“Dateline” Turns 35, and No One Is More Excited Than These 11 Celebrity Superfans

**Stars Align Over Dateline’s Enduring Appeal on ABC**

The television landscape has seen countless shows come and go, but few have maintained their cultural relevance quite like ABC’s *Dateline*. This iconic programme recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades as a staple of American television. Its blend of gripping true crime stories and investigative journalism has drawn in not just the general public, but also a surprising roster of celebrity fans.

Among the notable admirers of *Dateline* is music superstar Taylor Swift, who shared her affection for the series during an appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* last December. Swift explained that the show serves as an excellent way to disconnect from her busy life. “If I can turn off the ideas for a second? Very exciting… I’ll put on my Dateline,” she expressed, highlighting the programme’s role as her unwind mechanism after a hectic day.

Lady Gaga has also chimed in regarding her fondness for the show. During a 2015 interview with Jimmy Fallon, she revealed her penchant for darker narratives, stating, “Dangerous things and horror relaxes me and it really freaks out my friends a lot.” Her confession reflects a shared fascination among many viewers who find solace in the intricate tales of crime and justice that *Dateline* offers.

Similarly, actress Rhea Seehorn finds comfort in late-night episodes of the programme. “Late at night, I watch murder TV and *Dateline*,” she told W Magazine. Her rationale for enjoying such chilling content is straightforward: “Bad guy identified, bad guy caught, and then all the world is all right.” This comforting conclusion appears to resonate with many fans, serving to satisfy their curiosity and fears in a controlled narrative.

Oscar nominee Amy Adams also expressed her intrigue with true crime series. In an interview while promoting her film *Cape Fear*, Adams noted her habit of watching crime documentaries, including *Dateline*. “There is something that is really timely about examining how justice is applied in our society,” she remarked, signalling a deeper appreciation for the show beyond mere entertainment.

Former *Saturday Night Live* cast member Bill Hader’s admiration for *Dateline* runs deep. His enthusiasm for the series reached a peak when he was surprised with a meeting from the show’s prominent correspondent, Keith Morrison, during an interview in 2019. “You’re the man,” Hader exclaimed, clearly starstruck, while also noting the shared love for Morrison among fellow comedians such as John Mulaney and Larry David.

Hader is not alone in his admiration. Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have both publicly declared their allegiance to the show, sharing their enthusiasm on Shepard’s podcast. “Anyone who knows my wife and I well knows that we are head over heels in love and obsessed with Keith Morrison,” Shepard confessed. Bell, for her part, attributed her passion for true crime to her childhood, stating that her mother’s work as a cardiologist nurse desensitised her to graphic content. “I’ve seen every episode of *Dateline* that exists,” she added, showcasing the couple’s loyal viewership.

Former model and actress Molly Sims has also described her fondness for *Dateline* as part of her guilty pleasures. In a candid interview, she remarked that during long flights or drives, she would often binge on episodes of the series, reiterating her identification as a “huge true crime girl.”

Canadian singer Michael Bublé has a particularly unique connection to the show. He credited *Dateline* with kickstarting his career, having been interviewed by Keith Morrison in 2003. Reflecting on this, Bublé stated, “Basically *Dateline* made me… Without *Dateline*, I would be sitting right now in a club, or on the street somewhere.” This recognition highlights the profound impact the programme has had on its viewers, both personally and professionally.

Regina Hall and Amanda Seyfried have also shared their fondness for the show, with Hall mentioning its exploration of humanity’s dark sides as a key reason for her interest. Seyfried expressed a curiosity about people that drives her connection to the stories, accentuating *Dateline*’s role in addressing human behaviours and societal issues.

In a similar vein, actress Charlize Theron quipped during a *Today* show appearance that her pre-bedtime routine involves watching *Dateline* rather than indulging in traditional evening relaxations. “Some people need a cup of chamomile tea before they go to bed. I need a little bit of *Dateline*,” she asserted, summing up the show’s unconventional appeal.

With such a wide array of high-profile endorsements, it’s clear that *Dateline* has not only become a beloved choice for many but also a cultural phenomenon reflecting society’s complex fascination with true crime and justice. As the programme continues to air, its legion of celebrity fans demonstrates that even the stars find intrigue and comfort in the eerie world of crime investigations.