Netflix sees early solid returns for its Depp v. Heard documentary as the series chronicling the defamation trial involving the titular actors enjoys a vast viewership following its Aug. 16 premiere.
Per Samba TV metrics, over 1.1 million U.S. households tuned in to watch Depp v. Heard within five days of its debut, with the series topping the Netflix charts domestically in its first week. Much of the viewership for Depp v. Heard featured Gen Z audiences who wished to see the streamer’s take on the much-publicized trial. The documentary held its own against other recently-released efforts such as Painkiller (1 million viewers in its first four days), which was also released this month. Furthermore, it significantly outperformed The Witcher Season 3 Part 2, which drew 597,000 viewers within its first four days.
Depp v. Heard shows never-before-seen testimonies made by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard during the defamation trial, held in Virginia between April and June of last year. Along with the in-court action, Depp v. Heard also chronicles the online fallout of the verdict and brings the #MeToo movement under focus. The docuseries was created by the Emmy-nominated Emily Cooper, who also helmed Netflix’s The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes.
The Depp v. Heard trial was a big talking point throughout Hollywood and social media, with Depp seeking $50 million in damages against his ex-wife for defamation after an op-ed she published where she alleged abuse against him. The judge ruled in favor of Depp, granting him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, while Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages. The former couple reached a settlement last December, with Depp vowing the money would be given to charity.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Move On
Heard has faced a difficult time since the ruling, with the actor reportedly moving to Spain with her daughter to live a quieter life amid speculation she’s leaving Hollywood. Though Heard is due to star in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, reprising her role as Mera from 2018’s Aquaman, her role in the sequel has been reduced after being a main character alongside Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry in the original. Heard confirmed her reduced part during the trial, with footage released at CinemaCon in April confirming her participation, though she had no dialogue. Despite the fallout, Heard has expressed her excitement to still be a part of the DC Universe. She also attended the premiere of her latest film, In the Fire, at the Taormina Film Festival in June.
Depp, meanwhile, most recently appeared in the French historical drama, Jeanne du Barry, which chronicles the relationships between Depp’s King Louis XV and the titular commoner turned mistress, played by Maïwenn. Debuting at the Cannes Film Festival in May, Jeanne du Barry was trashed by Heard fans, who still maintain Depp is an abuser and has been receiving preferential treatment throughout. The film is set to be released via Netflix in France next summer and will debut in the United States via Vertical Entertainment.
Depp v. Heard is now available for streaming via Netflix.
Source: Samba TV via X
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