Netflix is all in on creating a 30 for 30.
When ESPN started 30 for 30 like a hundred years ago (seriously Volume 1 started on October 6, 2009; how long ago does that feel to you?) there was nothing like it. I eagerly watched all of em and discovered sweet docs like The Two Escobars. I didn’t know many of those sports stories plus the docs were compelling and generally well done.
It was all good in the hood.
Now years later HBO is cranking out sports docs, Netflix as you can see has RSVPed to the party, Showtime has great offerings, (Showtime has the upcoming Kevin Garnett doc dropping this November…so IN for that.), YouTube…so now I’m starting to get picky.
I can’t watch all of this; nor do I want to. I run this risk of overlooking hidden gems like The Two Escobars but so be it.
Everyone’s pop culture is just as defined by what they haven’t consumed as they are by what is their jam.
Long winded way to confess: I’ll get around to watching Untold: Malice at the Palace though again that was all deftly covered in the Showtime doc on Ron Artest. 2019’s Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story. I dug that doc; better than Showtime’s The Resurgence: DeMarcus Cousins.
As for the rest of Untold…I’m like eh…maybe. I’m sure the docs are fine and I don’t know any of these stories but I’m also good.
Here’s the trailer; note the Volume 1:
Caitlyn Jenner I vaguely know as an Olympian but there’s no captivating story there. I dunno who Christy Martin (boxing) and Mardy Fish (tennis) are and I accept that’s the reason for their documentaries. Still hard to muster any enthusiasm up for that. The last one has potential: a hockey team bought by a man with mob ties. I could possibly watch Untold: Crime & Penalties on August 31st.
On the flipside HBO announced Music Box…that’s their 30 for 30 but all music related.
I already saw Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage which was an embarrassing tragedy and I’m talking about the documentary.
Coming up they got Jagged about the Alanis album Jagged Little Pill, Listening to Kenny G (eh…maybe again…show me a trailer), Untitled DMX and Untitled Juice WRLD. I’d be up for the last two for sure.
Their trailer:
Here’s an article describing Music Box for more details…
While here’s the Untold series…see if there’s any interest for these.
In the meantime I am curious about Netflix’s Naomi Osaka docuseries but 3 parts at 45 minutes each is a lot of commitment. I dunno if she’s done enough and won enough to justify 3 parts.
Tiger Woods and Tom Brady though…they are clearly winners and need a Last Dance badly. How can we make that happen?
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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.
