Netflix addresses American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden delay with disappointing update
NetflixIf you were one of many Netflix users hoping to watch American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden yesterday (myself included), the streaming service has shared a disappointing update.
American Manhunt is a true crime anthology series looking at high-profile US cases, kicking off with the 2023 release on the Boston Marathon Bombing and followed by a deep dive into O.J. Simpson earlier this year.
Both chapters have received praise for their gripping pacing, use of archival footage, and expert analysis, and so when news that American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden was dropping on Netflix on Monday, March 10, there was plenty of excitement.
However, instead of appearing on the platform at the usual time, the listing simply says “Coming soon” – and now we know why.
American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden release date has changed
According to Netflix’s Technical Research, there is no official release date for this title. YouTuber Rama’s Screen spoke with a representative for the streaming service, who told him the docu-series has been rescheduled for a later date.
NetflixThe specific release date is yet to be confirmed. Over on Reddit, one user shared their conversation with a Netflix customer support adviser, which reads, “We’re aware that a lot of customers have checked on the internet that this title should be available for March 10.
“But according to our Technical Research team, there’s no official release date yet for this title: ‘American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden docuseries’.
“We advise that you check the availability of this title solely from the Netflix website only to prevent misinformation from unofficial websites.”
Meanwhile, Rama stated that he received multiple comments about the mishap after sharing his review for American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden, and so he decided to reach out to the streamer to find out what happened.
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“They came back to me saying, ‘Sorry about that Rama. Turns out we are rescheduling the premiere date for American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden,’” he said.
“So instead of today, March 10, they’re going to push it for probably another date, but a date that they have not yet determined.
“That’s why it still says ‘Coming soon’ on your Netflix account, and that’s why the screener is still on my preview content. It’s not yet released to the general public yet.”
Netflix faces backlash for schedule switch
The confusion has sparked a hefty backlash, especially after Netflix shared a now-deleted post that said the documentary series was “streaming now”. The platform’s trailer post from February still has the release date noted as March 10.
Taking to X/Twitter, one user wrote, “I have canceled my Netflix subscription. This is the last time Netflix lies about releasing a show for me. American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden was supposed to be my binge show for the day.”
“So Netflix just doesn’t release American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden and doesn’t give a single reason as to why? That’s super lame dude,” said another.
A third added, “Netflix, thanks for canceling the premiere of American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden with ZERO notice or reasoning. Your support team is useless.”
Over on Reddit, the chat is more of the same. As said by one, “Not being able to watch this is making me want to watch it more, if anyone has any updates it will help me recover from this immensely disappointing diversion in my television plans for the day.”
“This is a pathetic hit by Netflix. Don’t advertise something then make it so it’s not actually coming out on the day,” commented another.
“Most of their shows are crappy yet they take something away that we are all waiting to see. I’m sure they see how many people have set a reminder for this show. Me and my partner stayed up most of the night to see if it would come on and it didn’t.”
“I’ve been waiting weeks for this one. WTF Netflix,” wrote a third, while a fourth replied, “Yeah I’m not a conspiracy theorist but this seems weird lol. I’ve never seen a show on Netflix with a whole ass release date then they pull the rug out last minute.”
Dexerto has contacted Netflix for comment.
What is American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden about?
The new three-part Netflix documentary series from directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan centers on the search and eventual capture of the former leader of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
As stated by Netflix, the latest American Manhunt chapter features interviews with key figures in the US government who assisted in the global pursuit, promising to provide a better understanding of the decade-long intelligence operation that led to Bin Laden’s death on May 2, 2011.
By exploring both the successes and controversies of the operation, American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden aims to shed new light on the mission that changed global counterterrorism efforts forever.
While you wait, check out the new documentaries that are coming to streaming this month. You can also read about the new Rust documentary, where Ruby Franke is now, and the true story behind Toxic Town.