Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024)

Ryan Murphy's gripping Netflix miniseries revisits the notorious Menéndez brothers case — a true crime saga of privilege, violence, and contested truth.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - Series Information

  • Original Title: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
  • First Air Year: 2024
  • Last Air Year: 2024
  • Created by: Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Crime
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 9
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 19, 2024 (United States - TV-MA), September 19, 2024 (Canada - 18+), September 19, 2024 (United Kingdom - 18), September 19, 2024 (Germany - 18), September 19, 2024 (France - 18), September 19, 2024 (India - A), September 19, 2024 (New Zealand - 18), September 19, 2024 (Australia - R 18+), September 19, 2024 (Brazil - 18), September 19, 2024 (Mexico - C)
  • Networks: Netflix
  • Alternative Titles: Monsters (US), هیولاها (IR), Monstres (FR), 怪物:�;内德斯兴州的故事 (CN)
  • Production Companies: Ryan Murphy Television, Prospect Films
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - Plot

The story of the Menéndez brothers, who were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the chilling story unfold:

Are they monsters?

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Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Ryan Murphy
  • Ian Brennan

Main Cast

  • Javier Bardem
  • Chloë Sevigny
  • Cooper Koch
  • Nicholas Alexander Chavez
  • Dallas Roberts
  • Marlene Forte
  • Ari Graynor
  • Blanca Araceli
  • Leslie Grossman
  • Larry Clarke

Writers

  • Ian Brennan
  • David McMillan
  • Reilly Smith
  • Todd Kubrak
  • Ryan Murphy

Executive Producers

  • David McMillan
  • Ian Brennan
  • Scott Robertson
  • Louise Shore
  • Alexis Martin Woodall

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - FAQs

Is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story based on a true story?

Yes, the series is based on the real-life case of Lyle and Erik Menéndez, who shot and killed their parents José and Kitty Menéndez in Beverly Hills in August 1989. The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Where can you stream Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story?

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is available exclusively on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. It premiered on September 19, 2024. Streaming availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for up-to-date options in your country.

Who plays Lyle and Erik Menendez in the series?

Nicholas Alexander Chavez portrays Lyle Menendez, while Cooper Koch plays Erik Menendez. Both actors deliver acclaimed performances in the Ryan Murphy miniseries, capturing the brothers' complex emotional journeys from the night of the killings through their lengthy and highly publicized trials.

What is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story about?

The series dramatizes the true story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez, who were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills. It examines the brothers' claims of long-term abuse, the sensational trials that captivated America, and the moral questions surrounding guilt, privilege, and victimhood.

How many episodes does the Menendez Story series have?

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story consists of 9 episodes across a single season, structured as a limited miniseries. All episodes were released on Netflix on September 19, 2024, making it available for binge-watching from its premiere date.

Did the real Menendez brothers respond to the Netflix series?

Yes. Erik Menendez publicly criticized the series, stating it portrayed him and his brother inaccurately and sensationally, particularly regarding depictions of their abuse claims. Lyle Menendez also expressed concerns. Their responses reignited public debate about the ethics of dramatizing real criminal cases involving living subjects.

Who created Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story?

The series was created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the same duo behind Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022). It is produced under Ryan Murphy Television and Prospect Films, and forms the second installment in Murphy's Monsters anthology series on Netflix.

What is the content rating for the Menendez Story series?

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual abuse, and disturbing psychological content. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, particularly for those sensitive to portrayals of family trauma and abuse.

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