Streaming Guide
How to Watch ‘Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos’ on Investigation Discovery Without Cable
The three-hour ID documentary revisits the life and crimes of the serial killer, using AI to recreate her likeness
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September 30, 2026
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Investigation Discovery (ID)
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Investigation Discovery (ID) is dropping a new three-hour documentary tonight about serial killer Aileen Wuornos called Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos. The premiere airs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. If you want to tune in, you don’t need a cable subscription. You can sign up for a free trial to DirecTV or Philo instead.
There’s also the option of joining Sling or Hulu + Live TV, which, at the time of this writing, are not offering free trials but do come with distinct plans, discounts, and even day passes.
This documentary is a little different from what the network has done in the past, as it uses AI tools to make actress Morag Peacock resemble Wuornos. In a quote to The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Stephen Dost said this use of AI in the post-production stage is “a first for the industry.”
At a Glance: How to Watch Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos Online
- Channel: Investigation Discovery (ID)
- Date, time: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET
- Stream: DirecTV, Philo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
In addition to this notable detail, the documentary will explore everything from Wuornos’ upbringing to her murders and her mindset at the time and after the crimes took place.
Who Is Aileen Wuornos, Serial Killer?
Wuornos was convicted of killing seven men between 1989 and 1990 while working as a sex worker in Florida. In 1992, she was sentenced to death by the state and was later executed by lethal injection in 2002.
This comes as another female murderer case is making headlines. Tennessee-based Christa Pike was supposed to be executed today for the murder of her friend in 1995, but an hour before it was scheduled to occur, the execution was paused.
Where to Watch Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos Documentary Online for Free Without Cable
This isn’t the first media piece about Wuornos’ life; there was the 2003 film Monster, which starred Charlize Theron, and most recently, the new Netflix series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, which features a sub-plot about Wuornos (played by Sarah Paulson).
Below, we break down the best streaming services to watch Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos.
Editor’s pick
DirecTV
You can get access to Investigation Discovery through several of DirecTV’s Signature packages, including Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. Most importantly, each package comes with a five-day free trial. After the trial, plans start at $89.99 per month.
flexible plans
Philo
Our editors consider Philo one of the strongest options for watching Investigation Discovery, thanks in part to its seven-day free trial — the longest option on this list. That gives you extra time to catch up on additional true crime series after you finish this new release. Plans start at $25 per month after the trial.
Long-term option
Sling
Investigation Discovery is included with Sling Blue and Orange + Blue. While the service doesn’t offer a free trial, it does give you access to other popular networks, including TBS, Fox, and NBC. Plans start at $45.99 per month.
Stacked on-demand library
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV makes it easy to stream Investigation Discovery, and right now, the service is offering 50% off for one month, bringing the cost down to $49.99. You’ll also get access to Disney+ and ESPN, making this a convenient option if you’re looking to replace cable once and for all.
Where and How Can I Watch Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos Documentary for Free?
Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos premieres tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. ET. The three-hour documentary event airs on Investigation Discovery, and you can watch it with a free DirecTV trial.
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