Netflix’s new documentary Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley debuted on November 13, 2024, and is now available for global streaming in 2025. Directed by Jason Hehir, the 91‑minute film centers on Elvis’s transformative 1968 NBC “Comeback Special,” a pivotal moment when he re‑established himself as the unstoppable “King of Rock ’n’ Roll”
The narrative unfolds in three acts: Elvis’s soaring ascent in the 1950s, his decline during a string of formulaic Hollywood films and his army service, and ultimately—with emotional intensity—his dramatic resurgence on TV. Through candid archival clips, interviews, and Elvis’s own reflections, the film paints a vulnerable yet determined artist fighting to reclaim his creative voice. Hehir uses Elvis’s own words for poignancy: “I didn’t know what to do…I felt obligated to things I didn’t fully believe in”
Featuring interviews with Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Darlene Love, Bruce Springsteen, Conan O’Brien, Baz Luhrmann, and others, the documentary offers varied perspectives on Elvis’s fall and phoenix‑like revival . Priscilla describes witnessing a raw, emotionally re‑energized performer, while Springsteen and Robertson reflect on the cultural weight of his return .
Critical reception has been largely positive: Rotten Tomatoes reports a 75% Tomatometer and 90% audience score . Reviewers appreciate that, although the documentary may not uncover radically new insights, it delivers a heartfelt, respectfully paced tribute—rich with unseen photos and complemented by compelling storytelling .
Ultimately, Return of the King succeeds in showcasing Elvis not just as an entertainer, but as a human being confronting doubts, industry pressure, and public scrutiny. Its powerful recounting of the ’68 Special reminds viewers how that singular televised performance breathed new life into his career—restoring both his artistic integrity and his place in music history .
For fans of music history and those drawn to stories of redemption, this documentary offers both nostalgia and insight, reinforcing why Elvis remains an enduring cultural icon.
