The release of Murdaugh: Death in the Family episodes has entered its most intense phase, captivating audiences across the United States. The series, which brings to life the real events surrounding South Carolina’s once-powerful Murdaugh family, is now halfway through its season. With five out of eight episodes streaming, viewers are witnessing a meticulously dramatized story of influence, tragedy, and the fall of an empire built on privilege and power.
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Latest Streaming Update
Murdaugh: Death in the Family premiered on October 15, 2025, launching with its first three episodes simultaneously. New episodes have been releasing every Wednesday at 3:00 a.m. ET (midnight PT), with the final episode expected on November 19, 2025.
The show is available to stream exclusively on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in select international markets.
Based on true events, the series draws from the real-life saga of Alex Murdaugh and his family—whose decades-long dominance over South Carolina’s legal and political systems came crashing down in one of the most shocking scandals in American history. It’s inspired by journalist Mandy Matney’s award-winning investigative podcast, which first exposed the Murdaugh web of crime, cover-ups, and corruption.
Episode Release Schedule and Titles
Here’s a complete overview of the Murdaugh: Death in the Family episodes and their release dates:
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Tradition | October 15, 2025 |
| 2 | One Is Missing | October 15, 2025 |
| 3 | Kokomo | October 15, 2025 |
| 4 | Controlled Burn | October 22, 2025 |
| 5 | The Prince | October 29, 2025 |
| 6 | June 7th | November 5, 2025 |
| 7 | On the Road You Take to Avoid It | November 12, 2025 |
| 8 | The Man in the Glass | November 19, 2025 |
The episode titles reveal a deliberate storytelling progression—from the illusion of legacy and control to the inevitable reckoning that tears the family apart. Episode 5, “The Prince,” marks a major turning point where long-buried truths finally begin to surface.
Inside the Story: What Each Chapter Explores
Legacy and Privilege
The early episodes establish the Murdaughs’ prominence as a South Carolina dynasty. For nearly a century, members of the family served as solicitors (prosecutors), wielding enormous influence over the legal system in Hampton County. The show paints a vivid picture of their wealth and prestige—but also the growing sense that their power has shielded them from accountability for decades.
The Boat Crash That Changed Everything
Central to the story is the 2019 boating accident involving Paul Murdaugh, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach. This tragedy is portrayed as the first visible crack in the Murdaughs’ public image. The dramatization captures the chaos of that night, the cover-up attempts, and the subsequent outcry from the local community.
The show depicts this moment not only as a catalyst for public outrage but also as the event that set off a chain reaction of investigations—eventually uncovering Alex Murdaugh’s web of lies, theft, and betrayal.
Investigative Pressure Builds
Through the eyes of Mandy Matney, the investigative journalist and podcaster who helped bring the truth to light, viewers see how persistence in reporting helped expose decades of wrongdoing. The show interweaves her investigation with courtroom drama, police interrogations, and family confrontations, giving audiences a multi-layered view of how truth finally broke through years of silence.
Unraveling Control
From Episode 4 onward, the tone darkens. Financial misconduct surfaces, secrets emerge, and the family begins to fracture internally. Alex’s facade of success collapses under the weight of debt, deceit, and addiction. His desperate attempts to maintain control—and his growing paranoia—become central to the tension driving the story.
Episode 5: “The Prince”
Episode 5 delves into the mysterious death of Stephen Smith, a young man whose case reopens old wounds and reignites public scrutiny. The episode explores the rumors and unanswered questions that surrounded his death for years, connecting it to the Murdaugh orbit and the culture of silence that protected the powerful.
As family tensions reach a breaking point, viewers see how Alex and his sons navigate a crumbling legacy while law enforcement and the media close in.
Cast and Production Excellence
The cast delivers powerhouse performances that add emotional depth to the true story:
- Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh – portraying a man torn between image and reality.
- Patricia Arquette as Maggie Murdaugh – the matriarch trying to hold her family together amid chaos.
- Johnny Berchtold as Paul Murdaugh – whose recklessness triggers tragic events.
- Will Harrison as Buster Murdaugh – the son living under suspicion and pressure.
- Brittany Snow as Mandy Matney – the journalist seeking justice through truth.
The series was created by Michael D. Fuller and Erin Lee Carr and produced by UCP Studios and Eat the Cat Productions. Filming took place primarily in Georgia, with meticulous set design recreating the Lowcountry’s haunting beauty and small-town atmosphere.
Why the Series Resonates with U.S. Viewers
Murdaugh: Death in the Family isn’t just another true-crime show—it’s a reflection of how power, privilege, and corruption can fester within small communities.
Here’s why it has struck a chord with American audiences:
- Authenticity: The series stays faithful to real events while maintaining cinematic storytelling.
- Social relevance: It highlights systemic flaws in law enforcement, the justice system, and social hierarchy.
- Emotional impact: It humanizes the victims while showing the personal cost of lies and greed.
- Weekly suspense: The staggered release format keeps discussions alive, making each episode a cultural event.
Audiences aren’t just watching a crime—they’re witnessing how a family’s influence shaped a region and how that empire ultimately imploded under its own corruption.
What’s Next in the Remaining Episodes
With three episodes left, the series is heading toward its most dramatic arc yet.
- Episode 6 (“June 7th”) – Expected to recreate the shocking night of the double murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. This will likely be the emotional and narrative centerpiece of the series.
- Episode 7 (“On the Road You Take to Avoid It”) – Focused on Alex’s descent into desperation, addiction, and the unraveling of his lies.
- Episode 8 (“The Man in the Glass”) – The finale will likely portray Alex’s trial, public reckoning, and the haunting consequences of his actions.
As the story nears its end, viewers can expect a raw, unflinching look at justice—how it’s pursued, how it fails, and how it finally prevails.
Fact vs. Fiction: How Accurate Is It?
While Murdaugh: Death in the Family dramatizes real events, it remains grounded in truth. Key events—like the boating crash, the double murders, and the exposure of Alex’s financial crimes—are depicted accurately, supported by real testimonies and investigations.
To maintain storytelling flow, the show compresses certain timelines and merges supporting characters. However, it never strays from the core message: power unchecked leads to destruction.
The result is a series that’s both compelling television and an honest portrayal of one of America’s most disturbing criminal sagas.
Cultural Impact and Viewer Reactions
Since its debut, the show has dominated online discussion. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, hashtags such as #MurdaughSeries and #DeathInTheFamily trend weekly as fans analyze every twist.
Viewers have praised the show’s balance between factual depth and emotional storytelling. Jason Clarke’s chilling portrayal of Alex Murdaugh has been described as one of the most haunting performances of his career.
The series has also reignited national conversations about justice, ethics, and the media’s role in holding power accountable.
Final Thoughts
Murdaugh: Death in the Family episodes continue to blend hard truths with compelling drama, offering a gripping window into the downfall of a dynasty built on lies. With only a few chapters left, audiences are on edge, waiting to see how this true story concludes.
Which episode has impacted you most so far? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned—the final episodes promise to be unforgettable.
