Introduction
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Brothers Release Date announced. In late 2022, we got word that following DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, we’d be getting two additional seasons of what would now become an anthology series from Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Season 2 will be MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, scheduled to hit Netflix on September 19th, 2024. DAHMER remains one of Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, currently ranking third only behind Stranger Things and Wednesday in the English-language list.
The series was released on Netflix globally on September 21st, 2022. Netflix announced the title for season 2 in May 2023. The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. In addition to the new drama series, Netflix announced they have “exclusive access to Lyle and Erik Menendez for a forthcoming documentary feature.” Let’s kick off our preview with the brand new teaser trailer:
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When will MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story be released on Netflix?
In late 2022, we got word that following DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, we’d be getting two additional seasons of what would now become an anthology series from Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Season 2 will be MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, scheduled to hit Netflix on September 19th, 2024. DAHMER remains one of Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, currently ranking third only behind Stranger Things and Wednesday in the English-language list.
The series was released on Netflix globally on September 21st, 2022. Netflix announced the title for season 2 in May 2023. The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. In addition to the new drama series, Netflix announced they have “exclusive access to Lyle and Erik Menendez for a forthcoming documentary feature.”
After Evan Peters’ gripping portrayal of Jeffrey Dahmer in 2022, which ignited widespread discussions and captivated audiences globally, Ryan Murphy’s **“Monster”** anthology series is back for a second season, this time shifting focus to the Menendez brothers. Titled **“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,”** the upcoming season departs from the narrative of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and instead delves into another notorious chapter of American crime history.
Season 1’s Success and Controversy
Season 1 of “Monster” chronicled the disturbing life and crimes of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, exploring not just his horrific acts, but also Murphy’s interpretation of what drove the man behind the monster. Through his signature cinematic style, Ryan Murphy crafted a narrative that dug into Dahmer’s psychology, adding layers to an already infamous figure. The series quickly became one of Netflix’s most talked-about shows, igniting public fascination with true crime and unsettling real-life events. However, its depiction of Dahmer’s crimes, particularly its treatment of the victims and their families, sparked heated debates and widespread controversy. Critics argued that the series risked sensationalizing Dahmer’s heinous acts while reopening old wounds for the victims’ loved ones. Despite this, “Monster” was an undeniable hit, with the show’s blend of true crime, horror, and psychological drama attracting a massive global audience.
In response to the success, Netflix announced a double renewal for the “Monster” series, confirming that seasons 2 and 3 would follow. This paved the way for a new anthology format, with each season focusing on a different true crime story.
The Menendez Brothers: A New True Crime Focus
Season 2, titled **”Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,”** will pivot away from serial killers to a case that captivated America in the 1990s: the Menendez brothers’ murder of their parents. Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of the brutal 1989 murders of their wealthy parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. The brothers claimed they were driven to kill due to years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father, a defense that split public opinion and led to two highly publicized trials. The case remains one of the most infamous and debated in American legal history, with its mix of wealth, family dysfunction, and alleged abuse striking a chord with millions.
Ryan Murphy’s decision to tackle the Menendez case in season 2 of “Monster” signals his continued interest in exploring complex, high-profile crimes that challenge societal perceptions of guilt, victimhood, and justice. Unlike Dahmer’s case, which was universally condemned, the Menendez brothers’ story has remained divisive, with some seeing them as victims of abuse while others view them as cold-blooded killers. Murphy’s nuanced storytelling offers the potential to explore both sides of this complicated narrative in a way that sheds new light on the motivations behind the infamous crime.
Moving Beyond Controversy
While “Monster” season 1 was a success, its treatment of the Dahmer case generated significant backlash. With season 2, Murphy has the opportunity to shift the focus toward a more multifaceted and emotionally complex case. The Menendez brothers’ story, while equally tragic, may avoid some of the issues that plagued the first season. The brothers’ defense of alleged abuse adds layers of psychological and emotional complexity to the narrative, giving Murphy the opportunity to explore the deeper, human elements of the crime without sensationalizing the tragedy.
True Crime and Cultural Fascination
The continuing popularity of true crime content, from documentaries to dramatizations, speaks to society’s enduring fascination with the darker aspects of human behavior. Shows like “Monster” offer viewers a window into the minds of criminals, exploring the motivations and circumstances that lead to acts of violence. Murphy’s work in this genre, through both “Monster” and other true crime projects, taps into this cultural zeitgeist, offering audiences a mixture of entertainment, psychological insight, and moral questioning.
With “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” Ryan Murphy seems poised to continue his exploration of America’s most sensational crimes, but with a fresh perspective that could bring more nuance and complexity than season 1. As the series turns its attention to the Menendez brothers, viewers can expect another deep dive into the psychology of crime, wealth, family dynamics, and the shifting lines between victim and perpetrator.
The second season of “Monster” has the potential to capture a global audience once again, this time by delving into the moral ambiguities of the Menendez brothers’ infamous crime, hopefully offering a new, less controversial approach to true crime storytelling.
Who are Lyle and Erik Menendez?
