The series centers on the brutal murder of Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her death. It includes gut-wrenching interviews with Laci's loved ones, both from 20 years ago and in the present day, as they discuss their grief. The series also provides detailed descriptions of the search for Laci's body, the discovery of her decomposed remains and that of her unborn son, and mentions of pleas for the death penalty for Scott.
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Offers viewers insight into the dynamics of domestic abuse and how pregnancy increases the risk of victimization for women. The series highlights alarming statistics, including the fact that murder is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States. It also touches on the legal proceedings and the complexities of such high-profile criminal cases.
Positive Role Models
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Amber Frey emerges as a key figure, portrayed as a courageous woman willing to endure public scrutiny and media attacks to seek justice for Laci Peterson and her unborn son. Her actions, along with the determination of Laci's mother to see justice served, exemplify strength and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Positive Messages
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Laci's mother talks about the letters she received from women who were inspired by Laci's story to leave abusive relationships. This underscores the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and the impact of such stories on others in similar situations.
Diverse Representations
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The docuseries primarily features White individuals, including the family members, jurors, investigating police officers involved in the case.
Parents need to know that American Murder: Laci Peterson is a sobering docuseries centered on the murder of a pregnant woman and the subsequent investigation and trial of her husband. The series includes graphic descriptions of the crime, the discovery of Laci and her unborn child's bodies, and emotional interviews with her grieving family and friends. The show also touches on mature themes such as domestic abuse, infidelity, and the death penalty.
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What's the Story?
AMERICAN MURDER: LACI PETERSON is a docuseries that recounts the disappearance of Laci Peterson on Christmas Eve 2002 and the subsequent arrest and conviction of her husband, Scott Peterson, for her murder and the murder of their unborn son, Connor.
This docuseries offers a compelling and respectful retelling of Laci Peterson's story, supported by interviews with her friends, family, police detectives, and jurors from Scott Peterson's trial. The inclusion of Scott Peterson's police interview footage adds a chilling layer to the narrative in American Murder: Laci Peterson. The three-part series does a commendable job of portraying the emotional toll on Laci's loved ones, while also exploring the complex dynamics of the case, including Scott Peterson's family's belief in his innocence.
Amber Frey's bravery in coming forward as a star witness for the prosecution is highlighted, and the storytelling is enriched by her sit-down interviews. Overall, the storytelling is well-rounded, providing a comprehensive view of both Laci and Scott's lives before her disappearance, while also touching on the broader issue of domestic violence against pregnant women. The only notable omission is the series' failure to mention the Los Angeles Innocence Project taking on Scott Peterson's case a few months before it aired.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of media in high-profile cases. How does the media portrayal cases like Laci Peterson's, influence public opinion and the judicial process? Consider the impact of media scrutiny on the families involved and how it can shape the narrative of a case.
The series sheds light on the dangers pregnant women face in abusive relationships. How can Laci Peterson's story serve as a catalyst for raising awareness about domestic violence and the importance of support systems for victims?
How did Amber Frey demonstrate both empathy toward Laci and her family, as well as courage in becoming a central public figure in the case? How do you think these actions likely affected her life both at the time and over the last 20 years?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
