Dateline NBC “Return to the Lake” February 14 2025 Recap & Preview

This Friday, February 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT, Dateline NBC presents “Return to the Lake”, an in-depth investigation into the tragic and notorious case of Susan Smith, a South Carolina woman who admitted to drowning her two young sons, Michael and Alexander, 30 years ago. Susan Smith recently appeared before the parole board for the first time, and her request for parole was unanimously denied.

In the emotional parole hearing, Smith expressed deep remorse for her actions, saying, “I know that what I did was horrible. And I would give anything if I could go back and change it.” However, her ex-husband, David Smith, who has long fought for justice for his sons, argued against her release, emphasizing that the punishment she served was not enough for the gravity of the crime. He added, “This wasn’t a tragic mistake. She purposely meant to end their life.”

The Dateline broadcast revisits the harrowing case, highlighting new details and personal interviews, including insights from Smith herself, her family, and legal experts. It takes viewers through the heartbreaking story of how Smith’s initial false claim—about a carjacking and the abduction of her children—was exposed, leading to her shocking confession. The episode also reflects on the emotional toll the tragedy took on Smith’s family and the community.

Tune in to “Return to the Lake” on Dateline NBC this Friday, February 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT. The episode will also be available for streaming on Peacock the following day. Don’t miss this powerful and emotional investigation into one of the most infamous cases of maternal murder in U.S. history.