Set in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Murdaugh: Death in the Family follows Maggie (Patricia Arquette) and Alex Murdaugh (Jason Clarke), members of one of the state’s most powerful legal dynasties. Their life of wealth and privilege begins to unravel when their son Paul (Johnny Berchtold) is involved in a deadly boat crash. As the family grapples with the devastating fallout, long-buried secrets and connections to several mysterious deaths rise to the surface—threatening everything they hold dear.
We spoke to actor Brittany Snow and podcaster Mandy Matney about the responsibility of portraying real people to nailing the show’s non-salacious tone. Snow explains why playing a living journalist demanded direct collaboration, while Matney reflects on years under scrutiny, the pride she’s found in her work, and why, as she says, “yeah, don’t mess with me.” Packed with insights on ethics, voice, and empowerment, this conversation spotlights how the series gives dignity to victims and centres truth over spectacle.
Elsewhere, Johnny Berchtold and Will Harrison, who play brothers Paul and Buster, tell HeyUGuys how they approached portraying real people at the centre of a still-raw case—balancing deep research with bringing themselves to “this version of the story.” They discuss pressure, empathy, and nuance; the brothers’ different ways of carrying a family legacy; and why working with Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette set the tone on a sensitive production.
Showrunners Erin Lee Carr and Michael D. Fuller spoke about crafting the series. Fuller, a South Carolina native, unpacks the region’s dynamics of power and privilege, while Carr explains why “my approach is radical empathy.” They discuss avoiding salaciousness, honouring real people, and guiding the writers’ room through difficult scenes with care. The pair also celebrate the cast and behind-the-camera teams whose meticulous prep made the transformations feel authentic.
