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Making a Murderer

Making a Murderer is an American true-crime documentary television series released on Netflix in 2015 and continued with a second part in 2018.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Making a Murderer is an American true-crime documentary television series released on Netflix in 2015 and continued with a second part in 2018. It follows the criminal cases of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey in Wisconsin and became widely discussed for its portrayal of the legal system and the controversy surrounding the case.

Premise

The series examines the legal history surrounding Steven Avery, including his wrongful rape conviction, exoneration, and later murder conviction. It also follows the case against Brendan Dassey and questions raised about police interviewing practices and the trial process.

Production

Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos spent roughly a decade filming the project, gathering extensive interviews and trial footage. Sources describe the production as spanning about 10 to 13 years, depending on how the total filming period is counted.

Reception and impact

Making a Murderer became a widely discussed Netflix documentary and generated strong public reactions, including online debate and media coverage. It was also criticised by some viewers and commentators for alleged omissions and editing choices.

Release

The first part was released on Netflix in December 2015, and Part 2 followed in 2018. Netflix describes the series as a documentary and lists it as two parts.

Key facts

  • The series was created by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos.
  • It centres on Steven Avery, who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in 1985 and later convicted in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach.
  • Brendan Dassey, Avery’s nephew, is also a central figure in the series because of his conviction in the same case.
  • The first part premiered on Netflix in December 2015, and a second part was released in 2018.
  • The series attracted major public attention and debate over documentary ethics, police conduct, and the fairness of the convictions.
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Canadian context

The series was widely viewed and discussed in Canada through Netflix and Canadian media coverage, including CBC News reporting on its popularity and the public debate it generated.[9]

Frequently asked questions

What is Making a Murderer about?
It is about the criminal cases of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey in Wisconsin, focusing on Avery’s wrongful conviction, exoneration, later murder charge, and the legal controversy around the case.
Who created Making a Murderer?
It was created by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos.
When was Making a Murderer released?
The first part premiered on Netflix on December 18, 2015; Part 2 was released in 2018.
How many parts does the series have?
Netflix lists the series as having two parts.
Why did the series attract attention?
It drew attention for its detailed portrayal of the Avery case and for debate over police conduct, trial fairness, and documentary editing choices.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Making_a_Murderer
    Supports: Series premise, creators, subjects, and release structure.
  2. Netflixhttps://www.netflix.com/title/80000770
    Supports: Official description, release year, part count, and format.
  3. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/arts/television/behind-making-a-murderer-a-new-documentary-series-on-netflix.html
    Supports: Production timeline and creators' decade-long work.
  4. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-35244837
    Supports: Overview of the series and its focus on Steven Avery's case.
  5. CBC Newshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/making-a-murderer-netflix-doc-steven-avery-1.3391691
    Supports: Canadian coverage, popularity, and case background.
  6. Timehttps://time.com/4167699/netflix-making-a-murderer-evidence-left-out/
    Supports: Public debate and criticism around omitted evidence.
  7. Rolling Stonehttps://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/making-a-murderer-one-year-later-everything-you-need-to-know-123669/
    Supports: Reception, controversy, and production span.
  8. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Making-a-Murderer
    Supports: Identification as an American documentary series.