The Hulu series Murdaugh: Death in the Family concluded its eight-episode run on November 19, 2025, wrapping up its dramatization of the events leading to Alex Murdaugh’s conviction. The show was announced and produced as a limited series, a classification that typically indicates a single-season, self-contained story. As of now, Hulu has not announced any plans for a second season.
The Limited Series Format
Murdaugh: Death in the Family was developed and marketed as a limited series from the start. This label is used by networks and awards bodies for a show intended to tell a complete story within one season. The series was designed to cover the specific saga of the Murdaugh family, focusing on the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh and the subsequent downfall of Alex Murdaugh. The creators structured the narrative to have a clear beginning, middle, and end within its eight episodes, concluding with Alex Murdaugh’s trial and conviction.
How Streaming Services Decide on Renewals
The decision to renew a show, even one labeled a limited series, depends on a variety of factors analyzed by the streaming platform. Here are the key elements Hulu likely considers:
- Viewership Numbers: Platforms look at total hours streamed, the number of unique viewers, and how many subscribers completed the series.
- Chart Performance: A show’s placement on the platform’s internal top 10 lists is a strong indicator of success. Murdaugh: Death in the Family ranked No. 1 on both Disney+ and Hulu’s daily top lists shortly after its premiere and remained in the top streaming programs through October and November 2025.
- Critical and Audience Reception: The series holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 23 critic reviews, indicating a generally positive reception.
- Business Factors: The cost of production, potential for bringing in new subscribers, and the availability of the creative team are all weighed.
- Creative and Legal Considerations: The original story has largely been told, and dramatizing recent, real-life events involves navigating legal and ethical considerations.
Strong Performance of the First Season
Despite being a limited series, Murdaugh: Death in the Family demonstrated strong performance metrics that often lead to discussions about renewal. Following its October 15 premiere, the show quickly became a popular title on Hulu. It shot to the number one spot on the platform’s charts and was reported as the fifth most-streamed program in the U.S. during parts of October. This high level of viewer interest and engagement is a positive sign, though it does not guarantee a second season.
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The Possibility of a Second Season
While the show’s initial classification as a limited series makes a quick renewal less likely, it is not without precedent for successful limited series to return. Some shows, like Big Little Lies, were initially planned as one season but were renewed due to strong audience demand and compelling new story material. For Murdaugh: Death in the Family, a second season would require a new story angle, such as covering the subsequent court cases, ongoing investigations, or other twists in the broader Murdaugh saga. The creators and rights holders would also need to be on board for a continuation. As of the finale on November 19, 2025, there is no official word from Hulu regarding a second season. The series remains a self-contained story, and any future development would be a new decision by the platform.
The series ended the story with Alex Murdaugh’s trial and conviction for the murders of Paul and Maggie.
Jason Clarke, who played Alex Murdaugh, and Patricia Arquette, who played Maggie Murdaugh, also served as executive producers on the project. The cast also included Johnny Berchtold as Paul Murdaugh and Brittany Snow as journalist Mandy Matney, whose podcast formed the basis of the series.
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Credits: Wikipedia, TV Insider
