Netflix to Release Powerful Documentary Series on Alice in Chains Icon Layne Staley

Netflix is gearing up to release River of Deceit: The Full Layne Staley Story, a deeply moving documentary series that explores the life, music, and legacy of the late Alice in Chains frontman. Set for release in November 2025, the series promises an intimate look at one of grunge’s most haunting and influential voices.

Layne Staley rose to prominence in the early ’90s as the electrifying frontman of Alice in Chains. His emotionally raw vocals and piercing lyrics helped define the Seattle grunge movement, with classic albums like Dirt, Facelift, and Jar of Flies solidifying the band’s place in rock history. But behind the success lay a private battle with addiction and depression that tragically ended with Staley’s death in 2002 at just 34 years old.

River of Deceit aims to go beyond the headlines and the tragedy. The multi-part series will chronicle Staley’s early life, his rise to fame, and the personal struggles that ultimately overshadowed his extraordinary talent. It will feature rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and interviews with those who knew him best—including bandmates Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney, close friends, producers, and fellow musicians from the Seattle scene.

“We wanted to tell Layne’s story with honesty and heart,” said series director Alex Monroe. “His voice shaped a generation, but the man behind the mic was far more complex than most people realize.”

The documentary also shines a light on the impact Alice in Chains had on modern rock, and how Staley’s emotionally raw songwriting continues to resonate with fans around the world. Viewers can expect a candid, unfiltered look at the highs and lows of his life—an exploration of fame, addiction, and the painful beauty of vulnerability in music.

Netflix describes the series as both a tribute and a cautionary tale—a reflection on the cost of stardom and the enduring power of artistry. Fans of Alice in Chains, grunge history, and music documentaries won’t want to miss this.

River of Deceit: The Full Layne Staley Story will premiere globally on November 8, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.