Making Manson – Review | Peacock

MAKING MANSON on Peacock is a true crime docuseries about the notorious killer featuring never-before-heard audio of Charles Manson. The series has three episodes and offers some new insight from those who knew him or the case. Read our Making Manson series review here!

MAKING MANSON is a new Peacock true crime docuseries released as part of their True Crime Tuesday. This time, it’s all about one of America’s most notorious killers. A man convicted of murders he didn’t actually commit. Instead, he convinced others to commit these crimes.

He claims that he’s innocent, but on the taped conversations played in this docuseries, he does admit to murder. Not the murders he’s convicted of but rather of having killed people in Mexico. In general, this documentary series is interesting but not very revealing or innovative.

Continue reading our Making Manson series review below. All three episodes are on Peacock from November 19, 2024.

Charles Manson and his Fanboy

Over the course of three episodes, we hear from the man himself. He’s had many conversations with a friend, who he knew recorded their conversations.

In fact, he encouraged it.

This friend is really more of a fan. In fact, having just watched the Prime Video series Cross – which featured a serial killer nicknamed Fanboy because he was a fan of serial killers – I kept thinking that this guy was a true fanboy.

In each conversation with Charles Manson – and there are many – he is encouraging him and clearly rooting for him. Always agreeing with whatever Manson says or whatever logic he presents. “Right on!” seems to be one of the classic comments to whatever Charles Manson is spewing.

And “spew” he does. A lot!

As noted by those who knew Charles Manson, many of whom are former “Family Members”, it’s the same old Charlie. Always telling tall tales and giving his current listener whatever he wants.

And why not?! The man was serving life in prison, he only had whatever form of entertainment he created for himself. Charles Manson has shown us all who he was a long time ago. You can believe him or buy into whatever new story he’s trying to spin in a new conversation.

The three episodes about Charles Manson

Each episode tends to cover a defining era in Charles Manson’s life. There are 20 years’ worth of conversations (all never-before-aired), so there is a lot of material to work with. What works for me is the fact that those closest to the case are now listening to the tapes and weighing in.

Maybe some of them even have their views challenged.

Below, I’ll share what each episode is about, so you know what to expect from this Peacock true crime docuseries.

“Young Manson” is episode 1

This episode supposedly reveals shocking details about Charles Manson’s early years and the origins of “The Family” where Manson speaks openly about the music industry and the rejection that drove his return to criminal behavior.

I don’t know that I feel this description is entirely accurate. At least, I didn’t feel like there was much new to be heard, but it’s interesting to hear it from Charlie Manson and others who lived through it.

“The Summer of ’69” is episode 2

Along with being a famous Bryan Adams song, the summer of ’69 was also a defining time in the life of Charles Manson and The Family. The notorious crimes of 1969 (where the eight-month pregnant Sharon Tate was one of the murder victims) is the beginning of the end.

Charles Manson gives his version of the motive, while also focusing on loyalty and brotherhood. The kind of relationships that have fueled his life, which has been spent mostly in prison. And the crimes of 1969 did lead to his life imprisonment for murder.

“The Manson Mask” is episode 3

This episode is where Charles Manson speaks about the aftermath of the crimes that led to his life imprisonment sentence. He maintains his innocence in the murders. However, as he gets closer to death, he also reveals more about his criminal past and even reflects on a life spent in prison.

Watch Making Manson on Peacock now!

The Making Manson docuseries is directed by Billie Mintz (Jesus Town, USA). Executive producers are Max Welch, Kate Maddigan, Tim Withers, and Duane Jones (My Son Jeffrey: The Dahmer Tapes) for Renowned Films.

This true crime documentary on Peacock is well worth watching for anyone who wants to understand or know more about what led to those terrible murders. I was nervous that maybe it would be trying to redeem Manson, but that really isn’t the case.

In fact, it’s almost revealed by the participation of one woman. She just straight-up says that she wants no part of this documentary if the purpose is to paint an innocent picture of Charles Manson.

Through the never-before-heard audio of Charles Manson’s conversations (more than 100 hours in origin), we get to hear his side of things. But never without comments from those who were also around. The recordings were made over 20 years leading up until his death in 2017.

Almost 20 key contributors are part of the Making Manson series. Including those closest to his crimes as they were in “The Family” and family members of victims. The participation of these people alongside Charles Manson’s own words (and the support of his fan) make it worth watching.

Making Manson is out on Peacock from November 19, 2024.