FX's The People v. O.J. Simpson caught fire this year, thanks in large part to deft performances by its lead cast and a trial that remains a captivating subject more than 20 years after that legendary “not guilty” verdict was read in a Los Angeles courtroom.
Now, ESPN is following up on that much-talked-about series (as well as Esquire's 12-part documentary on the trial) with a new five-part, seven-hour 30 for 30 special that broadens the scope to explore “O.J.”s life and how race and his pursuit of celebrity shaped it … while at the same time documenting the racial dynamics of L.A. and the relationship between its police force and black citizens – a relationship thrust front and center into the discussion of the murders, and one that proved a vital determinant in the outcome of the trial,” according to director Ezra Edelman in an interview with Entertainment Weekly (via Jezebel). And based on the first trailer, it looks absolutely enthralling. Talk about a great opening — the first 10 seconds of this spot are absolutely gripping:
Confession: I am a bona fide documentary junkie, and O.J.: Made in America is right in my wheelhouse. The film debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival and has been hailed by critics as a “rich and provocative triumph” and a “marvelous, gripping true crime documentary,” among other superlatives. I appreciate that it offers a deeper dive into a subject that remains endlessly fascinating and goes far beyond the bounds of that L.A. courtroom into some very rich thematic territory.
O.J.: Made in America premieres June 11.