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Leaving Neverland

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 26 Critic Reviews

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84

USER SCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 65 Ratings

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3.2

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3.2	Your Score
3.2	User Score Generally unfavorable reviews based on 65 Ratings

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Leaving Neverland

Series Details & Credits

HBO | Release Date: March 3, 2019

Summary: Director Dan Reed's controversial two-part documentary about the accusations of sexual abuse by Michael Jackson features interviews by two of his accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who are now in their 30s, as well as their families.

Genre(s): Movie/Mini-Series, Documentary, Music

Recent Episodes

No episode information is currently available for this season

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Metascore

84

Positive:

26

Mixed:

0

Negative:

0

Critic Reviews

100

Washington Post

Hank Stuever

Feb 28, 2019

Season 1 Review: The details are still appalling, but what we see and hear in Dan Reed’s riveting and sharply convincing four-hour documentary, “Leaving Neverland” (airing in two parts Sunday and Monday on HBO), supplies the viewer with an unexpected measure of calm. Even the outrage feels at last like the real deal, instead of the manufactured byproduct of tabloids and TMZ. Read full review

90

CNN

Brian Lowry

Feb 22, 2019

Season 1 Review: Leaving Neverland possesses another layer of relevance in methodically tackling the King of Pop, and a musical legacy that has long since been at the very least clouded, and for many, forever tarnished. Read full review

90

Boston Globe

Matthew Gilbert

Feb 28, 2019

Season 1 Review: Leaving Neverland is not a particularly imaginative documentary, in that it sticks to a straightforward narrative, and, in its empathetic approach, doesn’t bother trying to include views from “the other side.” But ... It’s a shattering, unforgettable piece of work that will change forever the way I hear Jackson’s music. Read full review

80

Chicago Sun-Times

Richard Roeper

Feb 27, 2019

Season 1 Review: At times Leaving Neverland feels more like a deposition than a documentary, given we’re hearing from only one side, again and again. But Lord does that side present a convincing case. Read full review

80

The Independent Ed Cumming

Jan 3, 2020

Season 1 Review: For all its gripping testimony, Leaving Neverland is not a great documentary. It is too long, for one. ... None of this diminishes the power of the interviews, which show how much damage Jackson did and continues to do, 10 years after his death. Read full review

75

RogerEbert.com Brian Tallerico

Mar 1, 2019

Season 1 Review: As Robson’s sister says, “I’m not taking anything from Michael’s talent as a superstar, but, as a man, as a human being, he’s hurt people. And those people that he’s hurt should have a chance to talk about it and they should be allowed to be OK.” It’s impossible to argue with her. Read full review

63

Slant Magazine

Chris Barsanti

Feb 28, 2019

Season 1 Review: It’s a harrowing account that doesn’t turn away from the brutal realities of what the men describe as meticulously plotted seduction and rape. Read full review

SEE ALL 26 REVIEWS

Write a Review

3.2

Mixed:

0

User Reviews

10

marioinspace

Oct 14, 2020

This is a fascinating documentary which explores child grooming and abuse, and how they can happen without anyone intervening.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

10

Eliina

Dec 6, 2019

Powerful documentary, from the perspectives of two brave men and their families.

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

7

ajzeg01

Sep 21, 2019

This is a very well-made documentary about a very heavy and disturbing subject. It is about how Michael Jackson allegedly groomed and molested young boys. It is really well put together with tons of archival photos and footage. Anyone who asks where the evidence is should actually watch theThis is a very well-made documentary about a very heavy and disturbing subject. It is about how Michael Jackson allegedly groomed and molested young boys. It is really well put together with tons of archival photos and footage. Anyone who asks where the evidence is should actually watch the documentary. There is tons of evidence. The interviews were all framed in an intimate and interesting way and it shows a perspective that we haven’t really seen before when it comes to Jackson, the perspective of the victims. Even if you think he is innocent, this is a must-watch for anyone who wants to have meaningful conversations about the film itself and child abuse in general, which is what the movie is about at its core. If you want to watch it, it is on HBO. Just make sure to put an afternoon aside if you’re going to watch it. It is 4 hours long. 5 hours long with the talkback and panel discussion with Oprah. It’s a hard watch with a lot of graphic details, but an important one.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

0

PersianImm0rtal

May 12, 2023

This film is a softcore erotic pedo-fantasy. Absolutely disgusting trash, and to top it off it is 100% fake. Fake "documentary" that has been debunked 100 different ways. Also it is RACIST.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

0

acemax

Mar 26, 2020

Horrible make believe film. I can't imagine any sane and intelligent person to fall for this ridiculous fantasy

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

0

BhavyaVS

Sep 15, 2019

A poorly edited movie.
It's supposed to be a documentary on grooming children leading to their sexual abuse. But it's very clear that the two men in the movie are holding their laughter and consistently lying throughout the movie, thus mocking the real victims. Avoid this one sided hit jobA poorly edited movie.
It's supposed to be a documentary on grooming children leading to their sexual abuse. But it's very clear that the two men in the movie are holding their laughter and consistently lying throughout the movie, thus mocking the real victims. Avoid this one sided hit job on an innocent black man and watch open secret documentary instead, which exposes real pedophiles in Hollywood. Media tries to hide this and protect Hollywood predators.… Expand

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

0

TonyTheSonyPony

Jul 15, 2020

I love documentaries when they show both sides of a story. This is presented so poorly and without even giving the viewer the opportunity to think objectively.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

SEE ALL 18 REVIEWS

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Seasons & Episodes

84

Series Overview
Season 1

84
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: March 3, 2019
- No episode information is currently available for this season