Summary
McGregor Forever offers a revealing portrait of Conor McGregor, showcasing a side of him that is often overshadowed by his flashy persona.
Despite receiving mixed reception, the series delivers what viewers desire and contributes to Netflix's triumph with sports-themed content. While some critics deemed McGregor Forever as self-centered and lacking depth, questioning its purpose and ability to captivate with a sports narrative.
The Netflix documentary series McGregor Forever received mixed reviews, leaving critics divided on whether or not it was worth watching. The four-part series follows the career of mixed martial arts legend Connor McGregor and documents his comeback after a long break from the sport. Prior to McGregor Forever, Netflix had already produced the documentary film Connor McGregor: Notorious, showcasing McGregor's captivating personality. McGregor, known for his boldness and controversy, is portrayed in the series, with an attempt to also show a more vulnerable side. McGregor Forever not only delves into McGregor's story but also uncovers intriguing details about UFC, the sport that catapulted him to fame. Despite the mixed reception, McGregor Forever caters to the desires of many viewers and adds to Netflix's successful collection of sports-based media.
Some Critics Thought McGregor Forever Was A Revealing Portrait
As for the commendable aspects of McGregor Forever, it garnered praise for its insightful portrayal and the revelation of a side of McGregor that is rarely seen. While McGregor is renowned for his flamboyant personality, the series delves beyond the flashy attire and trash-talking, offering a glimpse into McGregor's life as a man, husband, and father. Surprisingly, it also showcases his moments of self-doubt, challenging the perception of his confident and macho public persona. The Irish Independent aptly summarized the positive reception by stating, "I never anticipated watching a four-hour television documentary on Conor McGregor, but McGregor Forever (Netflix) proved to be rather intriguing".
Others Thought McGregor Forever Was Self-Serving
While the consensus on the series was generally lukewarm, critics who disliked it were more outspoken in their critiques. Netflix's sports documentary series such as Formula 1: Drive To Survive received acclaim for its captivating storytelling and well-crafted structure. However, McGregor Forever left some critics unimpressed as it struggled to justify its own existence. The harshest criticism for the McGregor series came from Liam Fay of The Times UK, who referred to it as "an unabashed display of egotistical swagger." While combat sports thrive on hype, some argued that the series relied solely on this aspect.
The Independent provided more thoughtful negative reviews that delved into the series' motives. The review pointed out that McGregor Forever claims to tell the story of the Irishman's comebacks, but fails to showcase the comeback that truly matters. This criticism highlights the documentary's incompleteness. McGregor's highly anticipated return has yet to materialize, and the series lacks the elements that make a compelling sports story. Ultimately, while McGregor Forever may appeal to his dedicated fans, it falls short in proving its own significance.