Oxygen True Crime

Niche true-crime cable network with a loyal, engaged female-skewing audience; part of a larger cable portfolio navigating cord-cutting pressures

Oxygen True Crime is a cable television network that was rebranded from the original Oxygen Network (founded in 2000) to focus exclusively on true-crime content, reflecting the genre's massive audience growth. The network airs original series, documentaries, and specials centered on criminal investigations, cold cases, and justice stories, targeting a predominantly female 18-49 demographic that has shown strong affinity for true-crime content. The network operates under NBCUniversal's cable portfolio and, following the January 2026 spinoff, became part of Versant Media Group — a newly formed entity housing NBCUniversal's spun-off cable networks. This transition placed Oxygen True Crime alongside other legacy cable brands navigating the shift from traditional linear TV to streaming and digital distribution. In the AdTech ecosystem, Oxygen True Crime is significant as an advertising-supported linear cable network that sells inventory through traditional upfront and scatter markets, as well as through NBCUniversal's (and subsequently Versant's) advanced advertising platforms. Its highly engaged, niche true-crime audience makes it attractive for targeted advertising, and it participates in addressable TV and data-driven linear advertising solutions offered through its parent company's ad sales infrastructure.