Is there a new episode of Dateline this week (October 31, 2025)? Explained

Dateline has a new episode this week. NBC airs The Death of Dr. Schwartz on Friday, October 31, at 9:00 pm.

The broadcast is reported by Blayne Alexander. It centers on the 2014 killing of Florida kidney doctor Steven Schwartz. What began as a reported burglary call in Tarpon Springs soon widened into a far-reaching inquiry, with an alleged link to another doctor’s killing from years earlier.

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Where to watch The Death of Dr. Schwartz episode

The new Dateline episode is set for 9 pm on NBC. A next-day stream on Peacock is expected. Encores often surface on the Dateline 24/7 stream and partner platforms. Local listings may vary by provider.

Dateline also streams on fuboTV, Peacock Premium, NBC, Peacock Premium Plus. Select episodes of Dateline are free to watch on Spectrum On Demand.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Dateline: The Death of Dr. Schwartz. Reader's discretion is advised.

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Case overview

In May 2014, police responded to a burglary report at the Schwartz's waterfront home in Tarpon Springs. Dr. Steven Schwartz was found dead in the residence. Early signs suggested a break-in. Investigators reportedly flagged inconsistencies and broadened the scope.

Dr. Steven Schwartz was found dead inside the residence during the burglary response (Image via Pexels)

As the case advanced, attention fell on a longtime contractor, Leo Stragaj. DNA was reportedly found on parts of the victim’s clothing. Stragaj later pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact in 2021 and was deported, while continuing to deny killing the doctor. The program outlines his account from Albania and the events he describes around the day of the homicide.

The episode also follows how detectives tracked records, timelines, and physical findings. The team reportedly reexamined statements and movements from the morning to the 9:00 pm call for help. Producers note a possible link to an older physician’s killing, which Dateline revisits with archival material and interviews.

Also read: Tricia Westfall case on American Monster- A complete timeline of events

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Key people in the Dateline broadcast

Blayne Alexander leads the report. Carter Schwartz offers memories of his father and describes the aftermath.

Lead Investigator John Diebel and Sgt. Scott Brokew walks through the steps in the inquiry. Leo Stragaj speaks from Albania and gives his position on the case.

Attorneys Wil Florin, Tommy Roebig, and Rohom Khonsari appear to explain the legal moves and trial strategy that followed.

Each voice helps build a timeline. The focus stays on what investigators documented and what witnesses and principals reportedly said at the time.

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Context and legal status

A civil jury in 2025 found Rebecca Schwartz civilly responsible and awarded damages (Image via Pexels)

In March 2025, a Pinellas County jury found Rebecca Schwartz civilly responsible for the death and ordered her to pay the doctor’s children $200 million. She has not been criminally charged. The civil finding does not decide any criminal guilt.

According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the verdict followed testimony about money disputes and alleged embezzlement, and the collection on the award may reach a lower figure.

The homicide file has remained open, and authorities have noted that charging decisions require evidence that meets criminal standards. The episode notes the ongoing status. The episode frames that status clearly. Claims about motive remain alleged. Interviewees’ statements are presented as reported, with sourcing called out in the program.

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Edited by Preethika Vijayakumar