Killer Sally
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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Killer Sally
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Killer Sally is a three-part docuseries about Sally McNeil, a professional bodybuilder who killed her abusive husband in 1995. While there's no overt violence, the night of the murder is discussed at length and a disturbing 911 call can be heard. McNeil is shown posing with a rifle, and talks about the physical abuse from her husband, including choking and punching. Steroid use plays a large role in the McNeils' story and bodybuilding culture as a whole. Nearly nude people are shown in competitions wearing bikinis and thongs, and there is much discussion of "muscle worship," wrestling fetish videos, and sexual abuse. Language includes "s--t."
What's the Story?
On Valentine's Day 1995, Sally McNeil killed her fellow bodybuilder and abusive husband Ray. In KILLER SALLY, she tells her side of the story. Friends and family are interviewed, as well as peer bodybuilders and experts on the subject. Some bodybuilding history is also addressed, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in popularizing the sport during the 1980s and '90s.
Is It Any Good?
This true crime tale is eye-opening and intriguing, but its exploration of the bodybuilding lifestyle is almost more interesting than the murder. As it recounts McNeil's sad story, Killer Sally also exposes the sexual side of bodybuilding culture, including "muscle worship" where women were paid to wrestle or beat up men in private sessions, and the many VHS recordings of these acts. Interestingly, McNeil is frank about exploiting herself for money doing these kinds of videos; to her, it was worth it at the time. She presents as an interesting character who's served her time, though it's up to viewers to decide if she deserved her sentence.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bodybuilding culture. Why do you think it because so popular during the 1980s and 1990s? Do you think it's a healthy thing to do as a hobby?
Do you think it's fair that McNeil served a lengthy prison sentence? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 2, 2022
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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