Netflix is expanding its sports documentary collection with a focus on one of Major League Baseball's most iconic teams, the Boston Red Sox. The streaming giant has formed a partnership with MLB on two exciting projects centered around the Red Sox.
Firstly, Netflix will produce a docuseries following the Red Sox during the 2024 season. This series will follow the same successful format as Netflix's other popular sports docuseries such as Formula 1's 'Drive to Survive,' the NFL's 'Quarterbacks,' and the PGA Tour's 'Full Swing.' Camera crews will have exclusive access to the team, providing an intimate behind-the-scenes look at their journey. Fans can expect to see the docuseries debut on Netflix in 2025.
In addition to the docuseries, Netflix will also release a two-part documentary about the Red Sox's historic 2004 World Series championship. Meadowlark Media, in collaboration with MLB Studios, will produce this film, which will offer a deep dive into the season that ended the Red Sox's 86-year championship drought. The documentary will feature exclusive interviews with players and other individuals involved in this remarkable achievement. Fans can anticipate the release of this documentary later this year.
MLB Studios, the league's in-house production arm, has been making significant strides in expanding the league's media business beyond live game coverage. Their focus on producing non-fiction and scripted content, such as the acclaimed films 'Moneyball' and '42,' aims to captivate audiences, providing unique perspectives on the sport.
For Netflix, this collaboration means that they now have content from almost all major sports leagues, including the NFL, F1, NASCAR, and the PGA Tour. The streaming platform has been successful in growing fanbases for these leagues through their compelling sports series. Leagues and athletes recognize the opportunity to introduce their sports and athletes to a broader audience through Netflix's reach.
Gabe Spitzer, VP of nonfiction sports at Netflix, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership with the Red Sox: 'Our fans love that our sports series focus on the drama of sport, and nothing was more dramatic than the 2004 Red Sox season.' Spitzer also notes the docuseries as an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Red Sox's incredible comeback, while also providing insights into the team's future during the 2024 campaign.
Noah Garden, MLB's deputy commissioner for business & media, understands the power of storytelling in baseball: 'Baseball is driven by the incredible stories of our athletes.' Garden believes that partnering with Netflix on these two projects will allow dedicated fans to get even closer to the game they love while introducing new audiences to the emotional pull of baseball.
As Netflix continues its expansion into the realm of sports documentaries, this partnership with the Boston Red Sox is yet another exciting development. The Red Sox, known for their passionate fanbase and rich history, will undoubtedly provide captivating stories and unforgettable moments for both avid baseball lovers and newcomers to the sport.
