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Released

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare

A gripping documentary story where investigation, buried truths, and human consequences collide in unexpected ways.

  • 2026
  • Documentary, True Crime
  • 3 episodes
  • Netflix
TheNextHint Score
7.9 7.9 / 10

Overview

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare looks at one of the most widely watched American true-crime cases of the 2020s, presented as a three-part documentary. The series focuses on Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, four University of Idaho students who were killed at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. Netflix's documentary blends interviews with those close to the victims alongside police footage, messages, archival material, and specifics from the investigation. Helmed by director Skye Borgman, the series pays special attention to the victims, their families, and how the case affected the surrounding community, while also following the investigation from the first discovery to the arrest that came afterward.

Quick Verdict

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare is aimed at viewers seeking a focused, evidence-driven true-crime documentary instead of a fictionalized dramatization. Its three-episode format maintains the momentum of the investigation, while interviews and police footage supply personal and investigative background. What sets it apart most is its dedication to keeping the victims and their families at the heart of the narrative.

Where to Watch The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare in the US

Subscription

Last checked: September 28, 2026

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare is a three-part Netflix true-crime documentary covering the November 13, 2022 killings of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The series pieces the case together using police body-camera footage, interviews with family and friends, text messages, archival material, and other evidence tied to the investigation. Instead of telling the story purely as a criminal investigation, the documentary also devotes time to those who knew the victims and looks at how the killings impacted Moscow, Idaho, and the families left behind.

Skye Borgman directed the documentary, which was produced by RadicalMedia in association with Third Eye Motion Picture Company, with Joe Berlinger as an executive producer. Across the three episodes, the series covers the discovery of the murders, the investigation and the public scrutiny that followed, and the developments leading up to the eventual arrest. Netflix released all three episodes on July 29, 2026.

The series targets viewers drawn to detailed true-crime documentaries and real-world investigations, and its TV-MA rating reflects the disturbing subject matter and language tied to the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare about?

The three-part docuseries about the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students features both personal and police video footage, text messages, and interviews with law enforcement and families of the victims.

Is The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare a documentary?

Yes. It is a three-part true-crime documentary series produced for Netflix.

When did The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare come out?

The series premiered on July 29, 2026, with all three episodes released on the same day.

How many episodes does The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare have?

Season 1 contains three episodes, each running approximately 44–45 minutes.

Where can I watch The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare?

The documentary is available to stream on Netflix.

Story — Spoiler Free

The series opens with the finding of four University of Idaho students slain at a home off campus in Moscow. From that point, it traces the investigation as authorities sift through evidence, camera footage and other leads, all while the case draws massive public attention.↻ Conversations with friends and family members provide personal background on the four victims, while police material reveals how investigators tried to determine what occurred and pinpoint a suspect.

7.9

TheNextHint Score

7.9 / 10

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare is aimed at viewers seeking a focused, evidence-driven true-crime documentary instead of a fictionalized dramatization. Its three-episode format maintains the momentum of the investigation, while interviews and police footage supply personal and investigative background. What sets it apart most is its dedication to keeping the victims and their families at the heart of the narrative.

Rating breakdown

Story
8.0
Acting
7.6
Direction
8.2
Visuals
8.0
Sound
7.8
Entertainment
7.6

External Ratings

Scores from other sources, shown in their own scale. These are not TheNextHint's rating.

  • IMDb 6.7 / 10 5,700 ratings View source Checked September 28, 2026

Pros

  • The documentary uses firsthand interviews, police footage, archival material and a victim-focused approach to give viewers a structured account of a heavily scrutinized case.

Cons

  • Viewers already familiar with extensive coverage of the Idaho murders may find that some developments and background information are familiar rather than completely new.

Who Should Watch

  • True-Crime Fans
  • Documentary Viewers
  • Crime Investigation Fans
  • Case-Study Viewers

Who Should Skip

  • Sensitive Viewers
  • Fiction-Drama Fans
Release Date
2026-07-29
Runtime
Approximately 44–45 minutes per episode
Director
Skye Borgman
Producer
Joe Berlinger
Music
Jimmy Stofer
Cinematography
Bryan Gosline
Studio
RadicalMedia, Third Eye Motion Picture Company
Distributor
Netflix
Production Company
RadicalMedia, in association with Third Eye Motion Picture Company
Streaming Service
Age Rating

Cast & Characters

  • Anthony Dahlinger

  • Baylie Miller

  • Maya Hippenstiel

  • Peter Elgorriaga

  • Jeffrey Kernodle

  • Steve Goncalves

  • Cooper Atkinson

  • Alivea Goncalves Stevenson

Seasons & Episodes

Season 1 3 episodes July 29, 2026 Airing

The first and currently released season follows the discovery of the four murders, the investigation and public scrutiny surrounding the case, and the developments that followed the identification and arrest of a suspect.

  1. 1 1122 King Road

    44 min July 29, 2026

    A 911 call leads to the discovery of the quadruple homicide, sending shockwaves through Moscow, Idaho.

  2. 2 The Intruder

    44 min July 29, 2026

    Investigators examine evidence and camera footage as public scrutiny grows and rumors spread around the case.

  3. 3 This Is Forever

    44 min July 29, 2026

    With a suspect in custody, families and friends face the long wait for justice while keeping attention on the victims.

Trailer

Sources & References

Fact checked by Sakshi Purna Last fact checked: September 28, 2026

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