Hulu’s Murdaugh: Death in the Family, released on October 15, 2025, is a gripping true crime drama that delves into the tragic events surrounding the Murdaugh family. The series dramatizes the real-life murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, members of a once-prominent South Carolina legal dynasty, and the subsequent unraveling of their family’s dark secrets.
What the Series Covers
The series begins with the 2019 boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh, which resulted in the death of Mallory Beach. It then explores the events leading up to the 2021 murders of Maggie and Paul, focusing on the family’s attempts to shield Paul from legal consequences and the subsequent investigation that implicated Alex Murdaugh. The show also touches upon Alex’s financial crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental instability, suggesting these factors as potential motives for the murders.
Age Rating and Content Overview
Murdaugh: Death in the Family carries a TV-MA (Mature Audience) rating, indicating that the content is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and is not suitable for children under 17. This rating is due to the series’ inclusion of graphic content, including:
- Violence & Gore: The series includes depictions and detailed descriptions of violent events, including murders and subsequent investigations.
- Profanity: Strong language is used throughout the series, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes and the emotional responses of those involved.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: There are instances of substance use depicted in the series, highlighting the personal struggles of some individuals involved in the case.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: The series contains disturbing images and scenarios that may be unsettling to viewers, particularly those sensitive to real-life tragedies.
Suitable Age Group
Given the mature themes and graphic content, the series is best suited for viewers aged 17 and above. It is particularly recommended for adults interested in true crime stories, legal dramas, and explorations of systemic corruption. Younger viewers, especially those under 17, may find the content distressing and are advised to avoid watching without parental guidance.
Why the TV-MA Rating Is Appropriate
The TV-MA rating is appropriate for Murdaugh: Death in the Family due to several factors:
- Graphic Content: The series includes real-life footage of crime scenes and autopsies, which can be disturbing to some viewers.
- Emotional Intensity: The personal stories shared by family members and friends of the victims are emotionally charged and may be upsetting.
- Legal and Ethical Discussions: The series delves into complex legal and ethical issues, which may be challenging for younger audiences to fully comprehend.
Murdaugh: Death in the Family is a compelling and thought-provoking docuseries that offers an in-depth look at a family’s tragic downfall and the systemic issues that enabled their actions. Its mature content and graphic depictions make it suitable only for adult audiences. For those interested in true crime stories and the exploration of power and corruption, this series provides a detailed and insightful narrative.