Sports Documentaries Coming to Netflix in 2022 and Beyond
The tide raises all boats, and between Netflix with Drive to Survive, HBO Max with The Last Dance, and Amazon with All or Nothing, it’s never been a better time to be a fan of sports documentaries.
Which streaming service takes the edge with their documentaries is completely subjective, but one thing is for certain, the ongoing competition between the streamers has seen the benefit of production companies stepping up their game tenfold.
Netflix is one such beneficiary that will see some truly incredible and exciting sports documentaries arrive soon.
Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022)
Director: Ian Derry
Sport: Free Diving | Runtime: 40 Minutes
Netflix Release Date: May 3rd, 2022
The world is full of extraordinary sports, and even more extraordinary athletes. And one such incredible athlete in the world of Freediving, Johanna Nordblad, attempts to break one of the world’s most dangerous records for distance traveled under the ice with one breath.
Heart of Invictus (2022)
Director: Orlando von Einsiedel
Sport: Parasports | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: 2022
Since leaving their royal duties and moving to America, Prince Harry, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, inked a huge deal with Netflix. The very first title coming to Netflix from the deal is an in-depth look into the Invictus Games, the Paralympics equivalent for injured former members of the armed forces, which Harry served as a founder in 2014.
The 2022 Invictus Games are taking place in the Netherlands and will be the first games attended by the couple since quitting the royal family. A documentary crew will be covering this year’s games, and will also be following Harry and Meghan throughout the event.
Last Chance U: Basketball (Season 2)
Episodes: 16 (TBA) | Seasons: 2
Sport: Basketball | Runtime: 50-61 Minutes
Netflix Release Date: 2022 TBA
The first season followed the exploits of the East Los Angeles College Huskies, a Basketball team filled with former D1 recruits, who were given one last chance at fulfilling their dreams of performing at the next level. We expect to see the second season return to East Los Angeles College before eventually moving on to a new campus.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Season 5)
Episodes: 50 | Seasons: 5
Sport: Motor Car | Runtime: 27-51 Minutes
Netflix Release Date: 2023
One of the best sports docuseries available on any streaming platform anywhere, Drive to Survive has been the apex docuseries for one of the world’s most apex sports, Formula One.
Through backstage interviews, driver, team-specific episodes, and never before seen backstage footage, Drive to Survive adds an extremely entertaining layer of drama that you won’t see broadcast on the race weekends.
We still don’t know what’s in store for us in season 5, but a resurging Ferrari team and a struggling Red Bull will make for some fantastic viewing.
Untitled Tour de France series (Season 1)
Episodes: TBA | Seasons: 1
Sport: Cycling | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: 2023
One of the world’s biggest annual sporting events, the Tour de France is a must-watch for any avid cyclist. The details of scarce on what to expect from the series, however, we do know the documentary team will be following the journey of eight teams that are taking part in the most challenging bike race of the year. If the series is presented in the same way as Drive to Survive, then we may be in for a real treat.
Untitled ATP Tour and WTA Tour Docuseries
Episodes: TBA | Seasons: 1
Sport: Tennis | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: TBA
Tennis players are some of the world’s most incredible athletes, showcasing levels of endurance on an almost superhuman level.
The trials and tribulations of the professionals of the ATP and WTA will be documented by the same incredible producers of Formula One: Drive to Survive.
Untitled PGA Tour Docuseries
Episodes: TBA | Seasons: 1
Sport: Golf | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: TBA
Just like the untitled Tennis docuseries coming to Netflix, the PGA Tour docuseries will be produced by Box to Box Films, the same production behind Drive to Survive.
Golf is a sport beloved by millions of fans worldwide, but there are definitely millions of Netflix subscribers that have never once watched any footage from a PGA Tour. While on the surface golf may not be one of the most exhilarating sports in the world, if there’s ever a crew that could add a layer of entertainment and excitement to the sport it’s definitely the producers at Box to Box Films.
Untitled Vince McMahon Docuseries
Episodes: TBA | Seasons: 1
Sport: Sports Entertainment / Pro Wrestling | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: TBA
The most recognizable name in all of professional wrestling, Vince McMahon has had one fascinating life and career at the helm of the WWE. For decades Vince has been at the forefront of wrestling, changing the business forever in the 1980s with Hulkamania, and once again in the 1990s with Stonecold Steve Austin and the Attitude Era. Since buying competitors WCW in 2001, and ECW in 2003, there has been little to no competition against Vince and the WWE.
But the life as head of the world’s largest professional wrestling company isn’t without its fair share of hardship and controversy, and hopefully, we’ll get an unfiltered in-depth look, and more into the life and career of wrestling’s most famous promoter.
Untitled Bill Russell Documentary
Director: Sam Pollard
Sport: Basketball | Runtime: TBA
Netflix Release Date: TBA
One of the most legendary figures in NBA history, Bill Russell, the center for the Boston Celtics between 1956 and 1969 was the crown jewel of the dynasty that went on to win 11 NBA Championships out of his 13-year career.
Russell is a five-time NBA MVP, a twelve-time NBA All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and highly regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court thanks to his dominating defensive abilities.
The docuseries will explore the life and career of Russell and will feature extensive interviews and personal archives from the man himself.