Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
Docu about devastating murders has violence, alcohol abuse.
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Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
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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 Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is a true crime docuseries. Following a series of murders that all revolve around the powerful Murdaugh family, the show has violence, most presented through reenactments that show teens on a boat in extreme peril, dead bodies, and guns. There are also descriptions of domestic violence and clips of drunken behavior. Alcohol plays a large role in the story. Language can be strong and includes "f--k," "f--king," "bitch," and "whore."
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What's the Story?
Miley, Morgan, and Mallory and are best friends living their lives in Hampton, South Carolina. Along with their group of male buddies (which includes Paul Murdaugh, son of a powerful local lawyer and pillar of the community) the girls love to have fun. Miley is dating Paul, a Murdaugh son with a wild streak and a grandfather who always gets him out of trouble. She gets to enjoy some benefits of the Murdaugh wealth, from a trip to the Kentucky Derby to prime basketball seats, but their relationship has a dark side. His drinking is out of control, and physical abuse begins. When the crew takes a boat ride after a wild night, Mallory Beach is thrown overboard. Her loss is just the beginning of a nightmarish series of five deaths revolving around the Murdaugh family. Will there be justice or are the Murdaughs above the law?
Is It Any Good?
While it first presents as yet another salacious true crime tale, the depth of the attempted cover-up and troubling details about the family's power make this docuseries a compelling watch. Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is disturbing and sad, and as it unfolds, it presents an unflinching look at a misuse of power and what looks a whole lot like pure evil. Families can also note the large part alcohol plays in this story, and how alcohol use disorder can affect lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of true crime stories. What can we take from them? Can they ever be harmful?
Talk about about the role of alcohol in this story. What are its consequences? Do you think things would have turned out the same without it?
How can true crime documentaries like this one be respectful to the victims?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 17, 2023
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 23, 2023
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