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Dateline NBC “The Family Plot” September 25 2026
A husband’s attempt to reunite with his family ends in murder in the Season 35 premiere of Dateline NBC.
The all-new two-hour episode “The Family Plot” airs Friday, September 25, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with Josh Mankiewicz investigating the killing of Matthew “Matt” Restelli in American Fork, Utah.
In July 2024, the 42-year-old California man travelled to Utah hoping to bring home his wife, Kathryn “Kate” Restelli, and their children. Kate had left California several weeks earlier as the couple experienced marital problems and was staying with her mother, Tracey Grist, and brother, Kevin Ellis.
Matt’s arrival at the family’s home on July 12 ended almost immediately in violence. Ellis shot him multiple times after he entered the house.
At first, the explanation appeared straightforward: Ellis claimed he had acted in self-defence. But investigators soon began questioning whether Matt’s arrival had really taken the family by surprise.
The evidence uncovered by detectives transformed the case. Kate eventually admitted that she had encouraged Matt to believe reconciliation was possible, communicated with him during his journey and directed him to enter the house through an unlocked front door.
Prosecutors contended that those actions were part of a plan to make Matt’s entrance look unauthorized and provide the basis for a self-defence claim after he was killed.
There was another troubling piece of evidence. A knife was discovered in Matt’s hand after the shooting, but prosecutors argued it had been deliberately positioned there. Evidence also showed that members of the family had been monitoring Matt’s journey from California with an AirTag.
The investigation resulted in convictions for Kate, Ellis and Grist. Kate pleaded guilty to reduced charges and cooperated with the prosecution. Ellis was convicted of murder, and Grist was later convicted by a jury of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, obstruction of justice and domestic-violence-related charges.
Mankiewicz revisits the case through extensive interviews with investigators, prosecutors, attorneys, friends and relatives.
Matt’s mother Diane Restelli and brothers Paul and Mark Restelli discuss the case, while viewers will also hear from Kate’s sister Taralyn Fischer, Grist’s former husband Stan Ellis, Kate’s former friend Stephanie Slocombe and Grist’s former best friend Teri Bishop.
Detective Joseph Nordin, prosecutors James Watabe, Adam Pomeroy and David Brown, and defence attorney Scott Williams provide additional perspectives on the investigation and courtroom battle.
The result is a Dateline premiere examining not simply who killed Matt Restelli, but how investigators concluded that his death was the culmination of a conspiracy involving members of the family he had travelled hundreds of miles to see.
“The Family Plot” premieres Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9–11 p.m. ET on NBC.
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.
Conclusion
This guide provides the latest Dateline schedule, including details on when to watch new episodes and encore presentations. With regular updates, it ensures fans always know what’s airing each week. Bookmark this page to stay informed about upcoming Dateline episodes and never miss a new investigation.
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