It's no secret that Netflix has changed the world of TV production. The streaming service began original content with shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, and soon began dipping its toes into other TV genres. This includes unscripted series, with perhaps the most successful being the true crime docuseries Making A Murderer. The award winning series followed the arrest of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey for the murder of Teresa Halbach in 2005. Now it seems the piece will finally be given a follow up, but not the way we had expected. Because an an entirely new series is being produced separate from Netflix's series, somewhat hilariously titled Convicting a Murderer.
This new project will be directed by Shawn Rech, who specifically specializes on the genre. Rech is known largely for his work on the documentary A Murder in the Park. The new series will attempt to further expand the story originally told in Netflix's Making a Murderer. Deadline revealed that it will be financed independently, and therefore likely won't be actually affiliated with the original series at all.
Regarding why Steven Avery's arrest and conviction needs further explanation, Shawn Rech explains that one perspective is missing from Making a Murderer: law enforcement.
When Making A Murderer was produced, many on the law enforcement side of the story could not, or would not, participate in the series, which resulted in a one-sided analysis of the case. This docuseries will examine the case and the allegations of police wrongdoing from a broader perspective. It will also share with viewers the traumatic effects of being found guilty and vilified in the court of public opinion.
It looks like Convicting a Murderer will take what's so fascinating about Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey's convictions, and simply expand the scope at which the public is viewing the story. From including the perspective of law enforcement to examining the psychological affects of Avery's time in captivity, the new series is hoping to bring something different than its predecessor.
One has to wonder what Netflix and Making a Murderer's directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos think about this new show. They had reportedly been planning a second season for the series, and have no doubt been watching and working as the events of the past year or so panned out. So another filmmaker to coming in and focusing on their subject might not be exactly welcomed. After all, the show's first season was an Emmy winning success for the streaming service, leading to a bevy of other true crime docuseries.
CinemaBlend will be sure to update you on Convicting a Murderer, and if Netflix responds to the new series. The first season of Making a Murderer is currently available on Netflix. In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch, and our cancellation list to see if your favorite show got the chop last year.
