Netflix Series Explores Lyle and Erik Menendez Case

Ryan Murphy's 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story', which premiered on Netflix on September 19, 2024, dramatizes the infamous case of the Menéndez brothers who murdered their parents in 1989. The series has attracted significant viewership and discussion, reintroducing the case to a new generation while receiving praise for its cast, including Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny. The brothers claimed they killed their parents in self-defense due to years of alleged abuse, but their trial was marred by sensationalism, resulting in a mistrial and a second trial where key details were omitted. Critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the show's portrayal of the murders, particularly how the final moments of their parents were depicted. Additionally, the series sparked renewed interest in the 1982 murder of actress Dominique Dunne, drawing attention to the interconnectedness of these true crime stories. As part of its promotion, Netflix plans to release a documentary featuring the Menéndez brothers sharing their perspective from prison.