Forensics: The Real CSI returns for a new series

Posted on 26 February 2026 • Psychology, Science, Society and politics, TV and radio

A new OU/BBC series, Forensics: The Real CSI (Series 5 and 6) begins Sunday 1 March at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

The edge of a fingerprint. A single hair. A drop of blood. These tiny margins are the difference between success and failure for police forensics investigators. The series re-joins West Midlands Police and its team of forensic investigators, scientists and detectives to follow contemporary criminal investigations through the eyes of those who use science, experience and intuition to crack cases.

With unparalleled access to crime scene investigators, this series follows complex cases to reveal the crucial role cutting edge forensics play in bringing criminals to justice.

The series was supported by Dr Jim Turner, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, and Dr Linda Moore, Senior Lecturer in Life, Health And Chemical Sciences  who provided the academic expertise for the programme.

Reflecting on his involvement, Dr Jim Turner said:

“It is always a privilege to see behind the scenes of these important, and often difficult, investigations and to help the production team bring the science behind them to the public.

“It’s also a pleasure to give people the chance to learn about forensic science in an unusual and fun way with our interactive videos to support the series on OU Connect.”

Supporting Online content:

Visit the OU’s Broadcast & Partnerships site, OU Connect, where you can explore the new interactive case simulator.

This series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), with particular relevance to Q82 BSc Hons Forensic Psychology and Q07 BSc Hons Psychology.

The series was also supported by the Faculty of Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM, with particular relevance to R59/W90 BSc/DipHe Chemistry and R58/W89 BSc/DipHE Biology.

Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast & Partnerships

• Academic Consultant: Dr Jim Turner and Dr Linda Moore

• Media Fellow: Professor Zoe Walkington and Professor Andrew Norton

• Broadcast Project Manager: Clair Robinson

• Supporting Online Content: Xinmiao Zhang

Picture credit: Blast Films