Never Let Him Go is a gripping four-part docuseries that delves into the enigmatic death of Scott Johnson, a gay academic found dead at the bottom of a cliff near Sydney in December 1988. His brother, Steve Johnson, spent over 30 years relentlessly pursuing justice, determined to uncover the truth behind Scott’s tragic death. Scott, a promising American prodigy studying in Australia, had a bright future ahead of him. Tragically, it was cut short when his body was discovered naked and mutilated at the bottom of a cliff, with police hastily concluding suicide as the cause. However, over the years, numerous leads suggested that Scott might have been another victim of hate crimes—a violent, bias-motivated death that had been dismissed for too long.
Across four tightly edited and emotionally compelling episodes, Never Let Him Go chronicles the investigation, which evolves from a simple unresolved mystery into a landmark case. The docuseries highlights the challenges of seeking justice within the context of systemic bureaucracy, while shedding light on the plight of the LGBTQ community, which suffered widespread violence that often went unnoticed. The documentary follows Steve’s unyielding quest for answers, showing the toll it took on him and his family. The show features testimonies from Scott’s partner, his friends, his siblings, and key figures in the investigation, including police officers and journalists who covered the case. However, the real heart of the story is Steve, whose pursuit of justice forms the backbone of the series.
In 2007, Steve enlisted journalist-turned-private investigator Dan Glick, and together they spent the next 15 years relentlessly pushing for new leads. Their tireless work ultimately led to the arrest of Scott White in 2020. In January 2022, White pleaded guilty to the murder of Scott Johnson, over 33 years after the crime. However, in a shocking turn, White later reversed his plea and had the murder conviction overturned, instead pleading guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to nine years in prison in June 2025.
Given the extended duration of this case, which saw three separate investigations, the docuseries—divided into four one-hour episodes—feels justified in its length. The series offers a deep dive into the details, exploring every aspect of the case and the emotional weight behind Steve’s decades-long struggle. The raw emotions and the painful journey for justice are felt throughout Steve’s interviews, and the documentary paints a portrait of Scott as a shy yet brilliant individual, someone whose potential was tragically cut short. The pursuit of justice is compelling, not just for the emotional toll on Steve, but also for the systemic issues and deep-seated homophobia that shaped the investigation.
The documentary also highlights how the police mishandled the case, neglecting to properly investigate the initial circumstances of Scott’s death. It’s a powerful commentary on a society that allowed violence against gay men to go unaddressed for far too long. This series is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of both a brother’s unwavering love and a society’s failure to protect its vulnerable members. Never Let Him Go is a must-watch, offering a rich narrative filled with emotional depth, historical context, and an unflinching look at the fight for justice.
It’s unfortunate that Hulu hasn’t given this show the visibility it truly deserves. This documentary is powerful, important, and should be seen by a wider audience. Its emotional and social impact makes it a story worth sharing.
