Netflix’s docuseries genre focusing on significant episodes in American history has seen continued success, and its latest installment, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, has emerged as a major global hit. Despite being delayed for two months, the series has managed to capture the attention of audiences worldwide, achieving a rare 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. This milestone marks another achievement in Netflix’s longstanding tradition of producing impactful documentaries that delve into crucial historical events.
Netflix has steadily developed a reputation for creating high-quality docuseries that explore various pivotal moments in the history of the United States. Past productions such as Waco: American Apocalypse, which chronicles the 1993 Waco massacre, and Spy Ops, examining different federal government operations, have garnered widespread viewership and acclaim. These series often shine a spotlight on intense and often tragic events, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
The American Manhunt label on Netflix refers to a set of documentary series focused on notorious individuals who have been pursued by the American government in contemporary times. The series began with 2023’s American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing, which centered on the devastating 2013 terrorist attack and the subsequent manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers. This was followed by American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson in 2025, which revisited the infamous trial of the former football star. Both series examined major criminal investigations, combining expert commentary and eyewitness accounts to paint a vivid picture of how these cases unfolded.
The latest installment, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, has achieved tremendous success on the platform. The three-part series details the intense and complex search for bin Laden, primarily from the perspective of insiders at the CIA. It delves into the history and strategy behind one of the most significant manhunts in modern history, exploring the nuances of the intelligence operations that led to his eventual capture. Despite facing a delay in its release, the series has earned widespread praise. “The series holds a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes as of writing,” highlighting its critical acclaim and signaling its significance within the larger context of American docuseries.
Netflix officially announced that American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden had become the Number 1 English-language TV show on the platform for the week of May 12 to May 18, 2025. According to the platform, it amassed 38.7 million hours of viewership across a total of 12.6 million viewers. The documentary is currently in the Top 10 in 88 countries and has reached the Number 1 position in 19 of those nations. These countries include Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, the United States, Cyprus, Estonia, Malta, Portugal, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The immense popularity of this docuseries is no surprise when considering the subject matter. Osama bin Laden’s role in global terrorism and his eventual capture is one of the most consequential narratives of the 21st century. The documentary’s deep dive into the events, strategies, and intelligence work that surrounded his capture appeals to a broad global audience. “Given the pervasiveness of America’s war on terror has been for recent world history, it’s not surprising American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden is popular globally.”
The success of the series can also be attributed to its tight, concise structure. With only three episodes, the series manages to deliver all the essential information without overwhelming the viewer. This makes it easily accessible to a global audience interested in understanding the history and tactics of federal investigative operations.This is especially the case because of the experts involved in the series, making the information that shows up in the series feel like an important glimpse into the world of federal investigations.
Another factor that enhances the series’ impact is its reliance on informed voices. Interviews with CIA insiders and intelligence experts provide authenticity and credibility, turning the series into more than just a retelling of events. These perspectives give viewers an intimate look into the decision-making processes and behind-the-scenes operations that aren’t typically available to the public. It is this inside look that distinguishes the series from other historical documentaries.
Additionally, the series comes at a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to real-life crime and investigation narratives. As streaming platforms compete for attention, productions that offer depth, relevance, and a strong storytelling foundation tend to rise to the top. American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden fits this mold perfectly, bringing together history, suspense, and emotional resonance. Its position at the top of Netflix’s charts underscores the global interest in stories that examine the consequences of terrorism and the efforts made to confront it.
Netflix’s ability to market and distribute such a series effectively has also played a role in its success. With strategic release timing and global availability, the platform ensured the docuseries would receive maximum exposure. The widespread international interest demonstrates that stories rooted in American history can have universal appeal when told with clarity and authority.
The high Rotten Tomatoes rating is a testament to the series’ quality. It suggests that critics not only appreciated the storytelling and production but also recognized the importance of documenting such a significant event in global history. “Despite a delay in release, the series holds a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes as of writing,” as noted, indicating that the delay did not negatively affect the reception of the show.
All episodes of American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden are currently available for streaming on Netflix. As viewers around the world continue to engage with the series, its impact is likely to resonate beyond the screen, sparking renewed discussion on the legacy of bin Laden, the war on terror, and the evolving role of intelligence in national security. In a media landscape often dominated by fiction, Netflix’s success with this non-fiction narrative further highlights the growing appetite for real stories that shaped the world.
The success of American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden not only reinforces the popularity of historical docuseries but also signals Netflix’s continued strength in producing globally relevant, critically acclaimed content. As the platform expands its library, the American Manhunt series stands as a compelling example of how true stories, when told well, can resonate powerfully across borders and cultures.