The evolution of spectator sports over the years has been characterized by the digital era and the variety of new fan experiences it delivers. Gone are the days of following the biggest games through the news or on the radio – fans can now immerse themselves in various viewing experiences that extend far beyond the actual match itself. Whether it be pregame interviews, exclusive press conferences, all-angle game feeds or even behind-the-scenes docuseries, fans all across the globe live in a golden era of sports entertainment.
In recent years, docuseries have become the most popular of these experiences, with streaming giants like Netflix releasing shows covering a variety of sports, including racing, soccer and countless others. These docuseries provide fans with an inside view into what goes on behind the scenes of their favorite sports, teams and players to follow them as they chase the pinnacle of their sporting dreams. As sports coverage continues to grow intertwined with the rise of digital entertainment, it is important to examine the role of docuseries in providing a more immersive fan experience.
For one, docuseries break the invisible barrier between the action on the field and the fans, allowing the latter to be more connected and invested in the sport. Oftentimes, the passionate moments of the game and the superstar status of its players feel like a world apart from the daily lives of most fans. Crafting series that tell the raw stories of athletes and their triumphs and struggles helps to bridge this perceived gap.
“In the recent series “Captains of the World” by Netflix, it was really inspiring to see how players across the world shared common human experiences while chasing the ultimate prize,” Lambert junior Shyam Sivan said. “It was about the World Cup and the games but also went deeper into telling the underlying stories behind each team and each player.”
This series dove into the 2023 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, weaving a thread of ambition, dedication and humanity as it painted the saga of teams from across the globe with their eyes on soccer’s crowning jewel. Whether it be Denmark protesting the host Qatar’s human rights record during the tournament, Iran pulling off a shocking victory over Wales in the face of massive violence and tension back home or legendary Lionel Messi bringing home an elusive trophy to Argentina – the show brought a multitude of experiences and stories to viewers all over. By covering the athletic aspect of the tournament and highlighting the other facets that make it so poignant, shows like “Captains of the World” allow people to truly come together over every kick of the ball, every cheer of the crowd and every beautiful moment.
Docuseries also serve as ways for players to highlight their persona and life off the field. In today’s highly competitive and commercialized era of sports, athletes are forced to push themselves to the utter limit to succeed, which often takes a heavy physical and mental toll on them and their families. Additionally, their every move is scrutinized by fans, analysts and mainstream media on the regular, and contrary to what might think, ‘all-access’ docuseries allow these star players to open up and show their human side that is too often overlooked. Fans of all ages, including those at Lambert, illustrated the necessity of such discourse in fostering this safe space for athletes.
“Seeing players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi talk about their family lives or [Formula 1] drivers like Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton talk about their emotions and goals helps remind us that these are indeed real people we’re watching and rooting for,” Lambert junior Manu Sankaran explained. “I think it’s important for athletes to be able to give a glimpse into their thoughts and experiences and for fans to actually listen and remind ourselves that they’re just human.”
Athletes are often overworked and overly scrutinized regardless of their sport, and recent incidents like Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest and CTI concerns in football have truly brought this to light. Giving them a platform to describe their reaction to pivotal moments, their hard work and dedication to the ultimate success, as well as their personal stories helps contextualize their journeys and allows them to share their saga on their terms. From a viewer’s perspective, taking their experiences into account and appreciating their highs and lows alike is paramount to creating a more forgiving and positive culture for the world of sport. Thus, docuseries are not only a source of entertainment but a vehicle of empowerment for athletes of all kinds.
“Drive to Survive”, “All or Nothing”, “Hard Knocks” and “Captains of the World” – these series show glimpses into the demanding and passionate lives and careers of athletes and their beloved teams. While they provide fans with an even more impactful way to engage with their favorites in the world of sports, such shows also act as a medium for good when it comes to actually presenting these deeper stories to the public. As sports continue to evolve and thrill fans worldwide, docuseries will surely be a staple in connecting fans, players, viewers and sports for years to come.
