Parents' Guide to

Making a Murderer

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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Compelling crime doc has violent themes, strong language.

Parents Need to Know

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age 17+

Based on 3 parent reviews

SnowVak44
SnowVak44 Adult
October 28, 2018
age 16+

Fascinating Documentary a MUST Watch!

This is better than the OJ trial. Guilty or innocent? Makes for great conversation and research. Join the conversation and get involved more with your local justice officials. I want to go to Law school after watching.
Rebecca S
Rebecca S Adult
June 2, 2016
age 18+

Making a Murderer Review

This documentary takes a very deep, and sometimes dark, look at a case we may never have all of the answers to. It is very well made and produced, and works to be very truthful and balanced when it comes to telling the story of Steven Avery. It’s very obvious that the creators wanted to present all of the facts- good and bad- to allow the viewers to decide what to think without being swayed one way or the other. There are moments of foul language and recounting stories of immorality, but it’s never used as a ploy to get ratings or a reaction. It’s simply a part of this true story. This being said, the creators also do an excellent job at remembering that this is a true story, by showing respect and dignity to the deceased victim and her family, as well as to the man who may or may not be guilty of murdering her. While the documentary can be very dark at times, it leaves you with a sense of hope that the truth will be brought to light and justice will prevail.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MAKING A MURDERER is a documentary series that chronicles a Wisconsin man's fight for justice after being wrongfully convicted of rape and other crimes. The long-form documentary, which is divided into 10 episodes, chronicles the journey of Wisconsin native Steven Avery, who served 18 years for the attack on Penny Ann Beernsten before being exonerated by DNA evidence thanks to a Wisconsin Innocence Project investigation. But two years after his release, he was charged, and ultimately convicted, of murdering Teresa Haibach. With the help of audio and video recordings, archived news footage, and interviews with Avery, his family, alleged victims, attorneys, and others involved with the case, the process by which he was arrested, convicted, released, and convicted again is explored. The questions surrounding the legitimacy of all these events are also discussed.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This compelling documentary offers close-up and extremely detailed stories that underscore the flaws of the criminal justice system that affected Stephen Avery. Though the question of his guilt or innocence is a theme, conspiracy theories that surround his crimes and trial cloud the minds of those involved and those of viewers. The roles that social class and economic factors played in his ability to mount a sufficient defense are also highlighted.

It's a complicated narrative, and thanks to the massive amount of recorded footage, records, and interviews introduced throughout, there are moments when it feels heavy and repetitive. The descriptions of violent crimes, evidence of hateful backlash, and the disintegration of the Avery family over a 30-year period is also difficult to navigate. Despite all this, it's very well done and well worth tuning into if it you can handle the subject matter.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the criminal justice system. How are mistakes made, even when everyone is doing his or her job? What is the impact, both on people wrongly convicted and on the system itself and people's faith it?

  • Documentaries are designed to present factual stories and details from a specific point of view. But is it possible to offer too much information? Is it necessary to include so many violent details to tell this story? Why, or why not?

TV Details

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