Reality AF: Netflix’s Sports Docuseries Domination Is Impossible to Ignore
Photos Courtesy of Netflix
The world’s #1 streamer is evolving. Netflix is already known for quality original television programming (Stranger Things, The Crown, Orange is the New Black), reviving programs canceled by other networks (Manifest, Lucifer, Arrested Development), and streaming older shows people initially missed out on and giving them a new life (Suits, Breaking Bad, The Vampire Diaries).
While the streaming giant’s original movie library can be more of a mixed bag, with as many critical hits (All Quiet on the Western Front, Marriage Story, Don’t Look Up) as critical flops (Red Notice, The Kissing Booth, Unfrosted), it has options for every type of cinefile.
This summer, however, Netflix is flexing its muscles in another area: the sports docuseries. Four documentary series that premiered in June and July offer a fascinating inside look at a variety of sports, and consistently rank among the streamer’s top 10 programs. Netflix has dominated streaming this summer, thanks largely to the four sports docuseries described below.
Receiver
The Premise: A companion to 2023’s Quarterback and produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, Receiver follows five of the NFL’s best pass catchers throughout the 2023 season, both on and off the field. Davante Adams (Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), George Kittle (49ers), Deebo Samuel (49ers), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) are featured.
Why it works: Receiver highlights a wide range of personality types from a variety of teams at different levels of success. On the one hand, you have family-man Davante Adams, frustrated by the Raiders constant struggles and admitting on camera he had quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo benched. And on the other, you have human highlight reel Deebo Samuel fighting for a Super Bowl title.
In between is the exuberant candy and jewelry lover Justin Jefferson, and the intriguing story of Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had a unique upbringing. St. Brown’s dad was a former Mr. Universe and his mom made him learn three languages, including her native German. I’m not a fan of any of these teams (Broncos stan here) but I found each player’s story interesting.
Who you’ll fall in love with: Tight end George Kittle, who will remind many of Rob Gronkowski but with an IQ 30 points higher. He’s hilarious, a great teammate, adores his family, and loves playing football. Kittle is now my favorite non-Bronco NFL player.