The gripping new true-crime drama “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” has captivated U.S. audiences since its debut, offering an intense look into the real-life tragedies surrounding South Carolina’s infamous Murdaugh dynasty. The series, which premiered in October 2025, continues to release new episodes weekly — each one diving deeper into the secrets, power, and downfall of a once-unshakable family legacy.
Latest Update on Murdaugh: Death in the Family Episodes
As of October 30, 2025, Episode 5 of Murdaugh: Death in the Family has been released. Titled “The Prince,” this latest installment delves into the mysterious death of Stephen Smith — a case that has long been linked to the powerful Murdaugh family. The series continues to stream exclusively on Hulu in the United States, with Disney+ airing it in select international markets.
The show premiered on October 15, 2025, with the first three episodes released together. Since then, new episodes have dropped every Wednesday at 3:00 a.m. ET (midnight PT). The season will include eight episodes in total, with the finale expected on November 19, 2025.
Episode 5 Recap: “The Prince”
In Episode 5, titled “The Prince,” the focus shifts to Stephen Smith, a young man whose 2015 death reopened public scrutiny into the Murdaugh family. The episode dramatizes Stephen’s final days as he prepares to meet someone he refers to only as “The Prince.” When tragedy strikes, his death sets off a chain reaction that exposes deep cracks in the Murdaughs’ control over their community.
This episode also portrays the family’s public appearance at the Hampton Watermelon Festival, where tensions between family members surface under the weight of rumors and accusations.
Key moments include:
- Buster Murdaugh facing whisper campaigns tying him to Stephen’s death.
- Alex Murdaugh confronting mounting legal and financial pressure.
- Maggie Murdaugh attempting to maintain family unity as media attention intensifies.
- Randolph Murdaugh challenging his son’s reckless behavior as the family’s influence begins to unravel.
The episode ends on a tense note, setting up the emotional and legal turmoil expected to dominate the next chapter of the series.
Episode Release Schedule
Here’s the full episode guide for Murdaugh: Death in the Family:
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Tradition | October 15, 2025 |
| 2 | One Is Missing | October 15, 2025 |
| 3 | Kokomo | October 15, 2025 |
| 4 | Controlled Burn | October 22, 2025 |
| 5 | The Prince | October 29, 2025 |
| 6 | TBA | November 5, 2025 |
| 7 | TBA | November 12, 2025 |
| 8 | Season Finale | November 19, 2025 |
With just three episodes left, viewers can expect the final arc to explore the double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in 2021, the financial crimes that followed, and Alex Murdaugh’s eventual downfall in the courtroom.
Cast and Production Details
The series features a powerful cast led by Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh and Patricia Arquette as Maggie Murdaugh. Other notable cast members include Will Harrison as Buster Murdaugh and Gerald McRaney as Randolph Murdaugh Sr.
The show is inspired by real events and dramatizes the Murdaugh family’s rise and fall through decades of privilege, corruption, and tragedy. Production began in early 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, and wrapped in late summer.
Why the Series Resonates with Viewers
The Murdaugh family story has captured America’s attention for years because it represents more than a single family’s downfall — it exposes the dangers of unchecked power in small-town America. The series strikes a balance between dramatization and accuracy, showing how influence, money, and secrecy can distort justice.
Key themes driving the show’s popularity include:
- Power and privilege: The family’s long-standing legal dynasty in South Carolina.
- Corruption and cover-ups: How deep-rooted influence kept secrets buried for years.
- Justice and accountability: The ongoing question of whether those in power can ever face true consequences.
Each episode reveals new dimensions of the family’s public image versus their private reality, drawing viewers deeper into a world of deceit, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
What’s Next for Murdaugh: Death in the Family
Episodes 6 through 8 are expected to cover:
- The 2019 boating accident involving Paul Murdaugh, which claimed the life of Mallory Beach.
- The June 2021 murders of Maggie and Paul, which shocked South Carolina.
- Alex Murdaugh’s descent into criminal charges, including fraud, embezzlement, and multiple murder counts.
As the series approaches its finale, viewers can expect a dramatic recreation of courtroom moments, confessions, and the unraveling of one of the most powerful families in South Carolina history.
Viewer Reception and Cultural Impact
Since its release, Murdaugh: Death in the Family has been one of Hulu’s most-watched true-crime dramas. Critics have praised its strong performances, realistic depiction of rural South Carolina, and its respectful yet gripping treatment of true events.
Social media has played a huge role in amplifying the show’s reach. Viewers have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to discuss theories, emotional reactions, and key scenes. The show’s combination of real-life accuracy and cinematic storytelling continues to spark conversations about justice, privilege, and the human cost of corruption.
Behind the Scenes
- Creators: Michael D. Fuller and Erin Lee Carr.
- Based On: “Murdaugh Murders Podcast” by investigative journalist Mandy Matney.
- Production Studio: ABC Signature.
- Filming Location: Atlanta, Georgia.
The creators have stated that while the series closely follows real events, it also seeks to explore emotional truths behind the headlines — particularly how grief and guilt shaped each family member’s choices.
Conclusion
Murdaugh: Death in the Family continues to dominate true-crime discussions in the U.S., offering both compelling storytelling and a haunting look into real-life tragedy. With three episodes remaining, anticipation is at an all-time high as audiences await the full story’s conclusion.
If you’ve been following the Murdaugh saga, share your thoughts below — which episode left the strongest impression on you so far?
