If you’re a fan of gripping Southern Gothic true crime, your weekend plans are likely set with the back-to-back episodes of Lifetime’s four-hour, two-night movie event, “Murdaugh Murders: The Movie.”

Tune in to Lifetime at 8 p.m. EST on both Saturday and Sunday for this chilling saga, and catch the episodes on streaming the next day.

For those who might have missed the buzz since 2019, or if your TV diet is strictly Jersey Shore and Kardashians, let me fill you in on the real story behind this major movie event. (Cue the dramatic music!)

“Murdaugh Murders: The Movie” dives into the twisted true story of Alex Murdaugh, portrayed by the talented Bill Pullman. The narrative unfolds with Alex being found guilty in the double homicide of his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as Alex is also grappling with over 100 other criminal charges and is determined to appeal his case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Don’t miss the show, and join me in real-time updates on this live blog by Gannett journalist, author, historian, and Hampton County native Michael M. DeWitt Jr. The Lifetime Murdaugh movie will wrap up with Judge Newman’s haunting words.

Picture Alex Murdaugh trying to find sleep in his holding cell while the “ghosts” of Maggie and Paul visit and torment him. Meanwhile, the Colleton County jury deliberates his fate. It’s a chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Lifetime Murdaugh movie wraps up with the haunting words from Judge Newman.

As Alex Murdaugh attempts to find some semblance of rest in his holding cell, the apparitions of Maggie and Paul manifest, haunting and tormenting him. Meanwhile, the Colleton County jury wrestles with the weight of deciding his fate.

If you’ve been anywhere but under a rock, you probably know how this tale concludes: Alex, once hailed as a “loving husband and father,” is found guilty of shedding his family’s blood and is handed down two life sentences. The next glimpse of his hometown, Hampton County, might be when the Department of Corrections transports his body for burial in Hampton Cemetery alongside other Murdaugh family members. The question remains – will they embrace him as one of their own?

As the clerk utters the word “guilty,” we finally catch a glimpse of Alex Murdaugh on that fateful night, adorned in a blue raincoat, clutching a weapon. Did Maggie and Paul witness this chilling scene?

In the closing moments before the credits roll, Judge Newman delivers the chilling line, “May God have mercy on your soul.” What are your thoughts on this intense reenactment? Share your comments on our social media pages.

Alex Murdaugh takes the stand in Lifetime movie

As anticipated, the testimony of witnesses confirming that the voice on Paul’s cell phone video belonged to Alex Murdaugh stood out as the most compelling evidence. Despite objections from his lawyer, Alex decides to take the stand in his own defense, leading to a dramatic scene featuring actor Bill Pullman shedding tears and using endearing nicknames like “Mags” and “Paw Paw.”

In a moment of intense emotion, a visibly upset Alex declares, “I would never hurt Mags, and I would never hurt Paw Paw.” Bill Pullman’s portrayal is convincing, although it doesn’t quite reach the level of real-life snot-dripping theatrics seen during the actual trial.

The tension escalates in the Lifetime movie as the trial of Alex Murdaugh unfolds. True to real-life events, the portrayal seems remarkably accurate. The actor even echoes Murdaugh’s attorney, Dick Harpootlian, with the memorable phrase, “a square peg in a round hole.”

The courtroom drama delves into video evidence, blood spatters, the enigmatic blue jacket, and more. However, mirroring the actual true crime saga, a consistent theme emerges – Alex Murdaugh’s narratives just don’t align.

Prosecutors relentlessly highlight the inconsistencies in Alex’s stories, emphasizing his “odd” behavior and the swift introduction of alternative motives and suspects, including the intricate tale of the boat crash.

The plot takes a compelling turn as Shelley Smith takes the stand, revealing a shaky alibi. And then, there’s the revelation of the blue raincoat coated in gunshot residue, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding trial.

The legal journey kicks off as Judge Newman officially charges Alex Murdaugh, signaling the beginning of the trial.

The drama unfolds as Judge Newman indicts Alex Murdaugh, marking the commencement of the trial. While the actor portraying Judge Clifton Newman delivers a commendable performance, the absence of Newman’s Southern drawl, especially the iconic “brang the jury,” is noted.

As the trial kicks off, Alex engages in strategic meetings with his lawyer, weaving a complex web of lies. He reflects, “Speaking to a jury is like a work of art for a good lawyer. I just need one juror who has a shred of doubt. Because that’s the game here, sir.”

Amidst the unfolding legal drama, a peculiar video surfaces, featuring Bubba with a chicken in his mouth – a bizarre detail that raises eyebrows. Alex, ever confident and sinister, declares, “I’ll think of something.”

The trial begins with prosecutors delivering a powerful opening statement, vividly describing the gruesome killings and portraying Alex Murdaugh as the “perfect storm” that surrounded, and was, Alex Murdaugh.

