It is a REAL show. I love this show! Why? Because it doesn't keep recapping ALL the details after a commercial break, but wait! There's more. I've noticed that you actually see the "stars" of the show (who really aren't, nor do they act as if they are) doing the actual work such as taking notes, and talking to witnesses, etc. It's little things that some people may not recognize, but, in my professional opinion is just not scripted. Do they have to edit it to keep it moving along or seem less dull and boring as the day to day work really is? Of course they do, but Kudos to Dick Wolf, and everyone involved in this show for putting the money out there so Kelly Siegler and the teams she assembles to do this work can help these places that otherwise have to allow killers walk free for years due to lack of money and resources, and a lot of times enough expertise. (One town I recall only averaged 1 murder a year. How much expertise might they have had?) She helps people. The investigation teams in whatever town they're in AND, the people left behind by the never ending ripple affect caused by murder.
I was aware of Kelly Siegler long before this show. I had been aware of her reputation prior to this, but hadn't really been exposed to her personality or methods. Now, though, I'm a fan. She reminds me of my mentor who also happened to be a tough, strong, yet human Texan not afraid or apologetic about doing what she does or how she does it. While my mentor and I didn't always agree on politics or certain ideologies, per se, we both had respect and care for one another in the end and the end goals in our jobs and life were the same. Her humanity really shows in some of these shows and you can really see her relief when she gets to tell a family the good new or her regret if they aren't quite there yet.
It is a real show.