“Murdaugh: Death in the Family” is the latest Hulu original to center on a gripping tale of true crime. The series, which kicked off with a heart-thumping three-episode premiere on Oct. 15, tells the story of Alex Murdaugh, a prolific South Carolina lawyer who was accused of murdering his wife and child in 2021. Before this harrowing crime was adapted for the screen, the Murdaugh murders became the subject of a popular true crime podcast by award-winning journalist Mandy Matney. In the series, Matney investigates the ongoing case for her blog and develops her podcast while the justice system builds its case against the alleged family annihilator. Though the on-screen events take place entirely in and around Islandton, South Carolina, “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” was actually filmed in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
This change of cinematic scenery should come as no surprise to major film buffs, as Atlanta is known to be quite fertile for Hollywood productions. TV shows and movies such as “The Walking Dead,” “Stranger Things” and even “Black Panther” have filmed sequences in the greater Atlanta metro area, due in large part to the city’s tax incentives for film productions, as well as their up-and-coming talent pool. Whether you’ve been interested in checking out the Big Peach for some time now or you’re just intrigued by the production of “Murdaugh: Death in the Family,” this is a perfect time to lock in your itinerary. Be sure to read ahead as we outline some of the true crime series’ key filming locations, and offer some local-approved tourist destinations you won’t want to miss.
Where Did The Murdaugh Family Murders Take Place?
Although “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” was filmed in Atlanta, the series is presented as a recounting of actual events that occurred in Islandton, South Carolina. The real-life Murdaugh murders actually took place on the family’s hunting estate at 4147 Moselle Road. The sprawling Lowcounty region property was commonly known as Moselle Farm, and spans over 1,770 acres of land. This includes two miles of riverfront soil, often used for fishing and kayaking, a range for hunting turkey, deer and other wild fauna and a large dog kennel, which was infamously used as the dumping ground for the deceased Murdaugh family.
Assets from the home were stripped after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of the slayings and used to pay a portion of his settlement agreement. The entire estate was later sold for just under $4 million. As the story goes, family patriarch Alex Murdaugh shot his wife and son with a variety of different weapons out by the kennels. It is said that the dispute originated as part of a long-standing marital spat.
Alex maintained his innocence in the matter, though investigators managed to paint an extremely compelling picture of his suspected acts, convincing the judge, jury and the general public of his guilt. Today, Murdaugh is serving two consecutive life sentences for the murders, with an additional 40-year sentence slapped on for a litany of additional unrelated charges, including conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
Where Was ‘Murdaugh: Death In The Family’ Filmed?
Key Scenes: Sequences for “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” were captured throughout the metro Atlanta area, featuring units that span indoor soundstages as well as outdoor set pieces. A number of local Atlanta landmarks and businesses can also be spotted in the backdrop of outdoor scenes, but only if you’ve got a keen eye for ATL, per SoapCentral.
Best Time to Visit: Atlanta is a gorgeous city known for its thriving nightlife, growing film scene and rich history. While it’s well worth visiting at any time of year, locals generally recommend checking out the area during the shoulder months of May or October. Summers in the region are known to be extremely hot and oppressively humid, while winters offer fewer outdoor events and exciting opportunities. The shoulder seasons provide access to mild weather, outdoor markets and a plethora of tours to get acquainted with the space.
Transportation Options: Atlanta’s public transit system may not be quite as robust as New York City’s, but the city is still rife with buses, taxis and Ubers. The MARTA bus system is renowned for its efficiency, especially for those traveling to and from the airport. If you’re really looking to explore the entire metro area, it may be worth it to rent a car, though you can likely lean on the public grid for a majority of your ATL exploration needs.
As Soap Central notes, the studios of Assembly Atlanta serve as the home for most of the show’s key scenes, with 19 sets explicitly constructed for this project. These sets include replicas of the Moselle Farm property, as well as massive, elaborate courtrooms where Murdaugh’s trial takes place. Beyond the studio stages, units were placed in such recognizable Atlanta landmarks as Lake Lanier Olympic Park, St. James Episcopal Church and the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton.
Things to Do: If you’re not too busy deep diving into true crime stories such as “Murdaugh: Death in the Family,” you’ll find that Atlanta is home to a variety of family-friendly events. History buffs in your group may be drawn to the rich historical centers in the city, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, High Museum of Art or the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Others should consider exploring Centennial Olympic Park for a ride on the Ferris wheel, or snapping some keepsake photos at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Other tourist highlights include the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Stone Mountain Park, which can be viewed via scenic cable cars.
Where to Eat: As stated above, Atlanta is home to a thriving nightlife scene, offering plenty of bars, clubs, and upscale restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to throw on your Sunday best and hit the town with no game plan, as the city is sure to provide some fun activities. If you’re looking for a specific reservation-only kind of deal, be sure to call ahead for establishments such as Bone’s Restaurant, Nikolai’s Roof and the Michelin star-rated Home Grown. Each of these excellent eateries offers an array of local cuisine that’s sure to leave you wanting more. With any luck, you might even make Atlanta a perennial vacation spot so you can try each trendy joint more than once.
Where to Stay: One major upside of visiting Atlanta is the access to inexpensive hotel stays. Though the city is absolutely teeming with locals and visitors alike, you can usually count on one of the many chain hotels in the area to offer a great deal, leaving you to spend your money on drinks, attractions and souvenirs to bring home. If money is no object, and you’re looking to score one of the better rooms in the city, be sure to check for vacancies at the Omni Hotel at the Battery, Reverb Downtown or Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” based on?
The Hulu series is based on the “Murdaugh Murders Podcast” hosted by Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell. The audio show ran from June 2021 through May 2023 before rebranding as “True Sunlight: Exposing Crime and Corruption.”
Is anyone in the Murdaugh family still alive?
At the time of this writing, Alex Murdaugh is alive and currently serving two consecutive life sentences for the murder of his wife and their son, Paul. The couple also has another son by the name of Richard, AKA Buster. Like the rest of his family, Buster Murdaugh was a prominent figure in his South Carolina hometown, although he has become increasingly reclusive and private since his family made national headlines.
Where can I watch “Murdaugh: Death in the Family”?
New episodes of “Murdaugh: Death In The Family” are currently streaming on Hulu.
