Leaving Neverland: Season 1

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 26 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 295 Ratings

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5.2

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5.2	Your Score
5.2	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 295 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

HBO | Season Premiere Date: March 3, 2019

Summary: Director Dan Reed's two-part documentary features interviews with Wade Robson and James Safechuck as well as their families as they discuss how the then two pre-teen boys were befriended by Michael Jackson.

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

Season 1 Episodes

No episode information is currently available for this season

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Hank Stuever

Feb 28, 2019

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

Brian Lowry

Feb 22, 2019

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

Matthew Gilbert

Feb 28, 2019

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

Richard Roeper

Feb 27, 2019

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

The Independent Ed Cumming

Jan 3, 2020

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

RogerEbert.com Brian Tallerico

Mar 1, 2019

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

Chris Barsanti

Feb 28, 2019

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

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User Score

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5.2

User Reviews

SnowProblemo

Mar 3, 2019

Surprised how many people still work for Michael Jackson, protecting an obvious pedophile on this website. There's been nobody in the history of fame who has been able to sleep with children and con his way out with a soft voice and innocent behavior. Imagine any other celebrity (especiallySurprised how many people still work for Michael Jackson, protecting an obvious pedophile on this website. There's been nobody in the history of fame who has been able to sleep with children and con his way out with a soft voice and innocent behavior. Imagine any other celebrity (especially nowadays) who invites a 5 year old on stage and then 2 years later for a sleep over. He was a great singer and performer but a very sick and twisted person. If cell phones were out in the 80s Michael would still be alive...just in prison for child abuse and rape. True story.… Expand

37 of 96 users found this helpful3759

Enviro3

Mar 11, 2019

Interesting documentary showcasing the inappropriate behavior of Michael Jackson. Did he molest? We may never know. Did he sleep in beds with young boys alone? Yes, and that's wildly gross and inappropriate behavior. Grown men: please don't sleep in bed with someone else's child.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

frey290

Mar 4, 2019

A powerful, heartbreaking documentary. It's well made, and well worth watching.

12 of 30 users found this helpful1218

Martinos

Mar 19, 2019

A lesson on how propaganda and slander work even in a world where the claims and allegations are easily disproven.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

PedroH5523

Mar 8, 2019

Pure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was andPure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fake accusations, using fake and graphic testimonies from two so-called victims, don't believe in this lies!!!… Expand

13 of 23 users found this helpful1310

Forzamilan

Mar 3, 2019

I went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something likeI went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemed realistic and true. After that it went downhill. The allegations was some ridiculous. Some badly how do I say this.. it was like they where reading of a script. As if it was not there own words. Very sloppy. I expect better for HBO since they have done some fine television over the years. This felt more like a cash grab than a real documentary.
Summary: Not what I expected, but still not surprised… Expand

39 of 73 users found this helpful3934

commodore128

Mar 4, 2019

Here are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping hisHere are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping his phone and found absolutely nothing. This is nothing but a cynical cash grab and it the worst thing I have ever had the displeasure to watch.… Expand

24 of 44 users found this helpful2420

SEE ALL 85 REVIEWS

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