E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Insider Secrets

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Insider Secrets From the Birth of True Crime Television

 E! NEWS  www.eonline.com/news/845240/insider-secrets-from-the-birth-of-true-crime-television

Check out more exclusive content from E! News True Crime Week on the network each night at 7pm and 11pm, as well as across E! News digital, mobile and social (@enews on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.)

Everywhere you look these days, there's a new true crime series. Whether it's a podcast or a documentary or a made-for-TV movie, audiences simply can't get enough of the mysteries behind real-life murders. But once upon a time there was no Making a Murderer, no The Jinx, no Serial. 

Back in 2004, a little show called Snapped hit the airwaves. In the early aughts, crime shows that didn't fall under the Cops umbrella were a novelty—never mind one that focused primarily on female killers. (Who, for the record, commit less than 10% of the murders in this country, according to the FBI.) Television viewers may not have known it at the time, but they were thirsting, starving even, for true crime programming. 

And now, as the landmark show prepares to launch its 20th season, it still has a lot to teach its many, many predecessors. 

First, let's set the scene. Although streaming services like Netflix existed when Snapped was still a twinkle in Oxygen's eye, they were still almost a decade out from creating any sort of original programming. This was well before today's world of anything goes, true-crime wise. As executive producer (and narrator) Sharon Martin told us, they had to focus on the show's relatability when they were putting the pitch together. 

"To a female audience, there's an appeal to seeing women that are similar to them, or women they know, make these choices and take these drastic actions," she said of Snapped's concept. "It's relatable because that could me or someone I know. That's what's kept it going for 20 seasons."

But just because Oxygen got the show off the ground, doesn't mean it found instant viral success the way that the genre does today. Remember, viral wasn't even a thing in 2004. Instead, the show has grown and grown in popularity, just like true crime in general has. 

"Whether we would be renewed was always a bit of a gamble," Martin said. "True crime wasn't nearly as popular or mainstream as it is now. Everybody else eventually caught up with us. Not to take too much credit for true crime, but the genre grew around us."

Once it was established that audiences were—excuse the pun—dying to watch a series about female killers, the challenge lied in continuing to keep the episodes fresh and interesting. That means, in layman's terms, seeking out totally insane crimes to tell stories about. One has an image of a team of crime geeks scouring the Internet looking for any and all news of murder, racking up quite the Google search history, but it turns out the process of making the show is a bit more scientific than that. 

To start, Snapped has an entire research team devoted to not only hunting down stories, but vetting and verifying current cases. And, they have a team of connections at police departments and prosecutor's offices all across the country. Anytime a story comes up that seems like a great fit for Snapped, the first thing the prosecutors or police officers do (okay, maybe not the very first thing) is call up the Snapped team to give them the heads up. The research team then takes over to make sure it's the perfect fit for the audience. 

Devoted Snapped fans will know that the most compelling parts of any episode are the interviews with the families and witnesses to the crime. It's also what makes the show different from programs like Missing Richard Simmons—the main characters are all willing participants. The amount varies from case to case and it's a very personal decision for each family, but as Martin puts it, "It's not a surprise to anyone involved in a high-profile case to be asked to be on a show."  

But, they have a rule that they only approach those involved in a murder once it's been adjudicated (that's court jargon done in court), to ensure that the emotions aren't as fresh as, say, local news coverage of an investigation that's currently ongoing. 

As the current surge in true crime shows has taught us, sensitivity is perhaps the most important aspect of making any documentary-style program. Series like Making a Murderer or podcasts like Missing Richard Simmons have shown us the potentially dark side of prying, and audiences are more keen to pick out this type of treatment when they're watching. As such, Martin and her Snapped team could be considered to be under heightened scrutiny in this day and age. 

"We haven't made any changes to our process based on the surge in popularity [of true crime], but we have always tried our hardest to be very sensitive," she explains. "When we're interviewing people that are involved in a case, it's never out of my mind that this is a story I have the privilege of telling. I take that responsibility very importantly; these families that talk to us have had terrible things happen to them."

