The chilling true-crime docuseries Butchers of L.A. has arrived, and it’s already sending shockwaves through the genre. Premiering on June 26 on SundanceTV, Sundance Now, and AMC+, this gripping three-part series delves deeply into the horrifying crimes of the notorious "Freeway Killers"—Patrick Kearney, William Bonin, and Randy Kraft—who terrorized Southern California from the early 1970s through the 1980s.
Directed by David Harvey (The Heiress and the Heist), produced by Peninsula Television, and executive produced by Jonathan Ford of Sphere Abacus, the series uncovers the tangled web of murders that left investigators baffled for years. Initially, detectives suspected a lone predator, only to later realize that three sadistic killers were operating independently yet simultaneously, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
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Episode 1, “Trash Bags,” premieres June 26, introducing viewers to the grim discovery of young male victims discarded in industrial trash bags, leading investigators to uncover an unassuming aerospace engineer leading a secret killer life. Episode 2, “On the Freeway,” follows the trail to Bonin, revealing the horrors he inflicted from a black-painted van turned torture chamber on wheels. The finale, “Keeping Score,” unpacks Kraft’s chilling precision, whose spree could have gone undetected were it not for a chance police stop.
Critics and true-crime fans are already praising the series for its meticulous storytelling and haunting archival footage. Showbiz Junkies describes Butchers of L.A. as an “eerie three-part series” that "exposes three sadistic serial killers" and “dramatic twists and turns” that leave viewers unsettled. Sphere Abacus emphasizes the docuseries’ "deep investigative approach" and its power to shed new light on a terrifying chapter in California history. A compelling YouTube trailer teases the series, offering glimpses of detectives retracing crime scenes and analysts dissecting decades-old evidence, setting a chilling, immersive tone that foreshadows the intensity to come. Streaming exclusively on AMC+, SundanceTV, and Sundance Now, Butchers of L.A. offers both binge-watch access and live-episode viewing. With its rich archival visuals, gripping case reconstruction, and expert interviews, the series stands as a prime example of modern true-crime storytelling.
For viewers, the importance lies not just in the gruesome details but in the relentless pursuit of justice. This series humanizes victims, highlights historical investigative missteps, and offers critical reflections on systemic failures. Those intrigued by deep, chilling explorations of criminal psychology and law enforcement will find Butchers of L.A. particularly resonant. Bringing together impeccable production values, rigorous research, and chilling real-life horror, Butchers of L.A. cements itself as a must-watch in 2025’s true-crime landscape. Whether you’re a documentary aficionado or a first-time viewer drawn to unsolved mysteries, this series promises an unsettling, unforgettable journey into one of America’s darkest chapters.
