This TV show delves into the chilling true story of a West Virginia teenager whose disappearance led to the shocking revelation of betrayal by her two closest friends.

The Hulu docuseries Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese (Review) meticulously chronicles the disturbing true events surrounding the disappearance and tragic death of 16-year-old Skylar Neese from Star City, West Virginia, in July 2012. Initially treated as a runaway case, the investigation took a shocking turn when it was revealed that Skylar had been murdered by her two closest friends, Rachel Shoaf and Shelia Eddy. This horrifying act of betrayal, planned weeks in advance, sent shockwaves through their community and captivated national attention.

The series delves into the emotional intensity of adolescence (Review), capturing the pressures of growing up in the digital age and the devastating consequences when friendships turn to hate. It draws upon social media posts, intimate interviews with Skylar's parents and peers, and even Skylar's own words from her journals to tell the story from an "inside-out" perspective, giving a voice to the victim and those closest to her. The show highlights how Shoaf and Eddy maintained a facade of grieving friends, actively participating in search efforts for months, before Shoaf eventually confessed to the crime, leading authorities to Skylar's remains.

The case also led to significant legislative change in West Virginia. Because authorities initially considered Skylar a runaway, an Amber Alert was not immediately issued. In response, "Skylar's Law" was passed in 2013, expanding the criteria for issuing Amber Alerts to include any missing child deemed in danger, not just those believed to be abducted. This ensures that other families facing similar tragedies might receive quicker assistance in their search for a missing child. The docuseries serves as both an intriguing true crime account and a cautionary tale about the complexities of teenage relationships and the hidden dangers that can lurk within them.