The series will focus on the two brothers who infamously murdered their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers, aged 21 and 18 at the time, claimed they acted in self-defense due to years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. However, the prosecution argued that the killings were motivated by greed and a desire to inherit their parents’ fortune.
Much of the story will undoubtedly take place in the courtroom, which was highly publicized and lasted for months, capturing the nation’s attention with the pair eventually going on to be charged. Jailed at separate prisons initially, the eldest brother, Lyle, was housed at Mule Creek State Prison from 1996 through 2018, while Erik served his time at the Pleasant Valley Prison. The pair reunited in 2018 at the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
Who are the cast members of MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story?
On May 18th, 2023, The Telsey Office (the casting company working on Monster season 2) issued an open casting call for the two brothers. The call describes the two characters and provides some insights into what we can expect from their traits in the forthcoming season:
- [ERIK MENENDEZ] – Character is male, 18-22, blue-eyed and brown-haired with a lanky, athletic build. Comes from extreme privilege. Gentler and more sensitive than Lyle, but also can go from charismatic and humorous to sullen and damaged to hysterical crying.
- [LYLE MENENDEZ] – Character is male, 18-22, brown hair and eyes, a little more muscular/bulky than his younger brother. Comes from extreme privilege. Can go from charismatic and humorous to mercurial and commanding to sullen and damaged to hysterical crying.
Deadline confirmed the casting of the show’s leads a month later, in June 2023, with Cooper Koch set to play Erik Menendez and Nicholas Alexander Chavez playing Lyle Menendez.
When and where did Monsters Season 2 film?
Because of the two respective Hollywood strikes, the original proposed September 2023 filming start date was ultimately scrapped. Instead, Netflix began production on the show from December 12th, 2023, running through to February 16th, 2024. Filming took place throughout Los Angeles.
MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode Count, Episode Titles, Writers and Directors
Let’s begin with the episode count; there will be 9 episodes in the upcoming series. Here’s who is writing and directing each of the episodes:
- Episode 1 – Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan
- Episode 2 – Ian Brennan & David McMillan
- Episode 3 – Ian Brennan & David McMillan
- Episode 4 – Ian Brennan & David McMillan
- Episode 5 – Ian Brennan
- Episode 6 – Ryan Murphy & Ian Brennan
- Episode 7 – David McMillan, Reilly Smith & Todd Kubrak
- Episode 8 – Ian Brennan
- Episode 9 – David McMillan, Reilly Smith, Todd Kubrak & Ian Brennan
Episode Titles: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story:
- Blame it on the Rain
- Brother, Can You Spare a Dime
- Hang Man
- Kill or be Killed
- Seismic Shifts
- Showtime
- Spree
- The Dream is Over
- The Hurt Man
We can confirm three directors currently attached to the series as of August 2024:
- Carl Franklin – On board to direct the first two episodes.
- Paris Barclay – Directing at least episode 3.
- Michael Uppendahl – Directed episodes of The Walking Dead and Mad Men.
- Max Winkler – Directed Jungleland and Flower.
- Ian Brennan – Co-showrunner sitting in the director’s chair this season.
Who will Season 3 of Netflix’s Monsters cover?
Officially renewed for the third season of Monsters, Netflix has yet to divulge where we’re heading next, but recent production listings suggest season 3 will cover John Wayne Gacy. Filming begins at the tail end of October 2024, split between Los Angeles and Chicago.
Conclusion
In late 2022, following the success of DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Netflix announced the continuation of the anthology series by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Season 2, titled MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, is set to premiere on September 19th, 2024. This season will delve into the notorious case of the Menendez brothers, who murdered their wealthy parents in 1989.
The series will explore their courtroom drama and the defense of abuse versus the prosecution’s argument of greed. The cast includes notable actors like Cooper Koch as Erik and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle, with supporting roles by Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny. Directed by Carl Franklin, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, Max Winkler, and Ian Brennan, the nine-episode series promises a gripping portrayal of this infamous case. As anticipation builds, the release of Season 2 is set to offer another captivating installment in this true-crime anthology.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story be released on Netflix?
The show is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 19th, 2024.
Who are the main cast members in MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story?
Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez and Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez are the main cast members.
What is the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez about?
The story revolves around the Menendez brothers who were convicted of murdering their wealthy parents in 1989.
Who are the directors of the series?
The series will be directed by Carl Franklin, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, Max Winkler, and Ian Brennan.
How many episodes will the series have?
The series will consist of nine episodes.
What are the episode titles for MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story?
The episode titles include Blame it on the Rain, Brother, Can You Spare a Dime, Hang Man, Kill or be Killed, Seismic Shifts, Showtime, Spree, The Dream is Over, and The Hurt Man.
Who will be featured in Season 3 of Netflix’s Monsters?
Season 3 is expected to cover the story of John Wayne Gacy.
Why was the filming start date of Season 2 delayed?
The filming start date was delayed due to two respective Hollywood strikes.
What role does Chloë Sevigny play in the series?
Chloë Sevigny plays Kitty Menendez, the mother of Lyle and Erik Menendez.
Will there be a documentary feature along with the series?
Yes, Netflix announced they have exclusive access to Lyle and Erik Menendez for a forthcoming documentary feature.
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