovan’s Career: A Look Back at Her Pop-Culture Influence
Before diving into crime, Donovan became an icon of 1990s pop culture.
Her Most Notable Roles
Amber in Clueless (1995) — the sharp-tongued, stylish frenemy
Clueless (TV series) — continuing the beloved role
Beverly Hills, 90210 — recurring dramatic roles
Morgan Cavanaugh in Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Numerous appearances across film, TV, and digital media
Her transition into podcasting mirrors a broader entertainment trend: actors reinventing themselves in the booming world of audio storytelling.
Why True Crime Dominates Pop Culture — And Why “Killer Thriller” Arrives at the Perfect Time
True crime remains one of the most consumed genres across:
Podcasts
Streaming platforms
Documentary series
Books
Social media commentary
But why?
1. The Search for Understanding
People want to understand how—and why—someone commits acts that defy empathy.
2. The Psychology
True crime provides a structured, narrative-driven way to explore mental states and trauma responses.
3. Societal Reflection
Each case reveals something about systems that fail, cultural biases, or justice system flaws.
4. Entertainment Meets Education
Listeners feel they’re learning something, not just consuming a story.
5. Emotional Safety
Audiences explore fear from a distance, which psychologists say can feel cathartic.
“Killer Thriller” taps directly into these motivations. With Donovan’s personality, the Popworthy production quality, and a Hollywood-meets-crime angle, it positions itself to become one of 2025’s breakout true-crime hits.
Actors and Crime: A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain
One of the most anticipated segments in “Killer Thriller” will be Donovan’s interviews with actors who portray criminals on screen.
These conversations will explore:
How performers prepare to embody real criminals
Whether they meet victims’ families or law enforcement
How they ensure they do not glamorize harm
The emotional “detox” required after filming violent or traumatic scenes
How storytelling influences public perception of real cases
This behind-the-scenes view is something the true-crime audience rarely gets — and it creates a unique bridge between Hollywood dramatization and real-world crimes.
The Future of the Franchise: More True-Crime Projects Coming in 2026
Robach and Holmes have confirmed that several additional true-crime projects are already in development for next year.
This indicates:
A long-term investment in the genre
Growing audience demand
A potential multimedia expansion (video, live shows, investigative specials)
Given the momentum and the star power behind Popworthy, “Killer Thriller” may be just the beginning of a much larger true-crime platform.
Final Thoughts: Elisa Donovan’s New Era Begins
Elisa Donovan’s move into true crime is more than a career shift — it’s a reinvention. By diving into the psychology of criminals, the creativity of actors, and the narratives that shape our culture, she is poised to become one of true crime’s most compelling new voices.
Her natural curiosity, combined with decades of acting experience, creates a podcast that feels:
Fresh
Analytical
Culturally relevant
Emotionally intelligent
And powerfully engaging
As “Killer Thriller” launches, it is clear the series is ready to make a significant impact on both true-crime storytelling and the broader entertainment landscape.
