Netflix's Michael Jackson: The Verdict documentary confirms release date with first-look trailer at courtroom dissection
It will follow the events of Jackson's 2005 trial.
Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images
- Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
Published: Friday, 22 May 2026 at 11:33 am
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A first-look trailer has dropped for Netflix's new docuseries about Michael Jackson's court case and trial as the release date is confirmed.
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The three-part documentary, entitled Michael Jackson: The Verdict, will be released on Wednesday 3 June 2026 on Netflix.
It follows the 2005 criminal trial People v Jackson and is told by key players who were inside the courtroom.
Jackson was charged with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. He denied all accusations and was acquitted on all counts.
The trailer begins with the sound of sirens and real footage of police searching Jackson's property with snippets of broadcast news reports from the time.
A voice from someone present in the courtroom then says: "He’s the most famous man in the world being accused of the most heinous crime in the world."
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The trailer continues with clips of the events that followed, aftermath of the court case and interview snippets from those involved, including his lawyers and a member of the jury.
The two-minute, 30-second video concludes with a clip of Jackson himself speaking to the camera and saying: "Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court."
Michael Jackson: The Verdict is not the first documentary to be made about Jackson's court case, with Channel 4 this year also releasing their own documentary about the events of the trial entitled Michael Jackson: The Trial.
The renewed interest in the court case comes after the recently released biopic film Michael was a huge box office success, despite negative reviews from critics.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael.Glen Wilson
Following its first weekend of release, the film launched with $97 million in the US and $217 million globally, breaking the box office record for a musical biopic debut – which had previously been held by Bohemian Rhapsody.
The movie, which features Michael's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, charts the life and legacy of the late musician from his early beginnings as a member of the Jackson 5 through to his 1987 Bad tour.
However, the movie abruptly comes to a close in 1988 leaving two decades of his life and career yet to be brought to life on the screen, including his legal troubles. It is currently unclear whether there will be a follow-up to the movie exploring Jackson's later life.
Watch trailer
Michael Jackson: The Verdict will be released on Wednesday 3 June 2026 on Netflix.
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Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
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