Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is the second season of the American biographical crime drama anthology series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix.
Premiering on September 19, 2024, this season focuses on the notorious 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menéndez, who were killed by their sons, Lyle and Erik Menéndez. The series explores the complex dynamics within the Menéndez family and the events leading up to the brutal crime.
The narrative centers on Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik Menéndez (Cooper Koch), who claimed they committed the murders in self-defense due to years of alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their father. The prosecution, however, argued that the brothers killed their parents to inherit their substantial fortune, estimated at over $14 million. The show delves into their backgrounds, including their privileged upbringing and the psychological trauma they faced, which has sparked ongoing debates about abuse and accountability.
The cast features notable actors such as Javier Bardem as José Menéndez and Chloë Sevigny as Kitty Menéndez. Nathan Lane portrays journalist Dominick Dunne, who played a significant role in shaping public perception of the case. Ari Graynor takes on the role of Leslie Abramson, Erik's defense attorney, who focused on presenting evidence of abuse during the trials.
The series consists of nine episodes that blend dramatization with factual elements, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of the Menéndez brothers' story. It follows their journey from the aftermath of the murders to their eventual conviction in 1996, where they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The show also touches on how their case became a media sensation, influencing public discourse around true crime narratives.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has been anticipated for its exploration of a high-profile case that continues to captivate audiences more than three decades later. This installment follows the success of the first season, which focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, further establishing Monster as a prominent series in true crime storytelling on Netflix.