
Here’s everything you need to know about the Investigation Discovery (ID) original documentary The Serial Killer’s Apprentice (2025)—from its official premiere date and streaming platforms to the full cast lineup and easy steps to watch online from Australia. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or just curious about this chilling story, this guide has you covered. Have questions? Share them in the comments, and I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming without any hassle.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice About
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice explores the disturbing bond between Dean Corll, known as the Candyman Killer, and Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., a teenage boy drawn into unimaginable crimes . The documentary begins by uncovering how Corll groomed Henley, exploiting his youth and vulnerabilities. It moves beyond the brutality of the murders, focusing instead on the psychological web that ensnared him. Criminologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland leads probing interviews that strip away decades of silence. For the first time in over half a century, Henley speaks openly about his role, his regrets, and the shadows that still haunt him. The series examines how manipulation can turn a potential victim into an unwilling participant. More than a recounting of crimes, it becomes a study of power, coercion, and complicity.
Serial Killer’s Apprentice Release Date:
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice aired on October 4, 2025, on HBO Max in Australia.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice Cast
- Dr. Katherine Ramsland – A criminologist who conducts the central interviews with Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., guiding viewers into the psychological core of the case.
- Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. – The surviving accomplice of Dean Corll, sharing his account for the first time in over fifty years.
- Dick Wolf – Serving as producer, lending his expertise in crime storytelling to shape the documentary’s powerful narrative.
Where to watch The Serial Killer’s Apprentice in Australia
As of October 4, 2025, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice is exclusively streaming in Australia on HBO Max (formerly known as Max). The platform offers the full series to subscribers, making it the only official way to watch the show in the region. With HBO Max’s seamless streaming options, Australian viewers can enjoy the crime drama on-demand across multiple devices.
Why is Henley speaking out now after five decades?
Henley breaks his silence to share a first-hand account of how Corll groomed and coerced him into becoming an accomplice through fear and manipulation, ensuring a factual record of how a teenager became entangled in such horrific crimes.
Is there a way to watch The Serial Killer’s Apprentice online for free?
As of August 2025, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice is not available to stream for free on any platform in Australia.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice Trailer
FAQs
- Is The Serial Killer’s Apprentice based on true events?
Yes, the documentary is based on the real-life crimes of Dean Corll, the Candyman Killer, and features firsthand accounts from his accomplice, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. - How long is The Serial Killer’s Apprentice?
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice is a two-hour feature-length documentary, providing a comprehensive exploration of the case. - How many victims were involved in the Houston Mass Murders?
Dean Corll, the “Candyman Killer,” was responsible for the abduction, torture, rape, and murder of at least 28 young boys in the early 1970s. - Is the documentary based on a book?
Yes. The documentary is inspired by the book The Serial Killer’s Apprentice, co‑authored by Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman. This book delves into the blurred line between victim and accomplice.
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