Some of the subject matter is so dark, in fact, that it can begin to haunt even a seasoned true crime veteran. Martin has been executive producing and narrating Snapped for 20 seasons and she admits that there are certain crimes that stick with her. 

"I have a teenage daughter, so anything that involves a teenager feels a little too close to home for me," she told E! "The viewers feel the same way—when you see the show and think, that happened down the street from me, that's eerie. There was one crime in Washington, when a woman starved her victims to death under the guise of helping them, and that was an episode that scared me. And I look at these crimes every day."

But the show must go on, even despite the potential nightmares, and this landmark season has plenty of haunts on the docket. As Martin teased for us, they have everything from mother-daughter crimes to Mother-in-law crimes. There are no huge changes in the works for the veteran show, but that seems to be just the way its fans like it—fans that include the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Viola Davis, no less. Now that social media has been introduced to the fold, the Snapped team is able to see minute-by-minute reactions to each episode, and they're now armed with the knowledge of the exact moments that fascinate its fan base.

In other words, they're not slowing down any time soon. 

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Inside Bob Harper's Recovery

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Inside Bob Harper's Recovery: How The Biggest Loser Star Is Reevaluating His Future After Surprise Heart Attack

E! NEWS  http://www.eonline.com/news/832792/inside-bob-harper-s-recovery-how-the-biggest-loser-star-is-reevaluating-his-future-after-surprise-heart-attack

If you were searching for a Hollywood star who was fit, strong and healthy, Bob Harper was your guy.

Whether training contestants on The Biggest Loser, breaking a sweat to his fitness DVDs or cooking up recipes from his cookbooks, this 51-year-old was a man in more than just good shape.

But just a few days after news broke of Bob's surprise heart attack earlier in the month, fans are still trying to figure out how the fitness expert could have experienced such a frightening health scare.

"There were some warning signs in the months before this happened," a source shared with E! News exclusively. " He wasn't feeling his best, but he didn't think there was anything to be concerned about. He has never suffered from high blood pressure and didn't think he was at risk."

While his mother passed away from heart issues, our source says that she was not as healthy as Bob. And while there is a genetic connection, Bob "always tried to live his life in the healthiest way possible to avoid this kind of incident."

Through an Instagram post shared on Tuesday morning, Bob thanked fans for all their support while delivering an update on his recovery.

"I'm required to wear these monitors to see what my heart is doing throughout the day," he wrote while posing shirtless. "I feel like a robot from Westworld. Thank you all for your kindness. You have no idea how much it helps."

Fellow Biggest Loser trainer Jen Widerstrom added, "@trainerbob I think I speak for everyone when I say how truly grateful we are that you are OK, how important you are to us & this industry, and how we are all in your corner as you work back to 100% BADASS BOB."

E! News has learned that Bob remains in New York City where he has been with friends and discussing what changes he needs to do in order to avoid this from happening in the future.

"Of course he has nothing to be ashamed of, but it has definitely led him to reevaluate things and try to better understand how this happened," our source shared. "Luckily, he is going to make a full recovery but obviously it is forcing Bob to make some important decisions about his future."

(E! and NBC are part of the NBCUniversal family)

E! Live From The Red Carpet Exclusive: The Best Red Carpet

E! Live From The Red Carpet Exclusive: The Best Red Carpet Quotes of the 2017 Oscars: Happy Tears and Fangirling Over Lord of the Rings

E!'s Live From The Red Carpet  http://www.eonline.com/news/831910/the-best-red-carpet-quotes-of-the-2017-oscars-happy-tears-and-fangirling-over-lord-of-the-rings

It's Hollywood's biggest night!

And, like every other year, Hollywood's biggest night comes with huge pressure for the stars. Pressure to pick the perfect dress or suit, pressure not to fall on live television, pressure to lose gracefully or win with a killer speech. Nervous yet? 

But before all the tension of the entire award season comes to a head, the A-listers get to let off some steam on the red carpet. And, they go straight to E! News' Ryan Seacrest to do so. Everyone turned up to chat with the host, from Lucas Hedges, whose first impression of the Oscars red carpet was that he couldn't believe he got to talk to Seacrest himself to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who bragged that he got his tuxedo from the same store as high school prom suit.

