Need a fix for your true crime addiction this winter? Look no further than “The Hillside Strangler,” a new limited series from MGM+ about one of the most notorious killing sprees to haunt 1970s Los Angeles.
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But the investigation and manhunt that led to the arrests of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono were also major successes for homicide detective Frank Salerno, who later in his career brought The Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez, to justice. Salerno takes center stage in the four-episode series, talking about the Hillside Strangler case for the first time in forty years.
Here’s an official synopsis for “The Hillside Strangler,” courtesy of MGM+:
In the late 1970s, Los Angeles was the serial murder capital of the world. The Freeway Killers. The Toolbox Killers. The Dating Game Killer. The Skid Row Slasher. But none terrorized this city of millions more than the Hillside Strangler, a phantom who struck without warning, abducting, raping, and murdering a dozen women and girls and leaving their bodies displayed on the hillsides like grim trophies. These crimes sparked the largest manhunt in LA’s blood-soaked history, led by a relentless homicide detective named Frank Salerno. His dogged pursuit led to the strangler’s capture and the revelation that these vicious acts were perpetrated by two men, Kenneth Bianchi and his cousin Angelo Buono.
After the longest criminal trial in U.S. history, both were sentenced to life in prison, and Salerno’s work became legend. It was the case that defined his career and set him on the path to later bring down the Night Stalker. Now, for the first time in over 40 years, Frank Salerno tells his story, revisiting the case that changed him forever. But he isn’t the only one ready to talk. Angelo Buono died behind bars in 2002, but Kenneth Bianchi is alive in prison and has never been willing to share his story on camera—until now.
Peter LoGreco directs “The Hillside Strangler,” and also serves as showrunner on the series. Executive producers include Peter LoGreco, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman and Tim Walsh.
The first episode of “The Hillside Strangler” premieres on MGM+ on January 18. Watch a trailer for the true crime series below.
