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Two gripping documentaries arrive soon on Three and ThreeNow
Three and ThreeNow are premiering Murder by Mushroom and Polk: Unanswered Questions next week.
Produced by Perpetual Entertainment, Murder by Mushroom explores the trial of Australian woman Erin Patterson, who was found guilty this week for the deaths of three people and the severe illness of a fourth. The incident, which occured in Leongatha, a country town in Victoria, involved a meal of beef wellington containing poisonous death cap mushrooms.
Filmed over the course of the trial, the documentary features previously unseen recounts from the proceedings. It also includes a profile analysis of Erin Patterson by Kris Illingsworth – an FBI-trained criminal profiler and former homicide detective – who offers insights into the case, including potential motives such as religious retribution.
Murder by Mushroom also features the only person to speak at length with Patterson, investigative journalist Sam Cucchiara, known for his work on A Current Affair, who details his strange viral interview with her.
Uncover the untold
On Tuesday, the focus turns from Australia back to New Zealand with Polk: Unanswered Questions. From the makers of Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne, this fourth instalment examines the questions that remain regarding Pauline Hanna’s death.
Despite Philip Polkinghorne’s acquittal in September 2024, many people feel we are no closer to the truth about what happened. As a Coroner’s inquest looms in August 2026, this documentary investigates the final hours of Pauline’s life, probing for clues and confronting the many questions left unanswered by the trial.
Warner Bros. Discovery senior director, content ANZ, Matt Barthow says: “With both cases having garnered widespread attention and extensive media coverage, these documentaries seek to take a closer look, offering fresh insights and a more nuanced understanding of both situations.”
Murder by Mushroom premieres on Three, Monday, July 14 at 8.30pm and is available on ThreeNow from Thursday July 14. Polk: Unanswered Questions premieres on Three and ThreeNow, Tuesday, July 15 at 8.30pm.
