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Season 1 – Michael Jackson: The Verdict

Play trailer 2:19 Poster for Season 1 – Michael Jackson: The Verdict Jun 2026 Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 8% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Dissecting the trial of Michael Jackson and his complex legacy, told by key players who were inside the courtroom.
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Michael Jackson: The Verdict — Season 1

Michael Jackson: The Verdict — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Thoughtful and well-balanced, Michael Jackson: The Verdict offers one of the clearest and most comprehensive explorations of Jackson's 2005 trial and its lasting cultural impact.

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Critics Reviews

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Sam Adams Slate Jun 5
The Verdict walks viewers through the tangle of Jackson’s court case with a steady hand and clear eyes, making it essential viewing for anyone who’s curious about what Michael left out. Go to Full Review
Aramide Tinubu Variety Jun 4
When it all shakes out, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict” is an indictment of a society committed to whatever narrative made most sense to them. Two decades after the trial ended, the only innocents in all of this were the children. Go to Full Review
James Hall Daily Telegraph (UK) Jun 3
2/5
But, whether Jackson was guilty or innocent, the only thing this three-parter really proves is that the Michael Jackson industry is an endlessly churning pit of content. Go to Full Review
Carla Hay Culture Mix Jun 23
Michael Jackson: The Verdict adequately balances both sides of Michael Jackson's highly controversial 2005 trial for child sexual abuse. A few new specifics are in the documentary, but none that will change the trial outcome or change people's opinions. Go to Full Review
Jorge Rivera Rubio El Barrio de la Nueva 94FM Jun 13
3/5
Presenting both sides of the discussion, makes it clear this is a subject that will never stop giving reasons to talk. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media Jun 9
3/5
Despite featuring a few new details about what happened in the courtroom and bits of previously unseen archival footage, Michael Jackson: The Verdict doesn't offer anything that changes the overly rehashed story. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Amber M @amberdirtgirl7 Aug 2 I too crave a fair and non-biased presentation of the case. This is not it. See more Makanaka T @RT02590777 Jul 29 Horribly one sided👎👎 See more Ryan J @ryanjordan2012 Jul 25 Writing this as a Michael Jackson fan, my initial reaction was: Really? Another Netflix Documentary?, and people calling it a conspiracy against Jackson, but, I beg to differ. Yes, it was more of the same, but I forgot that it was Michael Jackson and just took it as a true crime drama about one of the greatest musical artists of all time. Netflix does have their fair share of Michael Jackson Trial Documentaries, but this is hands down my favourite. I don't like how Jackson fans defend him, I mean yes, he was found innocent, but it wasn't normal was it; inviting children to his house? Who does that? The tabloids didn't name him Wacko Jacko for nothing. His music is still a 100/100 though. See more Hope B @RT73818006 Jul 22 Terrible, one-sided, and sensationalist garbage. He was completely exonerated twenty years ago. The court of LAW decides guilt; not the court of public opinion. Stop trying to squeeze money out of a dead man. See more Jenn J @Godisgood26 Jul 16 It’s been proven they edited clips to make it look like he was guilty. The same people who were behind the neverland crap documentary is behind this. Same old story, no new evidence. They cannot stand that Michael will forever be loved no matter what nonsensical content they fabricate. See more Aleshia C @RT28987172 Jul 12 Garbage, apparently the court of law and a jury of your peers is a hypocritical joke. Michael was found innocent on all 14 counts after over ten years of investigation and wiretapping, not a shred of physical evidence was found. If you want to watch prosecution argue their incompetence and continue to argue a man found innocent by a jury of his peers is guilty watch the verdict. I on the other hand would like to have someone make a meaningful documentary about Michael’s humanitarian efforts because this has been played and replayed and I hope karma hits people. The law says if we win and you are guilty than you are guilty, if we lose then we were incompetent you are guilty. See more Read all reviews
Michael Jackson: The Verdict — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 3, 2026 Neverland Ranch, 2003. A shocking documentary ignites a PR firestorm for Michael Jackson and his inner circle, sparking scrutiny and dark allegations. Details Episode 2 Aired Jun 3, 2026 The trial begins in 2005. As press, protestors and fans swarm the courthouse, Jackson's star power and savvy defense team throw the jury into doubt. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 3, 2026 Despite damning accounts from former Neverland workers, key witnesses turn the tide in Jackson's favor — but the trial nevertheless leaves deep wounds. Details
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Season Info

Director
Nick Green
Executive Producer
James Goldston, Fiona Stourton, David Herman
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 3, 2026
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