Critics start voicing their discontent early in Sunday’s episode.

The opener faced criticism from both locals and true crime enthusiasts, and it seems that sentiment is carrying over into tonight’s episode. Monica Grainger Robison, who administers The Murdaugh Murders Facebook group, remarked, “Part two isn’t any better than part one.”

Nevertheless, the storyline progresses, depicting Alex’s arrest initially for the roadside shooting fraud and later for the Gloria Satterfield scheme.

The Sunday premiere of the Lifetime movie delves into Alex Murdaugh’s web of lies.

After the harrowing Saturday night that ended with the tragic shootings of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, the Sunday night episode opens with Alex recounting his version of events – how he wasn’t home but discovered the bodies. However, much of his narrative has been debunked, with inconsistencies and outright lies.

An investigator questions, “Did you touch Maggie at all?” to which Alex responds, “I did.” Yet, despite the blood and water surrounding the victims, Alex’s hands, clothes, and shoes remain oddly clean – too clean to be plausible.

Enter the frightened Murdaugh caregiver, Shelley Smith, manipulated by Alex with words crafted to support his alibi. However, the most impactful scene unfolds as Alex, purportedly the killer according to the South Carolina justice system and a Colleton County jury, grieves and weeps over the lifeless bodies of his wife and baby boy.

Even in an online poll linked to the movie, a staggering 80 percent believe Alex is guilty of familicide. The idea of someone committing such a heinous act and then embracing their other loved ones in shared grief is almost unfathomable.

But in the dark corners of our lives, blood ties echo, and secrets never truly fade. Amidst whispers of skeletons, Alex Murdaugh faces scrutiny as police delve into Stephen Smith’s death.

As investigations tighten their grip, Alex places a phone call, orchestrating the notorious roadside shooting on Old Salk Road. Predictably, the police intervene, revealing yet more lies from Alex. In a press conference, he confesses to drug addiction and “diverting funds,” adding another layer to the unfolding saga.

The Lifetime Murdaugh movie concludes with the devastating tragedy of family murders.

The Lifetime Murdaugh movie concluded with the heartbreaking shooting deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. We faced some technical glitches around two-thirds into Saturday’s episode, but we’ve resolved the issue. We’ll be live-blogging through the entirety of Sunday’s episode, providing a recap, and sharing additional reactions and comments from locals in the S.C. Lowcountry. See you on Sunday night!

Things get more complicated as Alex Murdaugh persists in scheming and stealing.

Alex Murdaugh finds his bank accounts in the red, but he seems unfazed. The windfall from the Gloria Satterfield settlement comes to the rescue, filling the crooked lawyer’s coffers with a hefty $4.3 million.

Yet, as other clients grow suspicious, questioning the whereabouts of their money, it’s not just disgruntled clients that should be on Alex’s radar. Paul, armed with his brother’s ID and his father’s boat, is on the verge of embarking on a tragic boat ride.

The scene shifts to the night, with echoes of “Mallory” piercing the air as police interrogate a inebriated Paul Murdaugh. The Murdaugh family quickly rallies to Paul’s side in the hospital, weaving a web of more lies and hatching a new conspiracy.

This unfolding narrative is not only riveting for viewers but also painful for locals, friends, and family members who have a personal connection to the Murdaugh and Beach families. One local expresses the heartbreak felt, stating, “My heart is broken seeing the boating scene. Brings back horrible memories for me.”

The viewer also points out a fact check, noting a discrepancy in the movie’s portrayal – Maggie wasn’t present at the hospital with Paul and Alex, contrary to what the film depicts. “Maggie didn’t even go to the hospital,” emphasizes Robison. “It was Alex and Randolph, and according to Miley and Connor, Paul had already told Handsome that Cotton Top was driving. Also, if I remember correctly, they drew Paul’s blood because they believed he had a head injury, and law enforcement later obtained a warrant for the results. The blood wasn’t drawn because of a warrant.”

The scenes featuring Gloria Satterfield evoke reactions from locals and dedicated Murdaugh followers.

The second part shifts from the steps of Moselle, where Gloria suffered her fall, to the hospital where she lies in a coma, surrounded by her distraught sons. The narrative takes a poignant turn as Gloria passes away, and predictably, Alex engages in a conversation with her son Tony, setting the stage for the insurance scam that will eventually lead to his downfall.

A local shared their sentiments with The Guardian, expressing the emotional toll of witnessing the scene depicting Ms. Gloria in such a vulnerable state. They wrote, “It’s hard to see the scene of Ms. Gloria like this, knowing her family so well and understanding the heartache they went through. Also, realizing they might be watching this on TV—it absolutely breaks my heart. They are forced to relive this tragedy all over again.”

