Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Yudt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Harrowing docu investigates missing Native American girls.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Murder in Big Horn
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MURDER IN BIG HORN investigates the disappearances of several young women and girls from the Crow and Northern Cheyenne nations in Big Horn County, Montana, and exposes law enforcement's indifference to the cases. Families, friends, activists, and journalists are left to seek answers and justice on their own. The three-part docuseries also explores the broader epidemic of MMIW and its historical origins in colonization: murder, rape, kidnapping, stealing land, and stripping Native American people of their culture.
Is It Any Good?
This harrowing docuseries shares heartbreaking stories and eye-opening historical context about the violence endured by Native American girls and women. Murder in Big Horn explores the mystery of what happened to the area's missing girls, but it isn't a lurid true-crime tale. Instead, the series steps back to expose the social forces responsible for the MMIW epidemic, including law enforcement's apathy. ("I don't believe MMIW is real," says the county's former undersheriff, blaming the community instead.) The filmmakers also recount how the history of colonization ripped families apart, kidnapping children and sending them to abusive boarding schools. It's a compelling portrait of a community — and a broader movement — fighting for justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the community members and activists fighting for justice for the girls. How do they demonstrate compassion, courage, and perseverance?
Why is it important to hold people and institutions accountable? How can documentaries help do this?
Families can talk about the violence discussed in Murder in Big Horn. How did you feel hearing about what happened to the girls? How does this compare to when you watch a violent show or movie that's fictional?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 5, 2023
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Gender equality , Racial justice ) , Family Stories , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2025
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