"I graduated, went to college for a year, and completely forgot the movie even existed." — Lucas Hedges on his life after wrapping Manchester by the Sea. Oh, how times have changed. 

"It's good to see you outside of the gym!" — Olivia Culpoand Ryan are jazzed to be chatting when they're not sweating. 

"We couldn't believe that we were doing the movie together so we were laughing, and we couldn't take ourselves seriously. But we had to!" — Isabelle Hupert and her daughter had some family ties on Elle. 

"I hate you for making me cry before the Oscars have even started." — the E! News team made Lin-Manuel Miranda a special video that tugged right at the heartstrings. 

"I tried my best to not be an actor; I really tried." —Sometimes careers are just written in the stars, right Gael Garcia Bernal?

"They tried to act really cool about it, but then whenever the actor's turned their backs, they were like whatttt." — Viggo Mortenson surprised his Captain Fantastic costars with a Lord of the Rings reunion, and the reaction was just what we'd expect. 

"Well, I love to work." — Sting keeps it simple. 

"I remember my aunt was here, trying on dresses, and I told her she should wear the skunk dress! It was a black and white dress." — Emma Robertson her memories of Julia Roberts' Oscars of the past.

"It went really well, and I still have no idea what they do. But I know it's important, and I know I appreciate them." — Leslie Mann on the Sci Tech Awards. 

"Wow, can you imagine 27 more years?" — Judd Apatow contemplates being married as long as Ryan's parents have. 

"He won't say it, but he's nervous. He's very nervous. There's a bit of a piano medley tonight that he doesn't know if he can do." — Chrissy Teigen tells us all what John Legendis really thinking.

"I can do it, but I just learned it this week!" — But John Legend won't let her get the last word!

"I've gotta say, this is the coolest thing I've ever been given on the red carpet before." — Pharrell Williams is moved by E! News' gift of stuffed rocket ships for his new triplets.

"When I read this script, I immediately got upset, because I felt a dream had been stolen from me. The fact that I didn't know these women even existed!" — Hidden Figures had a huge impact on Taraji P. Henson (and many others). 

"My mum is cool as a cucumber about all this stuff. She doesn't really care. She's one of those perfect mothers who would love me even if I was a murderer: She would come and bake me cookies." — Can we get in on that family, Andrew Garfield?

"I'm wearing Stuart Weitzman's very comfortable shoes, so I'm a happy woman right now." — Octavia Spencer knows the key to a good night. 

"She has a house, honestly, that you could park a plane in." — Taraji P. Henson has some fancy digs, according to Pharrell Williams. 

"My other wife, Tom Ford!" — Justin Timberlake splits his allegiance between Jessica Biel and the designer of his Oscars tuxedo.

"I'm a special kind of tired right now." — Mahershala Ali on having a baby the same week as the Oscars, in a nutshell. 

"Mine is spray-painted on my face." — Why Dakota Johnson's makeup isn't going anywhere. 

"My mom is constantly on the verge of tears." — Dev Patel's mother is every mother.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

"I must be some sort of glutton for punishment." — Scarlett Johansson on her upcoming movie roles. 

"I was more nervous getting ready at home than I am right now. That's more stressful." — The actual red carpet is smooth sailing compared to the anticipation for Halle Berry. 

"He sends you a text, and you believe what he says? He's one of our great writers, but he doesn't write nonfiction!" — Casey Affleck's Manchester by the Sea director loves to spread embarrassing stories about him. 

"I feel like I can play Chess on it when I get bored." — Priyanka Chopra's structural dress kills two birds with one stone. 

"I don't know what he has in store for me, but it's probably going to be ugly." Matt Damon is feeling a little weary about pranks from nemesis Jimmy Kimmel. 

"I hope she's not wearing really tall heels, because I'm not ready for that." — Jamie Dornan is trying to calculate the height difference between himself and presenting partner Dakota Johnson. 

