Plot Synopsis

MAKING A MURDERER is a documentary series that follows Steven Avery, a DNA exoneree, who becomes a suspect in a grisly new crime while exposing police corruption. Inspired by a newspaper article from 2005, directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos have spent the last decade documenting an unprecedented real-life thriller that spans more than 30 years. In Wisconsin, Avery, an outsider from the wrong side of the tracks with a lengthy criminal record as a young adult, was convicted and later exonerated of a brutal assault. His release triggered major criminal justice reform legislation, and he filed a lawsuit that threatened to expose corruption in local law enforcement and award him millions of dollars. But in the midst of his very public civil case, he suddenly found himself the prime suspect in a grisly new crime: the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach. The filmmakers have documented every angle of the story, following the second investigation and ensuing trial of the accused, petitioning the court to avoid having to turn over their footage, gathering archival materials, and interviewing those closest to the case. The series also examines allegations of police and prosecutorial misconduct, evidence tampering and witness coercion. The filmmakers look at what went wrong in the first case and question whether scientific advances and legislative reforms over the past three decades have gotten us any closer to delivering truth and justice in the system. On Friday, December 18, 2015 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Netflix released all 10 episodes of MAKING A MURDERER's first season, which was filmed over 10 years.
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The 10-episode second season of MAKING A MURDERER premiered on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT. The new installments takes fans of the acclaimed documentary series back inside the story of convicted murderer Steven Avery, and his co-defendant, Brendan Dassey, as their respective investigative and legal teams challenge their convictions and the State fights to have the convictions and life sentences upheld. This next chapter provides an in-depth look at the high-stakes post-conviction process, as well as, the emotional toll the process takes on all involved. The episodes offer exclusive access to Avery's new lawyer Kathleen Zellner and Dassey's legal team, led by Laura Nirider and Steve Drizin, as well as intimate access to the families and characters close to the case. "We are extremely grateful for the tremendous response to, and support of, the series. The viewers' interest and attention has ensured that the story is not over, and we are fully committed to continuing to document events as they unfold" said creators, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos.

The new season opens with powerhouse lawyer Kathleen Zellner offering to take Steven's case; meanwhile, Brendan's post-conviction lawyers fight in federal court to try to get him released. As Brendan's lawyers work to prove his conviction was based on a coerced confession, Kathleen tests Steven in new ways and visits the alleged crime scene. Then, Kathleen's forensic experts review the evidence found in Steven's burn pit. A 1996 statute limits Brendan's chances of success in federal court. Cautiously optimistic, Brendan and his family wait to hear important news about his case.