Global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON has secured a wave of sales for the three-part docuseries Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders, which FIFTH SEASON co-produced with Dreamchaser and Den of Martians. Originally commissioned by Stan in Australia, Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders is directed by the Emmy-nominated Gil Marsden (United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper) and chronicles the high-profile case of Erin Patterson – an Australian woman convicted of fatally poisoning three relatives with a mushroom-laced meal.
The deals secured by FIFTH SEASON include Netflix (UK), CNN (US & Canada), Bell Media (French Canada), SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), NRK (Norway) and MTV Oy (Finland). Stan will air the final two episodes of the series later this year.
A seemingly ordinary family lunch becomes a global media story when four guests fall critically ill, with three later dying. As the world press descends on the small country town of Korumburra, the deaths become a tragic cultural touchstone with wild theories and speculation running rampant. When the family’s host, Erin Patterson, is arrested and charged with triple homicide, the alleged cause of death is poisoning by the world’s most lethal mushroom – the death cap – traces of which are discovered in the toxic meal she prepared.
With exclusive access into one of the highest profile criminal cases in modern memory, Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders explores how one tragic lunch may shatter the myth of small-town security in Australia, while examining the fairness of a trial amidst a global media frenzy.
Jennifer Ebell, EVP Television Distribution at FIFTH SEASON added, “Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders cuts straight to the heart of a case that’s captivated Australia and far beyond. With rare access and clear-eyed storytelling, Gil brings fresh insight to a small-town tragedy that spiralled into a global media storm. The response at home has been extraordinary, and we’re excited to share this story with audiences around the world.”
FIFTH SEASON’s wider unscripted slate includes the feature documentary on the legendary band Earth Wind and Fire directed by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker and musicologist Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and releasing on HBO (US); the 10-part docuseries Planes That Changed History from Atomic Television for National Geographic, which uncovers the engineering and design secrets of the world’s most iconic aircraft; and Bad Host: Hunting the Couchsurfing Predator, from Academy Award winning Lightbox, based on hit podcast Verified.
