Netflix’s New 3-Part True Crime Series Is Already One Of Its Best To Binge

Published Jun 3, 2026, 5:25 PM EDT

Greg is a Lead TV Writer & Critic at Screen Rant with expertise in new streaming releases. He's published over 2800 articles at SR, including weekly recommendation guides and dozens of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. He previously worked in Development at ABC Television & Lawrence Bender Productions.

Greg majored in Film Production at Chapman University's Dodge College. Greg also has years of broadcast TV production experience at major networks such as NBC, TNT, and ESPN. He currently lives in Greater Boston.

Michael Jackson: The Verdict Is Now Streaming On Netflix

Michael Jackson: The Verdict is now streaming on Netflix, joining the likes of HBO's Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult and Instadocs: Alex Murdaugh Unconvicted, which is currently the #1 Netflix show in the United States, as new true crime releases this week. As one of the best shows to watch on Netflix right now, Michael Jackson: The Verdict consists of only three episodes, all between 46 and 55 minutes long, and has a total movie-length runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes. Due to Jackson's continued and enormous celebrity status, it should be one of, if not the, most-watched new Netflix show this week.

The first episode of Michael Jackson: The Verdict examines the widespread media frenzy that occurred in 2003 after the aforementioned TV interview, as well as the subsequent investigation into Jackson's alleged relationship with one young boy. Among those interviewed in the new Netflix docuseries are Brian Oxman, the Jackson Family's attorney; J. Randy Taraborrelli, Michal Jackson's biographer; journalist Martin Bashir, who interviewed Jackson in the groundbreaking Living With Michael Jackson documentary; investigative journalist Diane Dimond; Raymone Bain, Jackson's publicist; and prosecutor Ron Zonen.

Michael Jackson: The Verdict episode 2 fast-forwards to the start of the notorious trial in 2005, which was notably not documented on any camera or audio devices, as all such electronics were banned by Judge Rodney Melville. However, that didn't stop the media frenzy from occurring outside the courtroom in Santa Maria, California, which mostly captured the often chaotic support Jackson received from hundreds of his most devoted fans. Episode 3 covers the aftermath of the trial after Jackson was found not guilty on all counts.

Netflix's New 3-Part True Crime Doc Is One Of Its Best To Binge

Jen Lowery/startraksphoto.com

Although Michael Jackson: The Verdict was just released on Wednesday, June 3, it's already considered one of the best true crime documentaries to binge on Netflix due to its short episode count and brief runtime. The best way to watch all three episodes of Michael Jackson: The Verdict is back-to-back-to-back to get the complete picture all at once. Once viewers press play on this new Netflix series, they will likely find it hard to stop watching, as its subject matter is so naturally riveting and the production value clearly well-executed.

The timing of Michael Jackson: The Verdict's release on Netflix does not appear to be coincidental, as the biopic Michael is still showing in theaters around the world. Michael, which earned a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 97% and is the second highest-grossing movie of 2026 so far, raking in more than $851 million worldwide, showcases the early life and career of the pop singer, while the Netflix docuseries chronicles the tumultuous years toward the end of his life. With all this in mind, consider Michael Jackson: The Verdict a must-watch on Netflix this week.

Release Date July 23, 2017

Episode Number 2

Season The Jury Speaks - Season 1

Runtime 43 minutes