I’ve watched so many documentaries about the late O.J. Simpson through the years that I’ve actually misplaced depend of what number of hours I’ve spent going by the “Trial of the Century.” A lot in order that I satisfied myself that I didn’t want one other sequence in regards to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer/actor/homicide suspect, who was discovered not responsible of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her pal, Ron Goldman, greater than 30 years in the past. However then Netflix needed to go and drop American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson.
Early on the 2025 TV schedule, the four-part docuseries in regards to the life, instances, and alleged crimes of Simpson was launched for anybody with a Netflix subscription, which means that numerous viewers (together with those that have thought they didn’t want one other documentary on the 1994 double-murder) may watch all of it unfold. I didn’t want to look at it, however I ended up binging the 2025 Netflix authentic sequence. Listed here are a few of my ideas on one of many hottest reveals of the 12 months to date.
I Grew Up In The Time Of The OJ Simpson ‘Trial Of The Century’ And Have Watched Numerous Documentaries About The Case
I used to be between the ages of six and 7 when all of the O.J. Simpson stuff was happening and have vivid recollections of watching every thing from the notorious low-speed chase within the white Ford Bronco to dashing to a trip rental so my dad may watch his arraignment and the numerous clips from the precise “Trial of the Century.”
Within the practically 30 years since Simpson’s acquittal, I’ve watched method too many documentaries, motion pictures, specials, and TV reveals about Simpson, his alleged crimes, and every thing that adopted the tragic and brutal deaths of his ex-wife and her younger pal. Although the late soccer star didn’t take care of it, I used to be an enormous fan of American Crime Story: The Folks v. O.J. Simpson. And I used to be a good larger fan of Ezra Edelman’s Academy Award-winning documentary, O.J.: Made in America, which I nonetheless take into account the very best of the very best relating to the topic.
All of that is to say that I do know method an excessive amount of in regards to the case, all the key gamers, the assorted theories, and the entire episode’s place in American popular culture and historical past basically.
Regardless of Not Actually Masking New Floor, American Manhunt Presents The Case In Nice Element And With Nice Fashion
Earlier than I pressed play on American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson, I had a sense the true crime sequence, regardless of being round 5 hours lengthy, wouldn’t actually be masking any new floor. I imply, how may it, except some bodily proof was discovered after being misplaced for 30-plus years or somebody got here ahead with some new (and substantiated data)? My guess occurred to be the case, which is completely fantastic, as a result of it’s nonetheless fascinating in any case these years and varied chronicles of the June 12 murders and every thing that adopted.
Whereas it doesn’t actually deliver something new to the desk, the four-parter explores the case in nice element and with nice model, which actually makes it each an enlightening and entertaining exploration of the most important courtroom case of my lifetime, and maybe of all time. With every episode spending 60-plus minutes (the finale is 92 minutes) breaking down the evening of the crime, the chase, the trial, and the decision, there’s loads to unpack, and the documentary does it very nicely.
I Did Like How The Docuseries Focuses On How Errors And Dangerous Selections Can Add Up
One factor I did actually like about American Manhunt was the way it centered a number of time on how small errors and unhealthy choices can add up. That is very true relating to the homicide investigation and the way errors and choices made by detectives ended up stopping key proof or witnesses from being permitted through the practically one-year jury trial. Blood samples not entered into proof, forensic specialists unintentionally touching gadgets discovered on the crime scene, and so forth all led to huge issues afterward.
The documentary doesn’t level the blame at anybody specifically relating to this, nevertheless it does allude to the truth that the protection’s demand for a speedy trial compelled the prosecution to hurry by the prep, which may have led to much more errors alongside the best way. Once more, that is nothing new, however the best way it’s offered was actually fascinating to look at.
American Manhunt Did not Change The Method I Thought About The OJ Simpson Case, However That is Okay
Since American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson doesn’t current any new proof (even a few of the stuff mentioned in interviews are issues I’ve heard earlier than), it didn’t change the best way I believed in regards to the case. I’ll admit that I’m completely fantastic with this and I didn’t go into the documentary hoping for brand spanking new discoveries or to have my understanding of the case change in any method. However I could possibly be within the minority right here, and another person may end watching the bingable Netflix sequence with a complete new understanding of the saga.
If You have By no means Watched An OJ Simpson Documentary, American Manhunt Is A Nice Place To Begin
I actually assume that American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson is the proper choice for somebody who hasn’t watched something in regards to the “Trial of the Century” and needs to have a crash course. It has an ideal presentation, an amazing tempo, and is essentially the most accessible. Perhaps that’s why it’s been sitting atop the High 10 ever since arriving on Netflix in January 2025.
Positive, O.J.: Made in America continues to be the very best documentary about Simpson’s life and legacy, however that almost eight-hour movie is about a lot extra than simply the 1994 murders that can endlessly be tied to his identify and spends a big chunk of its runtime tackling social points. This isn’t to say that American Manhunt shies away from such points and the way they could or might not have contributed to Simpson’s acquittal, nevertheless it’s extra centered on the double-murder than anything.
All of that is to say that I’m actually glad that I watched American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson as a substitute of appearing like I had seen and heard every thing that has been mentioned in regards to the case. For those who’re on the fence, it’s time nicely spent.