The Ultimate Watchlist: Unveiling the Top Sports Documentary Shows You Can't Miss Post Netflix's 'Quarterback'
Discover 10 exhilarating sports documentary shows that will captivate you, from the intense Hard Knocks to the empowering story of women's gymnastics in Defying Gravity Expand your horizons beyond Netflix's Quarterback with these thrilling and inspiring series
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There is a wide selection of excellent sports docuseries available for fans of the genre, giving them plenty of options to watch after finishing Netflix's Quarterback. This series follows the lives of three NFL quarterbacks during the 2022 football season: Patrick Mahomes from the Kansas City Chiefs, Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings, and Marcus Mariota from the Atlanta Falcons. What sets this sports docuseries apart is its ability to provide viewers with a glimpse into the personal lives and families of these players.
Netflix's Quarterback is a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and passion of professional athletes, making it nearly impossible to replicate. However, both fans of the series and those who are not particularly interested in sports can discover other works that excel in their own unique ways. These docuseries successfully capture the physical and mental pressure that athletes experience, while also highlighting their humanity. Rather than portraying star players as untouchable celebrities, the best sports docuseries bring their relatability and human side to the forefront.
10 Hard Knocks (2001–)
9 Shaun White: The Last Run (2023)
In the NFL documentary series Hard Knocks, which spans 17 seasons, a camera crew closely follows a professional football team as they diligently prepare for their upcoming season. Similar to Netflix's Quarterback, Hard Knocks focuses on the lives of football players and unravels the behind-the-scenes moments that are typically not captured during game-day broadcasts. While Quarterback primarily delves into the lives of quarterbacks both on and off the field, Hard Knocks offers an in-depth portrayal of players as they engage in practice sessions, attend training camps, and participate in preseason match-ups. Max provides a platform where viewers can relish the best seasons of HBO's Hard Knocks, while the most recent season spotlights the New York Jets.
Shaun White: The Last Run revolves around the remarkable journey of Shaun White, a renowned snowboarder and Olympic champion, who made the decision to retire from the sport following his outstanding performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The docuseries begins with White's gripping final appearance, captivating the audience, and then takes a retrospective dive into his formative years and initial ventures into the fiercely competitive world of snowboarding. Exclusively available for streaming on Max, this captivating limited series bears a resemblance to Quarterback as it delves deep into the life of a top-tier athlete. However, rather than pursuing a continuation of his career, White is determined to conclude it on an exhilarating high.
8 Breaking Point (2023–)
7 The Last Dance (2020)
- Breaking Point offers a unique behind-the-scenes look into the lives of professional tennis players as they compete in tournaments worldwide. This Netflix docuseries, similar to Quarterback, not only showcases their on-court performances but also delves deeper into their mental well-being. The tough reality of the sport is not sugarcoated, as tennis takes a significant toll on these athletes. One striking difference is the limited time tennis players get to spend with their families, especially when they have to travel long distances for tournaments, highlighting the contrasting lifestyles of NFL players featured in Quarterback.
The Last Dance, an ESPN original that premiered in 2020, captivated audiences around the globe, especially during a time when live sports were on hold. Despite the return of NBA games, this docuseries, which chronicles Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997–98, remains incredibly compelling and worthy of a binge-watch on Netflix. The authenticity of the project is undoubtedly influenced by Jordan's involvement, although it does gloss over some of his unfavorable actions by attributing them to the sacrifices required for success and leadership. Nevertheless, The Last Dance provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the world's most accomplished and unforgettable basketball players.
6 Welcome To Wrexham (2023–)
Fans of both sports and pop culture should definitely tune into Welcome to Wrexham, a captivating docuseries that follows the journey of actors Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Rob McElhenney (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as they embark on a daring venture. In this remarkable series, Reynolds and McElhenney step into the realm of professional soccer by purchasing Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest soccer clubs in existence. Although they lack prior experience in the world of soccer and sports club management, their determination and ambition shine through as they navigate the challenges and intricacies of running a professional sports team. Unlike the captivating Quarterback on Netflix, Welcome to Wrexham focuses on the behind-the-scenes aspects of owning a sports team, offering a unique and compelling perspective. With its exciting storyline and insightful portrayal of the managerial side of a sports club, this docuseries is an absolute must-watch for subscribers of Disney Plus and Hulu, and certainly deserves a spot on your watchlist.
5 Formula 1: Drive To Survive (2019–)
Drive to Survive, a show focusing on Formula 1 racing, has faced criticism from devoted fans like Elizabeth Blackstock at Jalopnik for its editorialized approach that emphasizes interpersonal drama while downplaying the controversies in the sport. However, it serves as a valuable introduction to the fundamentals of F1 racing, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers. In a departure from other sports docuseries, both Quarterback and Drive to Survive provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of athletes during their leisure time, enhancing the appeal of this Netflix series.
4 Last Chance U: Basketball (2021–)
In Last Chance U: Basketball, the cameras document the journey of the men's basketball program at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Under the guidance of Head Coach John Mosley, players strive to achieve their basketball dreams, whether it be playing professionally or at Division I universities. Both Quarterback and Last Chance U: Basketball emphasize the immense dedication required to elevate a good player into a great one. However, what sets this docuseries apart is its focus on athletes before they transition to the professional level. Streaming on Netflix, Last Chance U: Basketball introduces us to a captivating roster of players who eventually make their mark in the world of professional basketball, adding an extra layer of excitement to the series.
3 Full Swing (2023–)
Full Swing takes viewers into the captivating world of professional golf in 2022. While the sport may be overlooked by many, Full Swing sets itself apart as one of the most riveting sports docuseries available. The producers fearlessly explore the interpersonal rivalries, injuries, and the intense competition between the LIV-PGA Golf players. Much like Quarterback, Full Swing showcases both emerging talents and seasoned professionals. Yet, what sets this show apart is its ability to transform the underrated sport into a captivating narrative, accentuated by the unique and charismatic personalities of its players.
2 EmpowHER (2021–)
EmpowHER results from an incredible event: the New York Jets and Nike joined forces in 2021 to sponsor the inaugural New Jersey girls' high school flag football league. Similar to Quarterback, EmpowHER revolves around a specific type of football, delivering a fresh experience for avid NFL enthusiasts. Distinguishing itself from typical sports docuseries, EmpowHER emerges as an advantage due to its concise and easily-consumable episodes, enabling audiences to enjoy the show in short 5- to 15-minute segments on the New York Jets YouTube channel.
1 Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women's Gymnastics (2021)
Streaming on YouTube, Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women's Gymnastics is an award-winning docuseries that delves into every aspect of the sport, encompassing training, competition, and the journey to winning medals. Fans of the Quarterback's comprehensive and meticulous approach will surely find this series equally compelling. Setting itself apart from other sports docuseries, Defying Gravity fearlessly tackles challenging topics, such as career-ending injuries and traumatic abuse. In a sports world where many scandals are hidden, Defying Gravity stands out for its raw honesty, even though it may be unsettling to witness.
Sources: Jalopnik
