Two decades after the media circus in Santa Maria, California, Netflix is heading back inside the courtroom. The streaming giant has officially announced a new three-part docuseries, Michael Jackson: The Verdict, set to premiere on June 3.
This deep dive into the 2005 child molestation trial, which famously ended in a total acquittal on all counts, arrives at a time when “MJ-mania” is reaching its highest peak in years.
The announcement follows the massive theatrical success of Lionsgate’s biopic, Michael, which recently moonwalked back to the #1 spot at the domestic box office. After just four weeks in theaters, the film has grossed an impressive $283 million domestically and has officially crossed the $706 million mark worldwide.
Industry experts expect this global momentum to surge even further as the biopic prepares for its highly anticipated opening in Japan on June 12. With Japan historically being one of Jackson’s most dedicated fanbases, the release is predicted to trigger another massive wave of box office revenue and renewed interest in his complex life story.
While the biopic offers a cinematic look at the King of Pop’s life, the Netflix docuseries aims to peel back the curtain on the gritty reality of his 14-week legal battle. Produced by executive producers like James Goldston and David Herman, the series moves beyond the tabloid noise to examine the specific legal strategies and archival footage that defined the 2005 proceedings.
The three-part series will feature fresh accounts from those inside the courtroom, including legal experts and journalists who witnessed the defense’s successful effort to secure “not guilty” verdicts on all 14 counts.
Michael Jackson: The Verdict begins streaming on Netflix on June 3rd. Check out the trailer.
