Netflix to Premiere 'Dynasty: The Murdochs' Docuseries on March 13
The real-world family conflicts that reportedly inspired the acclaimed HBO series Succession are set to be explored in a new Netflix documentary. Titled Dynasty: The Murdochs, this four-part series will debut on the streaming platform on 13 March, offering an in-depth look at the dramatic power struggles within one of the world's most influential media dynasties.
Uncovering Decades of Tension and Legal Battles
Based on extensive research, including thousands of pages of documents, emails, and text messages, the docuseries provides a comprehensive history of Rupert Murdoch's rise to media dominance. It particularly focuses on the long-standing tensions between Murdoch, his chosen successor Lachlan Murdoch, and his three other adult children: James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, and Prudence MacLeod. These familial disputes recently culminated in a high-stakes Nevada court battle over the trust that will govern the Murdoch media empire after Rupert's passing.
In this legal confrontation, the 94-year-old patriarch and his eldest son Lachlan were aligned against the other three siblings. Although the siblings initially received a favourable ruling from a county commissioner, both parties ultimately reached a multi-billion-dollar settlement in September last year. This agreement ensures that Lachlan Murdoch will retain control of the empire until at least 2050, solidifying his position as the heir apparent.
Insights from Journalists and Former Employees
While no members of the Murdoch family participated in the documentary, a common occurrence given the family's secretive nature, the series features interviews with numerous journalists who have closely covered their affairs. Notable contributors include Jim Rutenberg and Jonathan Mahler from the New York Times, who are recognized as definitive chroniclers of the trust battle. Additionally, McKay Coppins of The Atlantic, known for his seminal profile of James Murdoch, plays a significant role in the series.
The documentary also includes perspectives from media personalities such as tech journalist Kara Swisher and many former employees of Murdoch-owned publications. These interviews provide firsthand accounts and critical analysis of the family's influence and internal dynamics.
Focus on Fox News and the Hacking Scandal
A substantial portion of the series is dedicated to the creation, rise, and power of Fox News, featuring interviews with former network employees like Alisyn Camerota and David Shuster. It also thoroughly recounts the hacking scandal that was first exposed by The Guardian, leading to the closure of the News of the World tabloid and significantly damaging James Murdoch's standing within his father's media empire.
Although the series may not reveal entirely new information about the Murdoch story, it serves as a compelling watch for media enthusiasts, super-fans of Succession, and anyone fascinated by the complexities of family dynasties and their impact on global media landscapes.
Production and Previous Projects
The docuseries is primarily directed by acclaimed documentarian Liz Garbus and produced by Story Syndicate, which she co-founded with her husband, Dan Cogan. The final episode is co-directed by Sara Enright. This project stands out as one of the most significant streaming initiatives focused on the Murdoch family, following earlier productions such as CNN's 2022 series The Murdochs: Empire of Influence and a 2024 documentary about Lachlan Murdoch from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
