Maternal Instinct – Picture Credit: Netflix
Netflix has 8 new documentaries coming our way in June 2026, including inspiring sports stories ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a 5-part documentary looking back on 250 years of American independence, and more.
Netflix is going big on documentaries in June 2026, debuting some of its biggest of the year so far, not least a 5-part in-depth analysis of 25o years of American independence in ‘The American Experiment,’ featuring interviews with Mike Pence, Hilary Clinton, and more. Beyond that, there are sports documentaries, true crime documentaries, and so on. Let’s take a tour.
Check out here for the complete overview of June 2026 releases on Netflix.
Michael Jackson: The Verdict
Coming to Netflix: June 3
The life and career of pop icon Michael Jackson is in the spotlight currently, thanks to the recent Michael biopic from Lionsgate. Naturally, Netflix is capitalizing on the rekindled interest in Michael Jackson’s life with a 3-part documentary series, Michael Jackson: The Verdict. The series takes a step aside from Jackson’s creative brilliance and instead looks to Jackson’s time in the courtroom, exploring one of the most intense and explosive legal battles in modern history. It serves as a deep dive into the child molestation charges surrounding the artist and his 2005 acquittal.
While the charges against Jackson have been well-documented over the years, this series promises the most in-depth exploration yet, featuring exclusive interviews with the key players who were actually inside the courtroom at the time. It offers viewers the chance to get a close-up of the courtroom, which until this series remained shut.
The Murder of Rachel Nickell
Coming to Netflix: June 4
On June 4, Netflix will debut the 3-part true-crime drama The Witness, which dramatizes the story behind the murder of Rachel Nickell. To go alongside this release, the streamer is releasing an accompanying documentary, The Murder of Rachel Nickell, which recounts the true events with interviews, exclusive footage, and more.
The murder of Rachel Nickell dates back to England in 1992, when 23-year-old mother Rachel Nickell was brutally stabbed to death on Wimbledon Common in London. The crime was committed in the daytime when she was walking her dog. Also by her side was her two-year-old son Alex, who was the only witness to the murder. The case garnered significant media coverage, as did the miscarriage of justice that surrounded it. During the investigation, the police narrowed their suspicions down to an innocent man, Colin Stagg, who was spied on during an undercover operation to squeeze a confession out of him. The real murderer was Robert Napper.
Plodi
Coming to Netflix: June 4
Plodi is the first of two football-based documentaries coming to Netflix in June. It chronicles the story of footballer Lukas Podolski, who was born in Poland but played football internationally for Germany, scoring 49 goals in 130 games for his nation. He is the fourth most-capped player in German history, winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup in his journey. Podolski still plays today for Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze at 40 years old. At his peak, he was one of the most sought-after players in Europe, known for his rifle of a left foot; he famously played for Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
This documentary is an intimate look into Podolski’s life and career, exploring his journey, personal growth, community work, and what’s next in his glittering career.
Norway: The Dark Horse
Coming to Netflix: June 9
The Norway national team is far from the most celebrated footballing nations, but you can’t fault their determination. After over 25 years, the nation is back at the FIFA World Cup. The new generation of Norwegian players makes them one of the most exciting nations to watch out for; look no further than goal-scoring phenomenon Erling Haaland and recent Premier League-winning captain Martin Ødegaard.
“It was incredible for us to qualify for the World Cup, especially considering how long it had been since the last time we made it,” Martin Ødegaard said in a statement. “We can also feel how much it means to many Norwegians. That’s why it’s exciting to showcase this story, the moments, the people, and the work that has gone into it. I think many will appreciate getting an inside look, and that this is the perfect series to build excitement ahead of the tournament.”
This documentary offers an inside look at Norway’s emotional journey to the World Cup, featuring interviews and exclusive footage. Is Norway truly a dark horse for this year’s FIFA World Cup? With the talent on their roster, it’s hard to completely rule them out. They play France in the group stage, presenting a massive test from the get-go.
Maternal Instinct
Coming to Netflix: June 12
Described by Netflix as a “twisted and unthinkable” criminal case, Maternal Instinct follows Taylor Parker, a young woman claiming to come from a wealthy family, who fell for Wade Griffin, a local hog trapper in a small East Texas town. Their relationship quickly blossomed into something that appeared special and wholesome. Before long, she was pregnant, and celebrating her pregnancy not only to her family, but across social media — projecting her news to the world. However, as months passed and her due date fast approached, the family began to question her pregnancy: was she really pregnant?
Maternal Instinct is directed by Jessica Dimmock (Without, Thoughts & Prayers) and produced by Joshua Levine, Samantha DeMaria, and Jon Bardin.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Season 3)
Coming to Netflix: June 16
Back for its third season, this Emmy-award-winning series catches up with the dancers and directors behind the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, aka America’s Sweethearts, chronicling their auditions through the NFL season. From their individual personalities to their instantly recognising blue and white star uniform, they are widely considered to be the most renowned cheerleading squad in the world.
“The world of DCC is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to stories to be told,” series creator Greg Whiteley told Netflix TUDUM. “I’m grateful our crew has another season to keep telling them.”
The American Experiment
Coming to Netflix: June 24
On July 4, 2026, the United States celebrates one of the biggest milestones in its history: 250 years of independence, following the official separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain in 1776. In celebration of two-and-a-half centuries of US Independence, Netflix has put together a behemoth of a documentary series. Titled The American Experiment, the series reexamines the nation’s founding, and the radical question at the center of the American Revolution: Can a people govern themselves?
It covers everything from the Revolutionary War to the drafting of the Constitution and beyond.The 5-part series is helmed by Brian Knappenberger, who’s best known for his documentaries tackling some of the most pivotal and key moments in US history, including Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror, Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War, Turning Point: The Vietnam War, and Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press.
The documentary also features exclusive interviews with dozens of political figures, not least Mike Pence and Hilary Clinton.
Chris & Martina: The Final Set
Coming to Netflix: June 26
Netflix has quite a large tennis slate for 2026, including 4-part series RAFA and the Six Kings Slam live event. Coming in June 2026 is Chris & Martina: The Final Set, a film following tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who completely defined the sport for women through their intense rivalry. It captured the attention of sports fans from around the world. Between them, they hold 36 Grand Slam singles titles and 324 top-level singles.
Directed by two-time Emmy-Winning director and producer Rebecca Gitlitz, this documentary film picks up years after their final match. Both Chris and Martina look back on their glittering careers and rivalry. It features archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access. For tennis fans, this is a must-watch
Which of these documentaries will you be watching? Tell us in the comments down below!
