‘The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey’ First Look Revealed by Netflix

The JonBenét Ramsey limited series, which was previously in development for Paramount+ and starring Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen, is now coming out on Netflix, and the streamer has just revealed the first look at The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey (previously titled Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey).

As previously announced, McCarthy and Owen will play JonBenét’s parents, Patsy and John Bennett Ramsey. They are pictured above in the first image from the series.

Meanwhile, Emily Mitchell is set to play JonBenét. Garrett Hedlund, Alison Pill, Shea Whigham. Will Patton, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Bauer, Margo Martindale, and more are also in the cast. Most of the actors are playing characters based on real people tied to the infamous unsolved murder case.

The series was previously announced as in development in March 2024. It did not have a network attached at the time, but Paramount+ picked it up before it was moved to Netflix. The series is centered on the young girl’s parents. Here’s all there is to know so far about the true crime drama.

When does The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey come out?

The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey premieres on December 10 on Netflix, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the case.

What is The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey about?

The official logline for the series reads, “The series centers on one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in American history, and the devastating personal and public reckoning that followed the death of JonBenet Ramsey on Christmas night in 1996.”

The 6-year-old was reported missing from her Boulder, Colorado, home and was later found dead in the house on Christmas of that year. Her death was ruled a homicide, but who killed her and why remains a mystery to this day. The child’s murder is one of the most notorious unsolved murders in modern American history.

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The series previously shared by Paramount+ said that the story “explores the tragic unsolved murder of six-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey” and will follow “the Ramsey family, before and after the tragedy as they go through the painful loss of a child while facing intense public scrutiny caused by a media frenzy that caused this case to captivate an entire nation.”

The description continued: “At the heart of the series, it is the story of Patsy and John Ramsey — exploring the unbreakable partnership of these two complex people — as husband and wife, as mother and father — who had committed themselves and their children to building the narrative of a perfect, privileged life only to have it destroyed one Christmas night in 1996.”

The show is said to consist of eight episodes.

Who is in the The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey cast?

McCarthy and Owen will play the young girl’s parents. Whigham plays District Attorney Alex Hunter, an acquaintance of the Ramsey family. Patton plays Lou Smit, described as “a legend among law enforcement, who has worked over 150 homicide cases in Boulder Springs.”

Mitchell will play the titular role. She will soon be seen playing a young Ivanka Trump in The Apprentice film and was previously seen as young Lisa Marie Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. Mitchell’s JonBenét is described as “a girl from an affluent family and child beauty queen, whose murder is at the heart of the story.”

Dia Dipasupil / Michael Loccisano / Michael Tullberg / Getty Images

Hedlund will play Detective Steve Thomas, “a seasoned detective who is brought onto the JonBenét case.” Pill plays Detective Linda Arndt of the Boulder, Colorado police, “who along with partner Detective Trujillo, is first on the scene after JonBenét Ramsey is reported missing/kidnapped.” Owen Teague will play Shane Edwards, a character created for the show.

Dopesick‘s Jaime Ray Newman and Fleishman Is in Trouble‘s Josh Stamberg will play recurring roles, Deadline announced in September.

Newman plays Amelia Hunt, described as “an upscale and wealthy good friend of John Ramsey who is part of the group of Boulder women with kids who are friends with Patsy.” Stamberg plays Reed Hunt, “a recently retired oil magnate and a good friend of John Ramsey’s.”

Collins Jr. plays Detective Trujillo, the real-life Boulder Colorado police detective “who does his job but without exhibiting much initiative,” per Deadline. Bauer plays Boulder Police Chief Tom Koby, “whose department is the first on the scene after JonBenét was reported kidnapped.” Rory Cochrane portrays John Eller, “the Detective Division Commander of the Boulder Police Department.” And Angus Caldwell is Burke Ramsey, John and Patsy’s eldest son and JonBenét’s older brother.

Three-time Emmy-winner Martindale will play Nedra Paugh, Patsy’s mother. She’s described as tough, blunt, outspoken, and unafraid to speak her mind.

Jeremy Bobb plays Pete Hofstrom. John Billingsley plays Bill McReynolds. And Tzi Ma plays Dr. Henry Lee.

The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey is written and executive produced by Oscar-nominee Richard LaGravense (Behind the Candelabra), with co-writers/executive producers Harrison Query and Tommy Wallach. Anne Sewitsky (Presumed Innocent) directs and executive produces. Additional executive producers are David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and David Hutkin for 101 Studios, as well as McCarthy.

Is there a trailer for The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey?

There are no trailers or photos from the series yet as it has not begun filming, but stay tuned here as we continue to report the latest developments.

JonBenét Ramsey, Limited Series Premiere, December 10, Netflix