Article 29 in our 30-part series. Looking for HBO Max’s notable new release this weekend? The Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story is a three-part documentary revisiting the 1985 Louisiana murder of Dorothy Lou Thompson. This guide explains the premiere schedule, what the series covers, and the difference between documented case facts and supernatural claims discussed by witnesses.
What is The Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story about?
The documentary follows Dorothy Lou Thompson, who owned Azalea Original Pet Cemetery in Toca, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Thompson disappeared on April 13, 1985, and her body was found in the Mississippi River on May 2. Chains were used to weigh down the body. The case later drew renewed attention after an anonymous tip and witness accounts that included claims about Dorothy’s ghost.
When does it premiere?
Warner Bros. Discovery’s October programming announcement lists the premiere for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max. The three episodes are scheduled for consecutive Sundays: October 11, October 18 and October 25.
| Episode | Date | Reported runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 46 minutes |
| Episode 2 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 43 minutes |
| Episode 3 | Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 53 minutes |
Release times and availability can vary by region and service. Check the HBO Max app or official local listings for your territory before watching.
Why this true-crime story stands out
The series combines a decades-old homicide investigation with witness stories about alleged paranormal encounters. Those experiences are part of the reported story, but they are not independently verified proof of a ghost. A careful true-crime account distinguishes testimony and interpretation from physical evidence and the legal record.
The investigation and legal outcome
Public reporting says Detective John Doran reopened the investigation in 2009 after an anonymous tip. A second witness reportedly came forward in 2012. Brandon Nodier pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July 2014 and received a 10-year sentence. The witness accounts about a ghost should be treated as claims, while the guilty plea and sentence are legal outcomes.
Watch the official trailer
Frequently asked questions
Is The Pet Cemetery Murders available on HBO Max?
The announced US premiere is on HBO and HBO Max. Check your regional service for local availability.
How many episodes are there?
The series is announced as a three-part documentary, with episodes scheduled for October 11, 18 and 25, 2026.
Is the ghost story proven?
No. Ghost encounters are witness claims and are not independently verified paranormal facts.
What happened to Brandon Nodier?
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July 2014 and received a 10-year sentence.
Sources and official links
- Warner Bros. Discovery — official October HBO Max programming announcement
- BroadwayWorld — series premiere announcement
- WVUE/FOX 8 — 2014 sentencing report
- St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office — Detective John Doran and the documentary
- Autopsy of Architecture — cemetery history and location photographs
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