HBO’s ‘A Killer Story’ Release Date, Time, Trailer and Where to Watch

HBO is set to explore one of the most controversial true crime stories of the past two decades, and the timing couldn’t be better. The network’s upcoming three-part documentary series delves into the case of Dana Chandler, who was accused of murdering her ex-husband and his girlfriend in 2002, unraveling a narrative that has haunted Kansas for over twenty years.

‘A Killer Story’ is scheduled to premiere on September 10, 2026, and fans of true crime are already buzzing about what promises to be a compelling and morally complex viewing experience. Featuring citizen sleuths, a determined journalist, and three separate trials, this series is poised to be one of the standout true crime releases of the year.

‘A Killer Story’ will debut on HBO on Thursday, September 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, marking the start of a three-week rollout for the series. The first episode will air from 9 to 9:40 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, providing viewers with a concise forty-minute introduction to the case before it becomes more intricate.

New episodes will be released on subsequent Thursdays, so viewers won’t be able to binge-watch the series. Episode two is set to air on Thursday, September 17, followed by episode three on September 24, meaning the complete story won’t be available for streaming in one go.

This episodic structure appears intentional, reflecting the drawn-out and exhausting nature of the actual legal saga, where nothing about Dana Chandler’s case progressed quickly or smoothly.

For those wondering where to watch it live or on demand, the answer is straightforward. ‘A Killer Story’ will be available on HBO Max starting September 10, 2026, allowing subscribers to either watch it in real-time on HBO or stream it at their convenience.

There are no indications of a separate theatrical release or early access outside of the standard HBO and HBO Max rollout. Given HBO’s recent history with true crime documentaries, this dual release strategy is quite typical for the network’s original programming.

Subscribers to HBO Max won’t need to take any additional steps to access the series once it goes live. This straightforward rollout is likely intentional, allowing the narrative itself to take center stage rather than relying on complicated release strategies.

At the core of the series lies a genuinely wild true crime investigation. Investigative journalist Joe Sexton, known for his work with The New York Times and ProPublica, begins looking into the double homicide case after receiving thousands of emails from Eileen Umbehr, a homemaker turned citizen sleuth. Eileen and her husband Keen are convinced of Chandler’s innocence and dedicate their lives to advocating for her.

Filmed over six years, the series follows Sexton as he attempts to untangle a case increasingly defined by conflicting narratives, prosecutorial misconduct, and questions about what truly transpired. The lengthy production period alone highlights the complexity of this case.

The first episode, ‘Welcome to Topeka,’ follows the Umbehrs as they enlist Sexton to investigate Chandler’s conviction, which is ultimately overturned on appeal, setting the stage for another trial. From this point, the situation only becomes more complicated.

Episode two, ‘Person of Interest,’ tracks the retrial as the Umbehrs point to another potential suspect while prosecutors continue to build their case, culminating in a trial that ends with a hung jury. In the finale, ‘A Dangerous Notion,’ Chandler faces trial for a third time and makes the extraordinary choice to fire her legal team and represent herself.

HBO has made it clear that this series is not merely about solving a crime. The network describes ‘A Killer Story’ as exploring true crime obsession and the perils of unwavering certainty in a case where the truth may remain elusive, a bold statement for a network known for its true crime hits.

This framing is significant because the conclusion does not provide a neat resolution. The retrial results in a hung jury, prompting the state to try Dana for a third time. While the final trial offers a legal conclusion, it does not necessarily resolve the broader questions surrounding the case.

Such ambiguity often ignites passionate debates among true crime enthusiasts who seek definitive answers. Whether viewers align with Chandler or the prosecution, ‘A Killer Story’ seems designed to spark discussions long after the credits roll.

Given the divisive nature of the Dana Chandler case over the past twenty years, are you team Umbehr, team prosecution, or still undecided? Which of the three verdicts in this saga do you believe ultimately got it right?