Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Dan Abrams, each one-hour episode of TAKING THE STAND covers everything from first-hand defendant testimony, juxtaposed with the contentious cross examination to the final verdict. There is a reason that taking the witness stand in your own defense is a gamble that very few criminal defendants ever take. In addition to interviews with key members of the investigation, the series features original video from law enforcement, surveillance camera footage, 911 audio recordings, digital forensic evidence and some exclusive interviews and responses from the defendants themselves, to provide an in-depth look at dozens of raw and real cases. The series premiere focuses on Jodie Arias, who was facing the death penalty after a young Arizona businessman was found slaughtered and friends pointed police towards her as his on-again, off-again girlfriend. Arias takes the stand for an unprecedented 18 days in an attempt to explain how the brutal killing of her ex-boyfriend was self-defense.

The sophomore season of TAKING THE STAND premiered on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT on A&E. In the season opener, stay-at-home mom Danielle Redlick is charged with the murder of her husband, pro sports executive Michael Redlick; after holding onto her account for nearly three years, Danielle finally takes the witness stand and her story takes a turn.

TAKING THE STAND returned for its third season on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E. In the season opener, "William Zelenski," wxotic animal dealer William "Wild Bill" Zelenski is accused of murdering his girlfriend's 18-year-old son, Ryelee Manente-Powell after he stole $27,000 worth of venomous and exotic reptiles. He claims it was an accident and will take the stand to explain what really happened.
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On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT, A&E premiered "Andre McDonald," the Season 3 finale of TAKING THE STAND. An American Dream becomes a tragedy when San Antonio businesswoman Andreen McDonald goes missing. Four years later, her husband, Air Force Major, Andre McDonald, is on trial for her murder. Facing life in prison, McDonald takes the stand. Will the jury believe he's the victim of a domestic dispute gone wrong or a cold-blooded monster?