The Hunting Wives Ending Explained
In the final, high-stakes episode of The Hunting Wives, all secrets come to light. Sophie O’Neil, the outsider-turned-insider, discovers the deeply buried truths behind Abby’s murder, the complicated web of affairs, and a community eager to protect its own.
The season concludes not with justice, but with a deep sense of disillusionment. Sophie, after a harrowing confrontation, finds herself implicated in Margo's world and is forced to face the consequences of both her actions and those around her.
The unresolved trauma, betrayals, and hidden loyalties linger well beyond the series’ shocking climax.
Who Killed Abby?
The murder of Abby Jackson is the series’ central mystery. Early suspicions fall on Jill and then Sophie—whose own gun was used—but the real killer turns out to be Margo Banks.
Margo, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, shot Abby after a confrontation. Abby had uncovered Margo's secret affair with Brad (Jill's son), and knew about her pregnancy and subsequent abortion.
These revelations threatened to unravel Margo’s carefully constructed life, especially amid her husband's bid for governor.
Jill is initially arrested and blamed, but Sophie’s investigation and intuition eventually expose Margo. It is also revealed that Margo's brother, Kyle, disposed of Abby’s body, further complicating the web of deceit.
Major Spoilers & Twists
Affairs and Betrayals: Margo, the glittering leader of the Hunting Wives, engages in a dangerous affair with Brad and simultaneously with Sophie.
Weapon Frame-up: Sophie's gun is used for the murder, drawing suspicion upon her and incriminating evidence nearly ensures her downfall.
Jill’s False Arrest: Jill takes the blame after being framed with Abby's phone, but is later cleared when Sophie uncovers the truth.
Cover-ups: Margo's father, the local doctor, aids in the cover-up and provides an alibi, representing generational complicity in the town’s dark secrets.
Sophie’s Transformation: The most poignant twist is Sophie's arc; she becomes increasingly mired in moral gray areas, ultimately participating in the cover-up of another death after a fatal encounter with Kyle, Margo’s brother.
What Did Sophie Do in The Hunting Wives?
Sophie O’Neil is initially portrayed as a well-meaning but restless outsider, seeking excitement after relocating from Boston to Texas. Over the course of the series, her fascination with Margo and the seductive world of the Hunting Wives draws her into a spiral of reckless decisions:
- She has an affair with Margo, which drives a wedge into her already fragile marriage.
- Sophie is implicated in Abby’s murder after it’s revealed her gun was used.
- Driven by guilt, loyalty, and self-preservation, she investigates Abby’s death, ultimately exposing Margo as the real killer.
- In the season’s climax, Sophie’s panic and fear lead to a fatal incident with Kyle. Rather than reporting it, she covers up his death—a move that signals her full descent into the moral labyrinth of Maple Brook.
Does Margo Go to Jail?
Margo does not go to jail in the season finale. Despite her confession to Sophie, she is never prosecuted. The case is officially closed with Jill—who has already been killed in a confrontation—as the scapegoat.
Margo’s social standing is shattered, her power gone, but legally, she faces no consequences by the end of Season 1.
Cast of The Hunting Wives
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Malin Akerman | Margo Banks |
| Brittany Snow | Sophie O’Neil |
| Dermot Mulroney | Jed Banks |
| Evan Jonigkeit | Graham O’Neil |
| Jaime Ray Newman | Callie |
| Katie Lowes | Jill |
| Chrissy Metz | Starr |
| George Ferrier | Brad |
| Madison Wolfe | Abby |
| Michael Aaron Milligan | Kyle |
The Hunting Wives
Created by Rebecca Cutter, The Hunting Wives explores themes of obsession, power, and deceit. The series follows Sophie O’Neil, who relocates to East Texas with her family and becomes drawn into the world of the Hunting Wives, a group of affluent women led by Margo Banks.
As Sophie becomes more involved, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel her life.
The show has been compared to Big Little Lies, offering a mix of suspense, drama, and intrigue set against the backdrop of Southern high society.
Where to Watch?
All eight episodes of The Hunting Wives are available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S. The series was originally developed for Starz but found a home on Netflix, where it premiered on July 21, 2025.
FAQ
Who really killed Abby in The Hunting Wives?
Margo Banks was the real killer, shooting Abby during a confrontation about her affair and pregnancy. Margo’s brother helped cover it up.
Why was Jill arrested?
Jill was framed through the placement of Abby’s phone at her house and was initially suspected because of her contentious relationship with her son’s girlfriend.
Did Sophie commit a crime?
Sophie becomes complicit in a cover-up after accidentally killing Kyle and disposing of his body, signaling her transformation from outsider to participant in the town’s hidden darkness.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this summary of The Hunting Wives is based on publicly available plot details and may contain spoilers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the events described, the show's plot and characters are subject to interpretation and can vary depending on future episodes or seasons. Any character actions or outcomes mentioned here are based on the first season, and future developments may alter or expand upon these storylines. Always refer to the official content for the most up-to-date information.