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: How Beyoncé and Jay Z's Pregnancy

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: How Beyoncé and Jay Z's Pregnancy News Has Impacted Their Marriage: They're in the ''Best Place''

E! NEWS http://www.eonline.com/news/830826/how-beyonce-and-jay-z-s-pregnancy-news-has-impacted-their-marriage-they-re-in-the-best-place

Beyoncé and Jay Zs pregnancy news has not only taken Hollywood by storm in the best way possible, it's also rocked their marriage in the most positive way, too!

A source exclusively tells E! News that the twins have already catapulted the famous couple's relationship to a whole new level.

"Jay and Beyoncé are in the best place in their marriage," the insider dished. "They have allotted more time for themselves as a couple over this past year, and that has helped them build together."

The source continued, "Jay and B have always wanted a big family. So when they got that huge news and surprise that they were having twins, they were both so happy. They have been trying for a while now so these babies are a true gift from God to them."

But it's not just the couple who are affected...Blue Ivy can't wait either!

We're told that Bey and Jay explained to their 5-year-old daughter that she will soon you be the older sister to two siblings. Now, our insider dished, "Blue likes to feel Beyoncé's belly and seems to be looking forward to being an older sister."

As for Queen B, we're told she is focused on making sure she has a very healthy pregnancy.

"Beyoncé is tired and more out of breath than usual," our source said. "She is eating clean but still has her cheat days. She has some sweet and salty cravings but trying to still not gain as much weight that can come on while carrying twins. She is very aware of what she puts in her body."

The insider also notes, "She has doctors and nutritionists that are helping her with this pregnancy. Overall, she is feeling good and can't wait to welcome these babies into this world."

Like we reported before, she is still planning to do Coachella, but she will take some time off once the babies are born.

"After Beyoncé has her babies, she is going to take some time off for herself and her family," our source revealed. "She needs a break, but her breaks are always productive and creative. Beyoncé is always thinking so I wouldn't be surprised if some amazing ideas came up while she is taking time off."

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's "Relationship Is Very Fluid," Source Says

E! NEWS  http://www.eonline.com/news/830294/jennifer-garner-and-ben-affleck-s-relationship-is-very-fluid-source-says

Breaking up is hard to do—just ask Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck.

It's been nearly two years since the Daredevil co-stars jointly announced they were separating after 10 years of marriage. And on Friday, multiple reports claimed Garner is finally ready to file for divorce. But is she really? "Their relationship is very fluid and nothing has really changed," a source says of the actors. "They have been working at their relationship for the past few years."

In fact, E! News has exclusively learned that to rebuild their relationship and to improve their communication in general, the actors have taken multiple trips alone together in the last year.

From the beginning, the exes have been committed to co-parenting daughters Violet Affleck, 11, Seraphina Affleck, 8, and son Samuel Affleck, 4—and they've done it so well that their relationship status often confused fans. "There have been times when a reconciliation looked very likely," the source says. "They love each other and that hasn't changed. But it's unclear what the future holds for them." Regardless, they will remain on a "united front" and will "always prioritize the children" above all else. "The spirit of their relationship has not changed."

Ben continued to live on the family's property post-split, and the source says it remains his primary residence. "Regardless of their relationship with each other, they will always protect the kids and spend time together for them," the source adds. "Their goals remain the same."

In fact, the actor sang Jennifer's praises while talking to E! News' Catt Sadler last year. "Jen is a superhero mom. She is an amazing mother and I'm really lucky to have her as a partner to co-parent these kids with," the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice admitted. "We try our best."

Which is all to say their "modern family" (as Jennifer once called it) will remain intact, even if she does files for divorce. "There wasn't a big blowout," the source says. "It's a fluid situation." 

What John Legend Really Thinks

E! Live From The Red Carpet Exclusive: This Is What John Legend Really Thinks About Chrissy Teigen Volunteering to Be Kim Kardashian's Surrogate

E! LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET http://www.eonline.com/news/810809/this-is-what-john-legend-really-thinks-about-chrissy-teigen-volunteering-to-be-kim-kardashian-s-surrogate

Catch an all new Fashion Policewith special guest Teyana Taylor TOMORROW, MONDAY NOVEMBER 21ST AT 8P ET/PT

John Legend isn't going to let a little tardiness keep him from E!'s Live From the Red Carpet. 

