Crime Writers On...Esoteric

An unofficial Crime Writers On...online resource and community site.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart

a Documentary

Produced by: Netflix

Feb. 12, 2026

Episode #711

CWO Episode Description:

The brazen kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom captivated the nation. And when their main suspect died in custody, police feared they’d never learn her fate. But Elizabeth was still alive, being held in the woods, and facing daily abuse at the hands of her captors. Though investigators thought of it as a cold case, the Smart family continued their search. And a clue from Elizabeth’s younger sister about the kidnapper’s identity led to her dramatic rescue and emotional family reunion. 

In the Netflix documentary film “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart,” we hear from Elizabeth herself about her nine month ordeal, as well as from loved ones and investigators who worked to bring her home. She explains how she survived in captivity, the physical and psychological abuse she suffered, and why she passed on earlier chances to escape.

Lara

Lara's Vote

Co-host

Sideways

Sideways
Toby

Toby's Vote

Co-host

Mild Down

Mild Down
Guest

Guest Vote

Special Guest

N/A

N/A
Kevin

Kevin's Vote

Co-host

Mild Up

Mild Up
Rebecca

Rebecca's Vote

Co-host

Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up

Total Points (0-16)

10

Back to Reviews

Community Rating of this CWO Episode

None/5 (0 ratings)

Want to rate this review?

CWOEsoteric Votes!

What did YOU think of Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart?

Vote vote here using the same system as the CWO hosts!

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up 0
Mild Up Mild Up 0
Sideways Sideways 0
Mild Down Mild Down 0
Thumbs Down Thumbs Down 0
Total Community Votes: 0

So, did Crime Writers On...get this one right?