Dateline Friday: "The Professor & The Poet" March 6 2026

Dateline March 6 2026: “The Professor & The Poet”

Dateline NBC returns with another true crime investigation on Friday, March 6, 2026, with an episode titled “The Professor & The Poet.” Reported by veteran correspondent Josh Mankiewicz, the broadcast examines the murder of Sue Marcum and the complex personal relationships that became central to the investigation. The case centers on the unusual connection between a professor and a poet, a relationship that investigators would later examine closely as they worked to understand what happened.

The episode explores how Marcum’s death stunned those who knew her and left investigators searching for answers. As the story unfolds, Dateline pieces together the timeline of events and the circumstances that brought detectives to focus on the people closest to her.

A Secret Known Only to One Friend

A key element of the case involves a secret that Sue Marcum shared with only one trusted friend. According to those familiar with the situation, this private detail became an important piece of the puzzle as investigators worked to understand Marcum’s life and relationships in the period leading up to her death.

The program features interviews with individuals connected to the case, including friends and others who offer insight into Marcum’s life. Through these conversations, viewers learn how the secret and the relationships around it may have played a role in the investigation.

The Relationship at the Center of the Case

“The Professor & The Poet” focuses heavily on the relationship between the two figures referenced in the title. Dateline examines how their connection intersected with Sue Marcum’s life and why investigators eventually looked closely at the dynamic between them.

Josh Mankiewicz guides viewers through the twists and developments in the case, drawing on interviews and investigative records to explain how authorities approached the murder investigation. The episode highlights how personal relationships, hidden details, and long-held secrets can shape the course of a criminal inquiry.

Dateline NBC airs “The Professor & The Poet” on Friday, March 6, 2026, on NBC. The episode offers a detailed look at the investigation into Sue Marcum’s death and the people whose lives became intertwined with the case.

About Dateline NBC

Since its debut in 1992, Dateline has become a trusted name in investigative journalism and true crime storytelling. Anchored by Lester Holt, the program also features correspondents including Keith Morrison, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, and Dennis Murphy. Their unique reporting styles and narrative voices have made the series iconic.

Episodes often cover criminal cases, missing persons investigations, wrongful convictions, and other real-life mysteries. The blend of investigative journalism and dramatic storytelling makes Dateline a must-watch for true crime fans.

Dateline Weekly Schedule

Dateline NBC typically airs new episodes on Friday nights at 9/8c on NBC. Additional encore presentations often air on Saturday nights, Sunday evenings, and across cable and streaming platforms such as Peacock, Oxygen, and Dateline 24/7 channels.

The weekly schedule highlights upcoming episodes, whether they are brand-new investigations or encore broadcasts of fan favorites. Each week brings a mix of current true crime cases and revisits to past episodes with new updates.

Why Follow the Dateline Schedule?

Unlike scripted dramas, Dateline episodes are rooted in real cases that evolve over time. Following the schedule ensures viewers never miss the latest investigations, exclusive interviews, or breaking updates.

Encore presentations also give fans the opportunity to revisit classic episodes or catch up on stories they may have missed. With new installments almost every week, staying up to date with the schedule is essential for true crime enthusiasts.