Netflix’s The Confession Killer Examines the Man Once Called America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer

Coming this December is Netflix’s latest foray into true crime.

The Confession Killer follows the story of Henry Lee Lucas, who, during the early ‘80s, confessed to hundreds of murders—bringing closure to unsolved cases and grieving families. Even with no direct evidence linking him to the crime scenes, he stunned authorities with his ability to sketch victims’ portraits while citing brutal details of each attack, chillingly stating, “I’ve killed ‘em in every way there is.” Lucas shot to a sort-of stardom, signing autographs and being followed by fans and amateur investigators. However, journalists and attorneys soon found impossibilities in Lucas’ timeline, and DNA testing started to contradict his internationally reported claims.

Directed by Oscar nominee Robert Kenner (Food, Inc.) and Taki Oldham, the five-part docuseries explores how the man described by the law as a “killing machine,” and who was once called America’s most prolific serial killer, was really a complex figure caught up in a flawed justice system. The trailer is heart-wrenching, peppered with videotapes of the victims’ families talking about their loved ones, archived footage of interviews and old photographs.

The Confession Killer debuts on Netflix on Dec. 6—see the docuseries’ trailer, key art and some stills below.