“The Underdog” Premieres This Summer — A Powerful New Chapter in Baseball Storytelling
In a move set to thrill baseball fans and documentary lovers alike, Netflix has officially announced the release of its newest sports docuseries, “The Underdog,” a sweeping, emotional, and never-before-seen look into the legendary journey of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The film is slated for global release on August 2, 2025, and is already generating buzz as one of Netflix’s most ambitious sports documentaries ever — combining rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and modern cinematic storytelling.
A Love Letter to the Dodgers — and to Baseball Itself
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava Sanderson, The Underdog traces the Dodgers’ evolution from their early Brooklyn days to their modern dynasty-building efforts in Los Angeles. The documentary promises to explore not only the iconic wins and gut-wrenching losses but also the political, racial, and cultural impact of the franchise through America’s most tumultuous decades.
“This isn’t just a baseball story. It’s an American story,” said Sanderson. “From Jackie Robinson to Fernando Valenzuela to Mookie Betts, the Dodgers have always been more than a team — they’ve been a symbol.”
What to Expect: Grit, Glory, and Untold Stories
The Underdog is a six-part series, with each hour-long episode spotlighting a different era of Dodgers history:
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“Brooklyn’s Battle” – The birth of the Dodgers and the heartbreak of early World Series losses.
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“Jackie’s Dream” – Jackie Robinson’s historic MLB debut and the fight against segregation.
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“The Westward Shift” – The controversial move to Los Angeles and rise of Chavez Ravine.
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“Fernandomania” – How a Mexican pitcher sparked a cultural movement.
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“From Piazza to Kershaw” – The rollercoaster of the 1990s and the 21st-century rebuild.
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“Chasing Legends” – The modern Dodgers and the pursuit of long-term greatness.
Each episode blends player interviews, fan perspectives, behind-the-scenes clubhouse footage, and intimate moments never seen before — including personal journals, family recordings, and internal team meetings.
Star-Studded Voices Behind the Camera
Netflix has spared no expense. The series features narration by Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, guest commentary from Magic Johnson, Vin Scully’s archived broadcasts, and interviews with Dodger greats like Clayton Kershaw, Steve Garvey, Sandy Koufax, Justin Turner, and Mookie Betts.
Even LeBron James appears in episode 6 to speak about the Dodgers’ cultural relevance in modern-day Los Angeles.
Fan Reaction: Anticipation at a Fever Pitch
Since the announcement, #TheUnderdogNetflix has been trending on X, with Dodgers fans calling it:
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“The baseball documentary we’ve been waiting for.”
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“An emotional rollercoaster from Brooklyn to Hollywood.”
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“Netflix’s answer to The Last Dance, but for baseball.”
Sports journalists have already dubbed it the “definitive Dodgers documentary.”
The Bigger Picture: Netflix Doubles Down on Sports Storytelling
Following the success of Quarterback, Drive to Survive, and The Last Dance, The Underdog marks Netflix’s latest foray into prestige-level sports content. Analysts see this as Netflix’s continued bid to dominate long-form storytelling in sports without needing live broadcast rights.
“We’re not just streaming games. We’re telling legacies,” said Netflix VP of Sports Content Linda Ramirez.
Conclusion: The Dodgers Get Their Hollywood Moment
More than just nostalgia, The Underdog is poised to ignite conversations across generations — about race, resilience, reinvention, and what it means to wear the Dodger blue. With its release date locked in, fans and baseball historians alike are marking their calendars.
August 2, 2025 — The Dodgers finally take center stage in Netflix’s biggest baseball story ever.
