Watch John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial

John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial is a gripping docuseries that takes a deep dive into the tragic murder of John Lennon outside his New York City apartment in 1980. The show examines the details surrounding Lennon's death, the investigation and trial that followed, as well as the lasting impact it had on both his fans and the city of New York.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Jarecki, the series features extensive archival footage and photos of Lennon and The Beatles, as well as new interviews with key figures involved in the case. This includes Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, who provides intimate insights into John's life in the years leading up to his death. The series also speaks with the New York police officers and detectives who were first on the scene at the Dakota on that fateful December night.

The focal point of the series is Mark David Chapman, the disturbed fan who shot Lennon outside his home. Through photos, audiotapes and interviews with former friends and colleagues, the show paints a portrait of a troubled and unstable man on a quest for notoriety. It delves into Chapman's obsession with J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye, and examines the mental health issues that likely led him to target one of the world's most famous musicians.

In addition to revisiting the details of that tragic night, John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial also celebrates Lennon's life and musical legacy. It highlights his early days with The Beatles, their meteoric rise to fame and musical dominance in the 60s. Iconic moments like their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and their final impromptu concert on the rooftop of Apple Studios are replayed and analyzed.

The series also documents John and Yoko's activism in the 70s, their Bed-Ins for Peace, and their march against the Vietnam War. Lennon's solo career and time out of the spotlight to raise his son Sean are also discussed. The show underscores how beloved Lennon was worldwide, and how devastating his murder was both to fans and the city of New York itself.

Forty years later, John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial shines new light on this landmark case that shook both the music world and a generation of fans. With unprecedented access and insights from those closest to Lennon and his killer, it's a must-watch for any Beatles fan or true crime docuseries enthusiast.

John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between December 6, 2023 and on Apple TV+