When Justice Becomes Entertainment
Netflix Courtrooms have become the new coliseums, where high-profile trials play out like must-watch dramas for a global audience. Courtroom trial audiences used to be limited to legal teams and courtroom spectators. These days, they are widely accessible to millions through live streams. New to Netflix, American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson shows us why this trial is more relevant than ever, as seen in today’s true crime obsession, social media-driven courtroom coverage and the lasting impact of its key players.
The 1994 O.J. Simpson trial marked a turning point — a cultural milestone that was a defining moment for the 90s. The trial was a high-stakes drama fueled by wealth and celebrity. The O.J. Simpson trial was one of the first trials to be televised and it caused a media frenzy, captivating audiences with its blend of crime, controversy and celebrity. From live car chases and 24/7 coverage to cameras inside the courtroom, the trial’s cultural impact’s legacy is lasting. The white Bronco chase was the opening scene that introduced the trial’s characters and twists, creating a reality TV-like entertainment.
A gateway drug, catalyst and nucleus connecting many reality TV stars who we would get to know decades later – we first met Kim Kardashian’s parents through the trial. Robert Kardashian was OJ’s friend and lawyer. Kris Jenner was Nicole Brown’s best friend and discussed how the trial created division in the Kardashian family, as Jenner sat on Nicole’s side of the courtroom while her husband served on the defense team.
Courtesy of Netflix
It’s easy to forget that the OJ trial was our first bite of where crime, celebrity and reality TV intersect. Faye Resnick, another close friend of Nicole Brown Simpson, became a controversial media figure after writing a tell-all book about Nicole’s life and the abuse she endured. Her involvement in the trial and subsequent book kept her in the tabloid spotlight. Years later, Resnick would become a recurring figure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, further demonstrating how the O.J. trial’s key players transitioned into reality TV stardom.
Kim Richards, another star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was connected to the trial through her sister, Kathy Hilton (mother of Paris Hilton), who was also close to Faye Resnick. The interwoven world of socialites, celebrities, and high-profile trials demonstrated how real-life scandal and media attention could be capitalized on for entertainment.
The O.J. trial proved that audiences were eager for real-life drama with high emotional stakes, unscripted twists and a cast of compelling, larger-than-life figures. News networks learned that dramatized storytelling kept viewers engaged, paving the way for reality TV’s dominance in the 2000s. Shows like The Osbournes, The Simple Life and Keeping Up with the Kardashians capitalized on this appetite for intimate access to the lives of the famous and infamous.
In 2022, we saw the courtroom move from TV screens to social media feeds. The defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard played out in real-time, with people dissecting every gesture and legal argument, some even posting minute-by-minute play-by-play. This shifted viewers from watchers to active participants, creating breakdown videos, debating credibility and influencing public opinion. Social media platforms became extensions of the courtroom, where debates about guilt, innocence and character were discussed in the comment sections. Suddenly, everyone was a legal analyst and had a part in shaping the narrative, blurring the line between legal proceedings and social media spectacle. With the public becoming entirely obsessed with celebrity cases such as Lively v. Baldoni the legal system is now a stage for drama, speculation and widespread internet debate. This changed the way to get our information, raising questions about the responsibility of platforms in moderating the spread of information and misinformation.
@cami.twomeyy You should go listen to her testimony it was super interesting. #johnnydepp #amberheard #justiceforjohnnydepp #newswithcami
There is something inherently intriguing about crime, especially when it involves celebrities or high-profile figures. Our fascination with these trails has introduced an element of voyeurism. The case is no longer followed for its legal significance but is watched like episodes of our favourite reality shows. Netflix, Court TV and live streams have capitalized on this curiosity, turning the legal system into a drama where every word, expression and movement fuels speculation and debate, with the final scene being the verdict. This, at times, can outshine the judicial process and become entertainment.
Are we actually interested in the justice system or does the spectacle just entertain us? The rising courtroom live streams have changed how society engages with the legal system. Celebrity and high-profile cases have shown that the courtroom is a prime-time entertainment and public perception reigns supreme. Social media is only amplifying this trend, further shaping public opinion and we can’t look away.
Stream American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson on Netflix
–
Read more articles by Glossi Mag here How The Substance Highlights That Sometimes Your Own Worst Enemy is Yourself
