The 10-part documentary series is exactly what we all need to fill the live sports void.
The Last Dance, premiering on ESPN tonight (and this week on Netflix outside of the US), follows the final basketball championship season for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is arguably the greatest and most recognizable sports icon for millennials, with the Air Jordan brand still standing as a powerful testament to his worldwide cultural effect.
“Michael Jordan and the ‘90s Bulls weren’t just sports superstars, they were a global phenomenon,” said director Jason Hehir.
The documentary features interviews with a string of past stars, including Jordan himself, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, as it chronicles the Bulls dynasty and their legendary Championship wins.
However, this is by no means a Jordan puff piece. The series dissects the grit and the glory of the player’s life, both on and off the court. This will undoubtedly lead viewers to draw comparisons to ESPN’s Oscar-winning documentary OJ: Made In America.
For a man so intent on winning, there is often friction that comes with it. The collateral impacts of this led to friction with teammates, and his commercial success from Air Jordan’s, in particular, came with accusations that his influence was not used for the good of society at a time when marginalized communities could have used a voice.
While the initial series was originally set to air in June, demands from fans—starved of live sports—have led to an early release.
“As society navigates this time without live sports, viewers are still looking to the sports world to escape and enjoy a collective experience,” ESPN said in a statement.
Here’s how to access the episodes:
Featured image: The Last Dance, ESPN