It’s time for the Murdaugh true crime enthusiasts to tune in.

The movie opens with a black-tie affair, then shifts to a breakfast at Moselle, featuring Southern accents. The Murdaugh family shares a wholesome moment, gifting Paul a new truck. A personal interaction between Maggie and employee Gloria Satterfield follows.

As the plot unfolds, a senior law partner questions Alex about a loan, warning him not to embarrass. Buster Murdaugh faces plagiarism allegations, and Paul is arrested for drinking. Critics note discrepancies, like Paul’s arrest and Alex scolding him, contradicting family history. The movie suggests restrictions on Paul’s drinking, inconsistent with reality, per followers like Liz Donahue.

Tension rises as a mysterious man delivers pills to Alex, consistent with drug abuse stories but deviating from reality. Conflict heightens as Paul discovers the pills. The movie foreshadows with a scene of Alex and Paul target practicing with a 300 Blackout, leading to a crucial question: Can I borrow the boat? The secrecy adds suspense.

In family drama, Maggie learns her check bounced, hinting at money problems for Alex. Suddenly, Gloria Satterfield falls, deviating from facts with the entire family present. The impact on the Satterfield and Harriott families is unimaginable.

Local residents and Murdaugh aficionados engage in a live blog for the Murdaugh Murders.

When it comes to watching the Lifetime Murdaugh movie, there are two distinct groups: the true crime fans with limited knowledge about the people and places involved, and the locals who grapple with the real-life impact every day.

Tune in to Lifetime’s Murdaugh Murders: The Movie and join us on this live blog during commercial breaks. Our panel includes Murdaugh crime saga “experts” like Liz Donehue, Monica Grainger Robison, Caroline Stanley, and other South Carolina locals. These individuals, including Murdaugh Facebook Group Administrators and dedicated true crime followers, will share their insights and analysis. It’s a unique perspective from those intimately connected to the story and those experiencing it firsthand.

Let’s paint the backdrop for Lifetime’s Murdaugh Murders movie.

For well over a century in the atmospheric, moss-draped, swampy landscapes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry (a tip of the hat to the screenwriters for that vivid setting), the Murdaughs of Hampton County crafted a dynasty of prosperity and influence, adorned with Southern charm and mystique.

Enter the enigmatic family of Alex Murdaugh, a fourth-generation personal injury lawyer and occasional prosecutor who takes a dark turn, transforming into a pill-dependent trickster eager to exploit his family’s name, connections, and generations of trust.

Alex’s youngest son, known for his tumultuous reputation as a reckless and volatile drinker, becomes embroiled in a scandal when he crashes Murdaugh’s boat, allegedly causing the demise of a beautiful blonde college coed. This Deep South incident evokes memories of the Kennedy car crash for the older viewers among us.

Caught in the harsh glare of a relentless and often frenzied media, along with facing a multimillion-dollar wrongful death lawsuit, Murdaugh takes drastic measures. He resorts to the unthinkable, committing the horrifying act of murdering his wife and his son, who had been involved in a drunk-driving incident. The motive? To conceal a decade-long spree of financial and drug-related crimes.

FAQS

Q1: When can I catch “Murdaugh Murders: The Movie” on Lifetime?

A1: Tune in to Lifetime at 8 p.m. EST on both Saturday and Sunday. If you miss it, episodes are available for streaming the following day.

Q2: What’s the real story behind “Murdaugh Murders: The Movie”?

A2: The movie unfolds the true-life drama of Alex Murdaugh, a fourth-generation personal injury lawyer convicted in the double homicide of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. With over 100 criminal charges, Alex vows to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.

Q3: Who takes on the role of Alex Murdaugh in the movie?

A3: The talented Bill Pullman portrays Alex Murdaugh.

Q4: What goes down in the gripping final scenes?

A4: The movie wraps up with Judge Newman’s chilling words haunting Alex Murdaugh in his holding cell, tormented by the “ghosts” of Maggie and Paul. The Colleton County jury delivers a guilty verdict, sealing Alex’s fate with two life sentences.

Conclusion:

“Embarking on a cinematic journey, ‘Murdaugh Murders: The Movie’ immerses viewers in the unsettling true story of Alex Murdaugh. Bill Pullman’s compelling portrayal guides us through a labyrinth of deceit, a harrowing trial, and a heart-wrenching conclusion. While the movie takes creative liberties, deviating from actual events, it delivers a gripping interpretation that elicits emotional responses from both locals and avid true crime followers. The live blog, featuring insights from Murdaugh crime saga experts and South Carolina locals, adds a personal touch to this chilling narrative. From the evocative setting of South Carolina’s Lowcountry to the tragic family murders, the film keeps audiences riveted, sparking discussions and contemplations on the disturbing reality woven into the Murdaugh saga.”