Netflix has ordered a second season of the documentary series “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.” Season 2 will premiere with all three episodes on September 20.
The series covers the true story of Alex Murdaugh, who was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul in 2021. Season 2 will feature first-hand accounts from those who were there the days leading up to and following the murders, including the family’s former housekeeper Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson, Libby Murdaugh’s caregiver Mushelle “Shelly” Smith, Alex Murdaugh’s cousin Curtis Edward Smith and juror Gwen Generette. Returning voices from Season 1 include Paul’s ex-girlfriend Morgan Doughty, Paul’s friend Anthony Cook and Wall Street Journal reporter Valerie Bauerlein.
Season 1 of “Murdaugh Murders” debuted as Murdaugh’s trial was actively unfolding. It premiered on Feb. 22 and Murdaugh was found guilty of both murders on March 2. The attention on the case propelled the series to solid viewership numbers, debuting in the No. 2 position on the chart and lasting for two weeks despite competing against projects with longer runtimes.
“Murdaugh Murders” Season 1 was directed and executive produced by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, whose credits include “LuLaRich” and “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” on Amazon Prime Video, “Fyre Fraud” on Hulu, “The Pharmacist” on Netflix and “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” on the Paramount Network.
Nason directs and executive produces Season 2 alongside Michael Gasparro.
When asked by PvNew in February whether there was potential for a second season, Furst said, “We knew this could go nine hours, 12 hours or four seasons. It is a remarkable opportunity now that the trial is unfolding, because we already have the backstory on all this stuff. If the viewers and Netflix want another season, we have the goods to deliver. Remember, this trial is going to conclude, and there still won’t be any answers in Stephen Smith’s murder and there still won’t be any justice for Mallory Beach’s family. There is a lot still to uncover here. It’s fascinating and enthralling, and we think it all works together in a truly unique way, so we are super excited about the possibilities here.”