The singer was one of the last to strut that hallowed walkway into the American Music Awards, but he made sure to track down Jason Kennedyand Tinashe to get a little face time before the award show. "I saw the credits rolling and I was like hey, wait a minute!" Legend joked after he made sure to get his interview slot. 

Legend confessed to watching the red carpet broadcast from his hotel room while he got ready (presumably with wife Chrissy Teigen) and also took a moment to praise his upcoming performance of "Love Me Now" with collaborator Meghan Trainor. "It's going to be a great night! There are no surprises, we're just going to give them a really good show," he gushed. 

"We're going to feature some of the music video in the performance tonight," he continued, alluding to Chrissy and Baby Luna's appearance in the video. "We wanted to show love all around the world from our family to different families, no matter where they live. We wanted to show it's universal, that music is universal." 

Then, naturally, the conversation turned to that much-talked-about rumor that Chrissy offered to the a surrogate for BFF Kim Kardashian. To refresh you, Kardashian has been vocal about the difficulties she's endured getting pregnant and carrying her two children, North and Saint. On a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, she admitted that her doctors have warned her that attempting a third pregnancy could be quite dangerous for the reality star. 

So what did Chrissy Teigen do? She came out saying that she would step up "in a heartbeat" if need be. But when Jason Kennedy brought up the topic to John, things seemed like they might go a little differently. 

"Umm, we haven't discussed this," John said of the surrogacy as he let out a chuckle. "We'll talk about it later," he joked. 

You heard it here first!

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Jon Gosselin's Lawyer

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: 
Jon Gosselin's Lawyer Says Kate Gosselin Isn't Telling the Whole Truth About Their Son Colin

E! NEWS www.eonline.com/news/811012/jon-gosselin-s-lawyer-says-kate-gosselin-isn-t-telling-the-whole-truth-about-their-son-colin

Kate Gosselin and Jon Gosselin still can't find themselves on the same page.

The mother-of-eight spoke out on Good Morning America in a pre-taped interview that aired on Monday morning. She opened up about her son, Colin, who has moved out of the house to take part in a special program that teaches him how to deal with his "educational and social challenges." In the interview, she denied Jon's claims that she had left him in the dark regarding the situation.

"We're both court-ordered not the speak about the care and custody of our children in detail," she told host Amy Robach onGMA. "I have known all along where he is. The world doesn't know. And, I'll leave it at that."

Kate—who has full legal custody of twins Cara Gosselin and Mady Gosselin, 16, and sextuplets Colin, Aaden Gosselin, Alexis Gosselinand Hannah Gosselin, Joel Gosselin and Leah Gosselin, 12—is also unfazed by any plans Jon has to take her back to court for custody.

"I've lost track how many times he has said that," she said, point-blank. "I'm really focused less on what he has to say."

However, Jon's attorney Kristen Doleva-Lecher spoke to E! News exclusively and said Kate isn't telling the whole truth.

"There is a court order and Jon is strictly abiding by it. The public doesn't know the whole story," she explained. "Jon is absolutely hurt by statements made about Colin and Jon's role as his father. I can assure you that Jon is very concerned about all of his children. He is a loving father and he is acting in accordance with the law to do what's right for the kids."

Meanwhile, Kate also spoke to People magazine about her son's treatment. 

"This is all new to me, and to our family," she said of Colin living away from home. "I don't know what the road ahead entails, but I'm very happy with the care that he's getting, and am still completely comforted by the fact that he is so clearly exactly where he needs to be, getting precisely what he needs — it comforts me as a mother, because when you, as a mom, can't give your kids what they need, it is a huge comfort to find people who can."

Despite missing Colin at home, Kate says, "He's where he needs to be right now, and I can feel good about that."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - WATCH NOW: Gigi Hadid Gushes About Her "Babies" Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne on Fashion Police—Get the Recap!

 http://www.eonline.com/shows/fashion_police/news/626173/gigi-hadid-gushes-about-her-babies-kendall-jenner-and-cara-delevingne-on-fashion-police-get-the-recap

Tune-in to an all-new Fashion Police: 2015 Academy Awards this Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on E!

