Netflix is staying in the NFL game after the success of their 2023 docuseries Quarterback. But instead of getting a second season focusing on signal callers, the series has shifted its focus to wide receivers and renamed the docuseries Receiver. For the series, Netflix lined up some of the most talented players with the biggest personalities they could find.
This is just one more example of the streaming service's ramped up sports offerings. While it has done a few live streaming sports events, the primary source of sports content on Netflix is with the docuseries format, which in addition to Quarterback includes Full Swing, Drive to Survive, Tour de France: Unchained and more.
Check out everything you need to know about Receiver.
Receiver release date
Receiver is streaming on Netflix as of July 10.
The first iteration of the docuseries, Quarterback, premiered on July 12, so the next iteration of the behind-the-scenes NFL series arrives almost exactly a year later. But it won't be the only NFL docuseries airing in July, as the popular Hard Knock series from HBO has a brand new spinoff, Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants, is currently airing.
Of course, to watch Receiver you are going to need to have a Netflix subscription, with multiple plans to choose from.
Receiver cast
Five of the NFL's best pass catchers are going to be the focus of Receiver. Here's a quick breakdown of each.
DaVante Adams
Adams was playing in his second season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 after previously playing for the Green Bay Packers. Adams had a great partnership with Aaron Rodgers while both were in Green Bay, with Adams becoming one of the best receivers in the league. His time in Las Vegas, though, has not seen the same kind of quarterback play.
Justin Jefferson
One of the best young receivers in the NFL, Justin Jefferson has been setting records since he entered the league with the Minnesota Vikings. However, 2023 was his toughest year yet as both he and his starting quarterback (Kirk Cousins, who starred in Quarterback) both dealt with injuries.
George Kittle
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is not technically a receiver, he is a tight end. However, he has been one of the players in the NFL that has helped revolutionize the perception of a tight end as an incredible valuable tool in an offensive arsenal and has been using his position to promote that idea.
Deebo Samuel
Kittle’s 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel will also be featured in the season. Samuel is one of the more versatile players in the league and a key piece in what the 49ers do on offense. After a disappointing end in the 2022 season, Samuel was one of the more boisterous members of the team how the 49ers were the ones to beat in 2023 and determined to prove it on the field.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
A key piece in the resurgence of the Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown has gone from draft day slider (he was picked 112th in his NFL draft and remembers every receiver picked before him) to one of the most talented young receivers in the league. In 2023, he along with his Lions teammates attempted to give Detroit something they haven’t had in more than 30 years, a playoff victory.
Receiver premise
Receiver is an eight-episode docuseries that follows the above receives as they navigate the 2023 NFL season, dealing with pressures both on and off the field.
"We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks," NFL Films supervising producer Joe Zucco told Netflix site Tudum. "We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication, and passion of the NFL's great wide receivers — and one tight end — will make a perfect follow-up."
"As we did with Quarterback, we look forward to telling the stories of five incredible receivers, each with their unique personality, skill set, and motivation for what drives them to be the best," added executive producer (and legendary quarterback) Peyton Manning.
Receiver episodes
Here are the synopses for all of the Receiver episodes:
Receiver episode 1, "Great Expectations: Part 1"
"Kittle and Samuel discuss their motivation for a 49ers championship. ST. Brown explains his upbringing, work ethic and goals for the season."
Receiver episode 2, "Great Expectations: Part 2"
"Jefferson describes his 'Jets' persona and agonizes over his week 2 play. Adams celebrates his daughter's birthday and suffers an injury during week 4."
Receiver episode 3, "Moving Target"
"St. Brown has a career day after returning from an injury. Samuel deals with a fractured scapula. Adams becomes frustrated with his lack of targets."
Receiver episode 4, "Give Me the Damn Ball"
"St. Brown gets psyched to play against the Bears and his brother, Equanimeous. The Raiders make a coaching and quarterback change, reigniting Adams."
Receiver episode 5, "Long Road Back"
"Samuel and Kittle gear up for a rematch of last seasons' NFC Championship game. Adams reunites with Aaron Rodgers, and Jefferson returns from injury."
Receiver episode 6, "Win or Go Home"
"St. Brown achieves a 1,500-yard season as the Lions win the division. Jefferson strives to hit 1,000 yards. Samuel and Kittle seek home-field advantage."
Receiver episode 7, "Don't Have a Choice"
"As the season ends for Adams and Jefferson, St. Brown and the Lions and Samuel and Kittle and the 49ers get set for their playoff run."
Receiver episode 8, "Leaving Las Vegas"
"St. Brown and the Lions play in then NFC Conference Championship. Samuel and Kittle compete for the ultimate championship at Super Bowl LVIII."
Receiver trailer
Watch the trailer for Receiver right here:
