Plot Synopsis

Directed by Billie Mintz, MAKING MANSON is a three-part documentary that revisits the story of America's most notorious killer, Charles Manson. Through 20 years' worth of never-before-aired conversations, those closest to the case have their views challenged as Manson talks openly about his part in the infamous crimes, as well as his upbringing, criminal youth and his true feelings about "The Family." Manson reveals the cruelty he suffered in reform school and the childhood experiences that made him who he was. Former "Family" members listen to the exclusive conversations and are taken back to the time when they "would do anything for Charlie." Manson recounts the early crimes that led to the murder spree in the summer of '69, laying out an explanation of loyalty and brotherhood that pushes against the accepted motive: his desire to incite Helter Skelter. In the final moments before his death, Manson reflects on his life in prison and shows rare tenderness for the man who spoke to him across the decades. All three episodes of MAKING MANSON premiered on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 on Peacock.
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MAKING MANSON made its linear television debut on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 8-12:30pm ET/PT on Oxygen, which aired all three episodes consecutively:

"Young Manson" (8pm): Twenty years of unheard conversations reveal shocking details about Charles Manson's early years and the origins of "The Family"; Manson speaks openly about the music industry and the rejection that drove his return to criminal behavior.

"The Summer of '69" (9:30pm): Exclusive conversations reveal new details about what led to the notorious crimes of 1969 as Manson gives his version of the motive; he describes the loyalty and brotherhood that led to his life imprisonment for murder.

"The Manson Mask" (11pm): The exclusive conversations continue as Manson maintains his innocence in the murders and talks openly about the trial that changed the '60s; as he gets closer to death, he reveals more about his criminal past and reflects on a life spent in prison.