Featured Image Credit: CNN/Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Topics: Documentaries, Entertainment, Film and TV, Netflix, US News, Social Media
Ellie Kemp
Topics: Documentaries, Entertainment, Film and TV, Netflix, US News, Social Media
Netflix has angered its subscribers after failing to release a documentary about the killing of Osama bin Laden on Monday (March 10).
The new three-part series, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, was due to examine the US' efforts to successfully capture the infamous al-Qaeda co-founder.
Bin Laden was shot and killed by a team of US Navy SEALS on May 2, 2011 at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The Netflix documentary was to offer an in-depth look at how the assassination was pulled off, and reportedly features interviews with key government figures who helped in the global chase.
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However, subscribers hoping to tune into the show yesterday were surprised to find the documentary had not actually released - and there's been no word from Netflix, either.
The streamer had previously advertised a March 10 release date.
Subscribers have since taken to social media to demand answers and theorize exactly why the drop appears to be delayed.
Some have gone as far as to cancel their subscriptions over the incident.
Posting to X, formerly Twitter, one person said: "I have canceled my Netflix subscription. This is the last time Netflix lies about releasing a show for me", adding: "American Manhunt Osama Bin Laden was supposed to be my binge show for the day."
A second threatened: "Netflix count your f*****g DAYS!! We want the bin Laden documentary now, when it was advertised!!!"
A third wrote: "Paying a ridiculous amount of money to watch the bin Laden doc on Netflix, just for it not to be uploaded smh. Refund?"
In a YouTube video, entertainment journalist Rama’s Screen claims he asked Netflix what was happening with American Manhunt's release, and the streamer 'promptly' replied saying they’re rescheduling the release date for another date, which is yet to be determined.
This is why the documentary still says it's ‘coming soon' on our Netflix accounts.
People reckoned there could be a number of reasons behind the show's delay.
Some pointed out that the documentary was due to release in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan, which this year runs from Friday February 28 until Sunday March 30.
Realizing this, one person wrote on X: "Nooooo this is vile...Netflix is releasing a new documentary about Osama bin Laden… during Ramadan! What’s with this choice?"
Others pointed out that March 10 is bin Laden's birthday - he was born in Saudi Arabia in 1957, making him 54 years old when he was killed.
"Have you only just realized it's bin Laden's birthday and that's why you've canceled the release?" one curious fan asked Netflix.
Despite the theories, the reasons explored above are unfounded, and Netflix is yet to address why the release has been delayed.
A new date is also yet to be confirmed, meaning fans will have to keep waiting for any news.
UNILAD has contacted Netflix for comment.