'Making a M*******' on Netflix: 3 Reasons This Decade-Old Documentary Should Be Your Next Watch

Published 08/07/2026, 3:24 AM EDT

Credit: Netflix

Netflix is home to plenty of true crime documentaries, which have become one of the most popular genres across streaming platforms. From Amanda Knox and American Godfathers: The Five Families to Amy Bradley Is Missing, the list of crime documentaries is long. But one of the earliest and most influential titles to arrive on Netflix was Making a M*******, which is about a Wisconsin man, Steven Avery.

The documentary's shocking events sparked massive debate and discussion when it arrived on Netflix, and it continues to be talked about even today. If that is not convincing enough, here are three more reasons why Making a M******* is a must-watch in 2026.

3 reasons to watch Making a M*******

One of the biggest reasons to watch Making a Murderer is that the true crime documentary is packed with unexpected twists and turns. Just as one believes that they have figured out the case, the series brings out a new revelation that completely changes things upside down. This unpredictability makes the documentary incredibly addictive, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. 

The case itself is highly complex, and the shocking developments only make it more intriguing. Another reason true crime fans will find the documentary compelling is the depth of information it presents. The first season, which follows Wisconsin man Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey, is told over 10 episodes, with each installment packed with crucial details. 

Credit: Netflix

The series features interviews with Avery's family, court transcripts, trial footage, and even recordings of Steven and Dassey's prison phone calls. Directors Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi dedicated nearly a decade to making the documentary and even relocated to Wisconsin during production. Their commitment is evident in the level of detail and thorough reporting throughout the series.

The third reason to watch Making a M******* is the performance of defense lawyers Jerry Buting and Dean Strang. While the case is filled with bizarre events, both attorneys show remarkable dedication as they work tirelessly to defend Steven Avery. Their work is one of the fascinating aspects of the documentary.

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The first season premiered on Netflix in 2015 and quickly became a hit. But what kept viewers coming back was the fact that the story was far from over.

Is there a second season to Making a M*******?

Making a M******* has a second season. After announcing its renewal in 2016, Netflix released Season 2 in 2018. The first season, which won four Primetime Emmy Awards, followed Wisconsin man Steven Avery, who spent 18 years in prison from 1985 to 2003, after being wrongfully convicted of the s***** assault and attempted m***** of Penny Beerntsen.

Credit: Netflix

Later, Avery was convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach in 2005. The second season shifts its focus to the aftermath of those convictions, following Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey's families. So, Making a M******* is certainly a must-watch true crime documentary on Netflix.

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Have you watched Making a M*******? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

1032 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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