Netflix’s ‘Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart’ Documentary Tops Charts Following Release
LONDON, 30 January 2026 – A harrowing new true crime documentary detailing one of America’s most notorious child abduction cases has premiered on Netflix to significant audience interest. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, released on the platform on 21 January, swiftly rose to become the No. 1 film in the UK and reached the global Top 10, reigniting public conversation about the 2002 ordeal and the survivor’s ongoing advocacy work.
The Documentary’s Premiere and Reception
The feature-length documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart arrived on Netflix last week, offering a comprehensive recounting of the events that began in the early hours of 5 June 2002, when 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was taken from her Salt Lake City bedroom. The film utilises archival footage, news reports, and new interviews, including with Smart herself, to chronicle the nine-month search, her rescue, and the subsequent trials of her captors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Media reviews and social media reaction have described the programme as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable,” and “captivating,” with many viewers praising the determination of Smart’s family.
Elizabeth Smart Today: Advocacy and Moving Forward
Now 38 years old, Elizabeth Smart has transformed her traumatic experience into a platform for advocacy. According to her official biography and recent interviews promoting the documentary, she works as a public speaker and campaigner, focusing on issues related to child abduction, recovery programmes, and national legislation. In a recent episode of Netflix’s Skip Intro podcast with Krista Smith, Smart discussed her reasons for sharing her story publicly and her relationship with faith in the aftermath of the crime.
Key Facts: The Case and The Documentary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Documentary Title | Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart |
| Netflix Release Date | 21 January 2026 |
| Initial Chart Performance | Reached No. 1 in the UK; ranked in global Top 10 |
| Subject | Elizabeth Smart, abducted at age 14 on 5 June 2002 |
| Captors | Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee |
| Current Status of Elizabeth Smart | Age 38; works as child safety advocate and public speaker |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary ‘Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart’ about?
The Netflix documentary details the abduction of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her home in 2002, the nine-month search, her rescue, and the legal proceedings against her kidnappers. It features new interviews with Smart and examines the lasting impact of the crime.
When did ‘Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart’ come out on Netflix?
The documentary premiered exclusively on Netflix on 21 January 2026.
What does Elizabeth Smart do now?
Elizabeth Smart, now 38, is an advocate for child safety and abduction prevention. She works as a public speaker, using her platform to promote legislation and recovery programmes for survivors.