Few historical events resonate through modern culture quite like the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Netflix’s latest docuseries, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, catapults that pivotal moment back into the spotlight—and audiences are watching in record numbers. Within its first five days after debuting on May 14, 2025, the series tallied an impressive 12.6 million views, quickly climbing to the top of Netflix’s global charts and reaffirming the world’s enduring fascination with one of history’s most consequential manhunts.
Directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, with production by industry veterans Aaron L. Ginsburg and William Green, American Manhunt combines rare archival footage, exclusive CIA interviews, and meticulous dramatic recreations. The result is an intense, often harrowing portrait of the years-long pursuit of Osama bin Laden, the orchestrator of 9/11. Importantly, the series is driven not by actors, but by the very intelligence professionals who lived this high-stakes history: Tracy Walder (CIA counterterrorism operator), Cindy Storer (CIA analyst), Gary Berntsen (field commander), along with Hank Crumpton, J. Cofer Black, and Michael Morell, among others. Their candid recollections lend authenticity and emotional weight, offering a rare window into the operational and psychological toll of the manhunt.
Critical response has been swift and strong, if not entirely unanimous. On Rotten Tomatoes, the docuseries boasts a perfect 100% Tomatometer from critics (albeit only five at the time of writing), while the audience score sits at a more reserved 57%. IMDb users rate the series at 7.7/10 from over 2,400 ratings. Reviewers have praised its “captivating, intelligent, and deeply human” storytelling, as well as its ability to make complex intelligence work accessible without sacrificing suspense. The editing and pacing have drawn particular applause, with many noting the emotional resonance of the personal testimonies. Still, some critics point out the series’ unapologetically American perspective—a choice that offers fresh insider insights, but can also limit the narrative’s global scope.
What truly sets American Manhunt apart is its willingness to humanize the intelligence community. Rather than focusing solely on operational milestones, the series delves into the lasting psychological impact on those involved, exploring themes of trauma, duty, and public expectation. This approach distinguishes it from more sensationalist true-crime fare, offering a thoughtful meditation on the costs of history-making events.
While the series’ American-centric lens provides a gripping inside-out perspective on a defining chapter of U.S. and world history, it offers less in terms of broader geopolitical context. For viewers seeking a comprehensive, global analysis, American Manhunt serves as an engrossing starting point—but not the definitive account. Still, for gaming audiences intrigued by stories of strategy, teamwork, and real-world stakes, this docuseries delivers a masterclass in tension and resolve. Ultimately, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden stands as a powerful reminder of the events that have shaped the 21st century—both on screen and far beyond.