A new Netflix show has captured viewers’ attention with its retelling of a notorious true story that first shocked the nation many years ago. However, after one episode, many took to social media, puzzled by an unexpected detail that confused them.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is the second season of Netflix’s “Monster” anthology series by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The season was released on September 19 and has sparked various reactions online as some people noted an error.
The show, with nine episodes, follows the murders of José and Kitty Menéndez, who were killed by their sons, Lyle and Erik Menéndez, in Beverly Hills. This gripping true-crime drama delves into the lives of the real-life Menendez brothers, who were later convicted.
The first trailer for “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” sheds light on the image of a “perfect” family, hinting at the brothers’ claims of enduring years of abuse by their father, José.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who plays Lyle, shared that the series offers multiple perspectives, allowing viewers to interpret the case themselves. He appreciated the balanced portrayal, which helps audiences form their own conclusions.
Cooper Koch, portraying Erik, expressed how the role deepened his empathy for him. He noted how playing the character made him grateful for his own family, contrasting it with Erik’s difficult upbringing.
Nathan Lane, who plays Vanity Fair reporter Dominick Dunne, admitted that researching the case was eye-opening as he wasn’t familiar with it initially. He mentioned how many people viewed Lyle and Erik as spoiled rich kids who murdered for money but realized the situation was far more complex.
The stars do not frame Erik and Lyle as cold-blooded killers or villains, but rather highlight the complexity of their actions, encouraging viewers to reflect on the case with more nuance.
Lyle and Erik Menendez pictured in court | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
The murders took place in August 1989 when José, an entertainment executive, and his wife Kitty were watching television in their family room. José was shot in the head, and his body bore multiple gunshot wounds. Kitty’s body was also riddled with shotgun pellets, sustaining a total of ten wounds.
After the killings, a distraught 21-year-old Lyle called 911, stating, “Someone killed my parents.” When asked if they had been shot, he responded, “Yes.” Lyle then explained that he and his 18-year-old brother Erik had found their parents’ bodies upon returning home from a movie.
Erik and Lyle Menendez during a pre-trial hearing on December 29, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Months later, Erik confessed to the crime during a session with his therapist, Dr. Jerome Oziel. Lyle also admitted to their involvement. Their confessions were reportedly overheard by Oziel’s mistress, who then informed the authorities.
Lyle was first arrested in California, while Erik, who was out of the country then, returned voluntarily to surrender. Three years after the crime, the brothers went to trial.
The Menendez brothers claimed they killed their parents out of desperation, alleging years of sexual abuse by their father. However, prosecutors argued that the murders were a calculated plan to secure their parents’ fortune.
Authorities believed the motive behind the siblings’ actions was clear — greed. They theorized that Lyle and Erik were eager to inherit their parents’ $15 million estate. Some of the most compelling evidence even came from two screenplays Erik had written.
In the end, Lyle and Erik were convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. From their sentencing, the brothers were put in different prisons.
Initially, Erik and Lyle were not permitted to speak directly over the phone and had to communicate through their wives. The brothers wrote letters to each other and even played chess by mailing their moves back and forth.
After years of applying to be in the same facility, their request was finally granted, and they were reunited in a Southern California prison for the first time in nearly 22 years.
The story’s impact was so significant that it became the basis for a Netflix series. In response to the show, Erik issued a statement which his wife, Tammi Menendez, shared on X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement shared on X, Erik expressed disappointment with Netflix’s portrayal of the Menendez brothers in the series. He criticized the show for perpetuating lies and inaccuracies about their lives, particularly how Lyle is portrayed.
“I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without any bad intent,” he stated, referring to the show’s creator.
Lyle and Erik Menendez during a court appearance on March 20, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Erik claimed that the show regressed to a narrative where male victims of sexual abuse were not believed, undermining the progress made in raising awareness about such trauma. He also emphasized the need for the truth to prevail, condemning the glamorization of their tragedy and thanking those who have supported him.
Since the events took place decades ago, the show accurately depicted the period in its storytelling. However, one particular detail in an episode caught viewers’ attention, sparking a conversation on X.
“Watching something on Netflix rn that takes place in 1989 and there was a ring doorbell in the background!!!!! How does this happen?? lol!!!!” asked one X user. Someone else questioned, “Now why is there a Ring doorbell in this scene set in the 80s?” Another admitted, “That just threw me entirely off, lol.”
One remarked, “They weren’t paying attention when filming this, that’s crazy lol.” “Well, nothing says the 80’s like a ring door bell. Solid work,” wrote one user sarcastically.
“A #Ring camera in 1989, did they exist back then?” asked another X user. One penned, “I was watching #MonstersNetflix and noticed a #Ring security camera in the background on a door. Um… @Ring wasn’t around in 1989, the year this show was set in when the #MenendezBrothers murdered their parents.”
The Netflix series has reignited public interest in the Menendez brothers’ case, prompting reflection and debate. As viewers continue to discuss the show, its portrayal of the events and characters has sparked conversations beyond the screen.
