Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Manipulation, control, violence in sensational docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Conversations with a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CONVERSATIONS WITH A KILLER: THE CHARLES MANSON TAPES, the fifth installment of the Conversations with a Killer true crime franchise, examines the life and crimes of the late cult leader, criminal, and musician Charles Manson. During the last nine of years of his life, the notorious leader of the group known as The Family made 137 phone calls from prison to an unnamed retired detective. These recorded conversations form part of a larger examination into how he was able to manipulate and control his followers to eventually commit the notorious 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, and to remain loyal to him after he was arrested and convicted for masterminding them. Interviews with authors, journalists, and witnesses, combined with archive media and dramatic reenactments, explore Manson's life in and out of prison. Meanwhile, former Manson Family members Dianne Lake, Catherine Share, and Stephanie Schram talk about what it was like to be one of his followers and how they continue to grapple with the experience.
Is It Any Good?
The dramatic and sometimes-graphic three-part TV docuseries offers viewers a detailed look into who Charles Manson was and how he successfully lured people into his dark world. From his early life as a juvenile delinquent to his unsuccessful attempt to become a rock and roll star, it highlights key people and life events that contributed to his desire for attention and control, and his ability to manipulate people into doing his bidding. Much of the imagery and information, such as archive footage of the murder scenes and conversations about the events surrounding Manson's trial (and those of his followers), are familiar, but they're rounded out by excerpts from his prison recordings and expert analyses. Meanwhile, conversations with former Manson Family members about the group's behind-the-scenes dynamics help deconstruct some of the popular myths about him that are created, in part, by media. This doesn't make The Charles Manson Tapes any less sensational, but if you enjoy true crime series, there's plenty offered here to keep you both informed and entertained.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historic fascination with Charles Manson. How does media continue to foster this?
Are Manson's recorded conversations central to the stories presented in Conversations with a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes? Or do they simply help make the series more sensational?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 12, 2026
- Cast : Dianne Lake , Catherine Share , Stephanie Schram
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 18, 2026
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