? The OJ Simpson trial gets another moment in the limelight. Netflix’s new four-part docu-series American Manhunt: OJ Simpson is the latest in a long line of film and TV accounts of one of the most famous criminal trials in US history — offering a new generation of viewers a deeper look at a key ‘90s pop culture moment.

Netflix’s take focuses on procedure over publicity: Like its predecessors, this show dissects the murders of Simpson’s wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994, and the trial that let OJ Simpson walk free despite overwhelming evidence against him. This particular rendition hones in on the little missteps that shaped the jury’s decision, particularly the crucial evidence that was either ignored or mishandled.

The docu-series leans on archival materials and interviews with investigators, legal experts, and key figures in the trial to drive its points home. The show's ultimate takeaway is that disorganized and unprepared law enforcement officials and prosecution were responsible for the defense’s ability to shift the focus from the actual murders to the LAPD’s credibility.

The scope of the series is somewhat limited. Many of the case’s key figures are deceased — including OJ Simspon himself — which means that the documentary largely relies on material that has been presented previously.

Worth the watch? For those that are already familiar with the details of the case, this docu-series is unlikely to offer up anything you haven’t heard before. Still, for Gen-Zers who weren’t around for the original case — or its re-litigation in the 2000s and 2010s — this series provides a tight and watchable presentation of one of the most explosive scandals of the last three decades.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the docu-series on Netflix or catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:27).

Tags: