Netflix documentary on Idaho murders draws millions of viewers

The Netflix documentary ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’ has achieved significant viewership, reaching 18.2 million views within its first five days. The series revisits the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen.

While Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in 2025 and received a life sentence, the legal case remains active as Kohberger has petitioned to withdraw his plea, citing coercion and poor legal advice. The victims’ families have expressed their readiness to face him in court again.

The success of the series has prompted discussions regarding the psychological appeal of true crime. Experts suggest the genre's popularity may be driven by ‘benign hedonic masochism,’ a phenomenon where individuals find a safe way to experience intense emotions like fear and mayhem from a distance.