This week was a fashion frenzy! 

On the latest episode of Fashion Police, the panel left sunny Los Angeles and braved the snow in New York City for Fashion Week! 

Overall, the judges loved Elizabeth Bank's dress for the Berlin International Film Festival. She was Kathy Griffin and Giuliana Rancic's best dressed of the week! G, even looked into the camera and asked Elizabeth if she can have the dress! Heidi Klum however, didn't impress the judges in her white mini dress. Kelly even said, "She looks like Liberace's toilet cleaner. Sorry, it's too much." 

The first guest of the night was model Gigi Hadid and she dished on her friendships with huge stars including fellow super model pals, Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne!

She also talked to the Fashion Police about her boyfriend Cody Simpson, which brought up a hilarious story from Kathy...

The team also included Gigi on another round of #Fashtag! They talked about some of the wildest celebrity pictures of the week and gave them their own unique fashion-related hashtag. Gigi uses "#KinkyBoots" for one of them! Watch the segment below to see more: 

Naomi Campbell was the second celebrity to stop by the show! She talked to the judges about her career in modeling and her exciting runway show this year at New York Fashion Week!  Her show raised funds as well as awareness for the Ebola disease. Naomi herself walked the catwalk along with major celebrities including our very own Kelly Osbourne and Brad Goreski! 

Next week, it's the biggest fashion hurrah for award season... The Academy Awards! We can hardly wait to see what all of our favorite stars wear on the red carpet! 

Tune-in to an all-new Fashion Police: Oscars Special this Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on E!

Media Courtesy Of:

Katie Moeckel

Publicity 

E! NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Lady Gaga Steps Out After Getting Engaged, Plus Get the Details on Her Celebratory Dinner!

 http://www.eonline.com/news/626192/lady-gaga-steps-out-after-getting-engaged-plus-get-the-details-on-her-celebratory-dinner

This Valentine's Day was a day Lady Gaga will never forget!

Her longtime boyfriend, Taylor Kinney, popped the question on the most romantic day of the year, but now we have exclusive details on their celebratory dinner at Manhattan eatery Joanne Trattoria!

The "Poker Face" singer and her Chicago Fire star fiancé joined her parents to show off hernew huge bling, and eyewitness and customer Vlad Panov, an indie film and video producer, tells E! News exclusively that her parents couldn't have been more excited. In fact, Lady Gaga's mom realized that she wouldn't just be getting a son-in-law.

"Everyone was very happy," Panov tells us, "but I didn't realize what was going on until I hear Gaga's mother say, 'I have a son now!' Then it was clear, they had gotten engaged."

Gaga's excitement and constant grinning must have left the entire restaurant in a happy mood, as others took notice of the pop star and her future hubby. Then again, it also could have been the "two behemoth men wearing earpieces" that walked in alongside Gaga!

Times-Herald Record executive editor Barry Lewis tells E! News that he "knew something was up" when those two men walked in, only to realize it was Mother Monster herself! Lewis watched as Gaga debuted her newly jeweled left hand.

"Suddenly, she puts out her hand and starts showing off her ring, just the way any newly engaged woman would. She wasn't loud, but she was very excited," he tells E! News. "I would say she was glowing. Her parents hugged her while he looked on. He was a little sheepish, the way any guy would be in front of his future in-laws. "

Dating since July 2011, the longtime couple definitely waited it out before getting engaged, and Lewis tells us that it wasn't a topic that went unspoken that evening.

"I heard him talking about how they had waited four years and how hard he had been looking for the right ring," he dished. "It was clear he hadn't proposed there, that it had happened earlier."

As for why he didn't document his epic run-in?

"It was just a really nice family moment and I didn't want to intrude," he tells us.

Since becoming engaged, Lady Gaga is already back on the busy bandwagon! She was spotted at JFK airport smiling and blowing a kiss to the cameras. If that's any indication of her level of happiness, we would say she's still pretty elated by her big weekend.

Congrats again to the happy couple!

Media Courtesy Of:

KATIE MOECKEL

Publicity