In a groundbreaking reveal, Netflix and the Boston Red Sox announced a plan to develop an exclusive season-long ‘Hard Knocks’ style documentary.
This exclusive series is set to craft a new path as it will feature the first Major League Baseball (MLB) team in an up-close and personal documentary.
For the first time, Netflix will spend a full season following an MLB franchise—the Boston Red Sox.
In their own version of "Hard Knocks," the Red Sox will give Netflix unprecedented access to players, coaches, and executives in 2024.
The docuseries is set to premiere in 2025. pic.twitter.com/VY83sRUEft
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 7, 2024
Boosting the series’ appeal, the streaming giant will also highlight a special documentary recapturing the thrilling triumph of the 2004 Red Sox.
This legendary squad ended an 86-year World Series drought, making the memorable comeback from a 3- deficit – a first in the rich history of baseball.
Netflix emphasized that the docuseries aims to provide viewers a unique window into the team’s passion.
Viewers can anticipate an unfiltered look at the 2024 season. Netflix’s extensive access to players, coaches, and executives equips them with the resources to document a narrative as never seen before.
“This is one of the largest marketing initiatives we have ever undertaken,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. “When we formally began discussing this opportunity nearly 18 months ago, we stressed to our players that the decision to pursue this project would ultimately be up to them. I am proud of our players, Alex Cora, and our baseball operations leadership for having the courage to embrace such a project and open our clubhouse and Fenway Park to a truly global audience.”
The spotlight on the 2024 season is an irresistible draw, adding several layers of intrigue to the already anticipated season.
Unlike the usual apprehension over intrusive filming by NFL head coaches, Red Sox manager Alex Cora sees this as an opportunity rather than an invasion.
Excited to embark on this unique journey, Cora has reassured supporters of commitment from the first day of filming until the documentary’s completion.
“We’re going to embrace this experience from the very first day of filming to the last,” Cora said. “This is an incredible opportunity for the entire Red Sox organization, but I’m most excited about what this means for our players. Netflix will be able to magnify their stories in a way Major League Baseball has never seen.”
Netflix’s series ‘Quarterback’ amassed rave reviews, along with successful sports documentaries including “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing”.
Given this successful portfolio, hopes remain high for this latest baseball venture, an opportunity that has players excited for the coverage to come.
“This is a unique opportunity the players didn’t want to pass up,” shortstop Trevor Story said. “I’ve enjoyed the behind-the-scenes access in Netflix’s other sports documentaries, and now we get to give the fans an unparalleled look at the passion, sacrifice, and hard work it takes to be a Major League Baseball player.”
Netflix is teaming up with Major League Baseball for two new projects about the Boston Red Sox.
For the first time, Netflix will follow an MLB team over the course of a full season. This docuseries will feature unprecedented access to Red Sox players, coaches and executives… pic.twitter.com/1VKdax4Dvt
— Netflix (@netflix) February 7, 2024
While the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Red Sox rises, fans must patiently wait until 2025 to view the finished product.
On the upside, the documentary featuring the 2004 Red Sox, celebrating its 20th victory anniversary in the coming year, does not yet have a release date.
“The partnership between MLB, Netflix and the Red Sox will have a significant impact on growing the game of baseball,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said. “The reach of Netflix is profound and these docuseries are ambitious. One will relive one of the most magical stories that forever changed this franchise, and the other is a truly groundbreaking endeavor that will provide an inside look at the lives and personalities of today’s Red Sox players.”
