Netflix Announces Second Chapter Of ‘Making A Murderer’ Focused On Post-Conviction Process

Though the Netflix smash Making A Murderer concluded with its subject serving a life sentence for murder, it turns out the series isn’t over just yet. Netflix announced today that the docu-series’ executive producers and directors, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, are currently in production on new episodes of the Emmy-nominated show.

Forthcoming episodes will focus on the cases of Steven Avery and co-defendant Brendan Dassey “as their respective investigative and legal teams challenge their convictions, and the State fights to have the convictions and life sentences upheld,” according to Netflix. The first iteration of Making A Murderer, developed over a decade and launched late last year, comprised a 10-part series telling the story of Avery, who was exonerated after serving 18 years of a 32-year prison sentence for rape and attempted murder — only to be later convicted and sentenced to life without parole for a separate murder. Dassey, Avery’s nephew, was convicted of assisting Avery in the murder.

Netflix says that new installments will offer exclusive access to Avery and Dassey’s legal teams, led by Kathleen Zellner, Laura Nirider, and Steve Drizin, as well as to family members and other characters closely involved with the case. It will “provide an in-depth look at the high-stakes post-conviction process as well as the emotional toll the process takes on all involved,” Netflix says.

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous response to and support of the series,” Ricciardi and Demos said in a statement. “The viewers’ interest and attention has ensured that the story is not over, and we are fully committed to continuing to document events as they unfold.” Added Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s VP of original documentary programming: “Audiences around the globe became completely captivated by the personal stories of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey and the unique lens their experiences provide into the criminal justice system. We’re thrilled to be continuing our longstanding relationship with the filmmakers.”

Last month, Ricciardi and Demos announced their first follow-up project to Making A Murderer — a scripted TV series about pharma corruption, which is being developed alongside Smokehouse Pictures, George Clooney’s production company.