Ryan Murphy, known for his work on hit TV shows like “American Horror Story” and “Glee,” recently opened up about how his perspective on the infamous Menendez brothers shifted during the making of his latest project, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” In a podcast interview on This Is Gavin Newsom, Murphy revealed that his initial “predetermined point of view” on the brothers drastically changed throughout the production of the series and due to feedback from his team and a surprising source – Kim Kardashian.
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The TV mogul shared his transformation, stating, “I do think they should be paroled, and I did not think that when I started.” Murphy recalled being the sole dissenter in the writers’ room, initially opposing the idea of the brothers being released. However, through the process of creating the show and witnessing the public’s reaction, his stance evolved. The series, which is currently available for streaming on Netflix, received an impressive 11 Emmy nominations, further solidifying its impact.
One significant influence on Murphy’s change of heart was his friend, Kim Kardashian. After watching an early screening of the show, Kardashian, who had visited Lyle and Erik Menendez in prison, reached out to Murphy advocating for their parole. She highlighted their youth at the time of the murders and their potential for rehabilitation as key factors in her opinion. Murphy found her insights compelling and was moved by her viewpoint, especially in light of the brothers’ exemplary behavior while incarcerated and their strong family support system.
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for the brutal murders of their parents in 1989. However, in a recent turn of events, a judge resentenced them to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. Their upcoming parole hearings scheduled for August have sparked renewed interest in their case, including Murphy’s acclaimed series shedding new light on the controversial story.
During the podcast interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared his reluctance to watch “Monsters,” fearing that it could unduly influence his decision should the brothers’ parole recommendation cross his desk. Murphy echoed Newsom’s sentiment, acknowledging the weight of the subject matter and the responsibility of staying impartial in such a significant legal matter.
As the 2025 Emmy Awards approach, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” stands out with a total of 11 nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The exceptional performances of the cast, notably Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez and Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as their parents, have been recognized with individual nominations, further highlighting the show’s impact and success.
In the midst of the ongoing debate surrounding the Menendez brothers’ fate, the series has sparked discussions about justice, redemption, and the complexities of the legal system. Murphy’s candid reflections on his evolving perspective serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to challenge preconceptions and provoke meaningful dialogue on matters of societal importance.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” continues to captivate audiences with its compelling portrayal of a controversial true-crime case that has left a lasting impact on the public consciousness. As the Emmy Awards ceremony approaches, all eyes are on the acclaimed series and its potential to spark further conversations about justice, forgiveness, and the intricacies of the human experience.