Paramount+'s 'Mushroom Murders' Will Bring Infamous Australian Homicide to Life

Paramount+ has greenlit a new limited series based on a notorious 2023 Australian homicide case. Mushroom Murders will dramatize the story of Erin Patterson, who murdered three people and seriously injured a fourth by serving them beef Wellingtons made with highly toxic death cap mushrooms during a lunch at her home.

All four victims—both of her in-laws and two of their relatives—were admitted to hospital within 24 hours of the meal. Three died within six days, and the fourth recovered after seven weeks of care.

The grisly story was a media sensation both in Australia and around the world. (Shocking fact: It was the first sentencing hearing in Victoria to be broadcast live.) Patterson was ultimately convicted on multiple countes of murder and attempted murder in July 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years. Multiple appeals are ongoing.

The series is set to star Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) as Erin, and if you think this whole story sounds a little bit like something Shauna Shipman would do...well, you're not entirely wrong. (Perfect casting is perfect, is what I'm saying.)

Here's the series description.

In 2023, Erin Patterson served individual beef wellingtons to her estranged in-laws and their relatives at a lunch in her Victoria home in Australia. Unbeknownst to her guests, Patterson allegedly prepared the food with highly toxic death cap mushrooms, resulting in the deaths of three guests. The limited series depicts the 97 days between the now infamous lunch and Patterson’s subsequent arrest.

“This is an ambitious series that brings a gripping real-life story that captivated Australia and the world to the screen with the scale, quality, and creative vision audiences expect from Paramount+,” said Beverley McGarvey, president of Network 10 and head of streaming for Paramount Australia. “It is a powerful addition to our growing slate of premium storytelling, and we are delighted to partner with such an exceptional creative team to share it with viewers around the world. We are also thrilled to welcome Melanie Lynskey, whose remarkable talent will be integral to the series both on screen and as an executive producer.”

The series is created by Anya Beyersdorf (Apple Cider Vinegar), Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Deb Balderstone (Dustfall). Reid directs all six episodes, which will be written by Beyersdorf, Dianne Taylor, and Belinda Chayko. Executive producers include Beyersdorf, Reid, Balderstone, and Lynskey, alongside Xavier Marchand and Paramount+’s Sophia Mogford.

Mushroom Murders does not yet have a premiere date.