New Docuseries Reexamines O.J. Simpson Case 30 Years Later

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Thirty years after the infamous O.J. Simpson trial captivated the nation, a new four-part docuseries, “American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson,” revisits the case that exposed deep societal fractures. Directed by Floyd Russ, the series premieres on Jan. 29 and features fresh interviews with key figures from the investigation and trial.

The 1995 trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman became a cultural phenomenon. The eight-month televised proceedings ended in a swift acquittal, sparking widespread debate about race, justice, and media influence in America.

“This is a story that has so many faces and so many elements that when you contextualize it historically, it takes on a new form every few years,” Russ told Rolling Stone. The series includes interviews with former LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman, key witness Kato Kaelin, defense attorney Carl Douglas, prosecutor Christopher Darden, and Kim Goldman, Ronald’s sister.

Russ emphasized the unique perspective brought by the passage of time. “Our interview subjects have a power to reflect in a new way with the passage of 30 years,” he said. “Their emotions have evolved, and the way they’re able to talk about it is different than they ever have before.”

The docuseries delves into the media frenzy surrounding the case, the controversial evidence, and the societal implications of the trial. It also revisits the infamous low-speed police chase, watched by 90 million people, and the jury’s one-day deliberation after an eight-month trial.

“A brutal murder, a media frenzy like no other, a chase watched by 90 million people, and a trial that uncovered things we never expected,” Russ said. “Even 30 years since the murder, it’s more relevant now than ever. There simply is no case like it in the entire history of America.”

Last year, the FBI released a trove of documents related to the case, including forensic evidence such as blood samples, fibers, and hair from the crime scene. The release came just two months after Simpson’s death from metastatic prostate cancer in April 2023 at age 76.

Russ, who previously directed the Netflix docuseries “Untold: Malice at the Palace” and “American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing,” brings his signature style to this latest project. The series promises to offer a fresh perspective on a case that continues to fascinate and provoke discussion.