Netflix announces December 2026 release date for Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part documentary exploring the rise of Sean Combs, the empire he built, and the troubling world that developed around him.
Netflix has officially set a December 2, 2026 release date for Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part documentary series diving into the complicated legacy of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The project, led by Emmy Award–winning director Alexandria Stapleton and executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, offers a sweeping and unflinching look at one of the most influential — and controversial — figures in modern music.
The docuseries aims to unpack the many layers of Combs, a man known publicly as Diddy, Puff Daddy, Love, and more. While he rose to fame as the powerhouse behind Bad Boy Entertainment, launching the careers of iconic artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and Danity Kane, the story goes far beyond his musical achievements. Through exclusive interviews, unseen materials, and firsthand accounts from childhood friends, former associates, employees, and artists, the series traces his meteoric rise and the darker forces that surfaced along the way.
Director Alexandria Stapleton opened up about her perspective on the project during a conversation with Netflix Tudum, explaining how her personal and professional experiences shaped her approach. “Being a woman in the industry, and going through the Me Too movement — watching giants in music and film go on trial, and to know what their outcomes were… When Cassie dropped her lawsuit, I just thought this could go a million different directions,” she said. Stapleton added, “As a woman, I wondered how she had the confidence to go out there against a mogul like Sean Combs. As a filmmaker, I instantly knew it was a stress test of whether we’ve changed as a culture as far as being able to process allegations like this in a fair way.”
She also emphasized that the documentary’s scope extends beyond any single allegation or individual. “This isn’t just about the story of Sean Combs or the story of Cassie, or the story of any of the victims, or the allegations against him, or the trial,” Stapleton said. “Ultimately, this story is a mirror [reflecting us] as the public, and what we are saying when we put our celebrities on such a high pedestal. I hope [this documentary] is a wake up call for how we idolize people, and to understand that everybody is a human being.”
Executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, whose G-Unit Film & Television banner has long focused on grounded, real-world storytelling, praised those who chose to participate in the project. “I’ve been committed to real storytelling for years through G-Unit Film & Television,” he said. “I’m grateful to everyone who came forward and trusted us with their stories, and proud to have Alexandria Stapleton as the director on the project to bring this important story to the screen.”
Produced by House of Nonfiction, G-Unit Film & Television, and Texas Crew Productions, Sean Combs: The Reckoning will unfold over four hour-long episodes, offering a deep examination of the music mogul’s empire — and the hidden world beneath it.
