BREAKING: Netflix Set to Release Highly Anticipated Documentary on the Chicago Cubs – A Realistic and Super Cool Deep Dive
On April 12, 2025, Netflix sent Cubs Nation into a frenzy with the announcement of a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the Chicago Cubs, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises. Titled Cubs Uncut: Heart of the North Side, this “realistic and super cool” project promises an unprecedented look at the team’s journey, blending their historic legacy with the gritty realities of the 2024 season. With exclusive access to players, coaches, and Wrigley Field’s electric atmosphere, the docuseries is poised to captivate baseball fans and newcomers alike. Here’s everything we know about this game-changing release, why it’s a must-watch, and how it could redefine the Cubs’ narrative in 2025.
A New Era for Cubs Storytelling
The Cubs have long been a cultural touchstone, embodying resilience, heartbreak, and triumph. From their 108-year World Series drought to the euphoric 2016 championship, their story is steeped in drama. Yet, while films like We Believe (2009) and Wait ‘Til Next Year (2006) captured the fan experience, Cubs Uncut aims to go deeper, offering a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective akin to Netflix’s Drive to Survive or Quarterback. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sarah Klein (The Armstrong Lie), the series is produced by MLB Studios and Boardwalk Pictures, ensuring authenticity and cinematic flair.
Netflix’s announcement comes on the heels of their successful The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, which debuted April 8, 2025, to rave reviews for its intimate portrayal of Boston’s 2024 season. Cubs fans, who’ve clamored for a similar spotlight since Netflix passed on them for 2024, are buzzing with excitement. As one X post declared, “Finally, the Cubs get the Netflix treatment—Wrigley’s gonna shine!” This docuseries isn’t just about baseball; it’s about the soul of Chicago and the unbreakable bond between a city and its team.
What to Expect from Cubs Uncut
Cubs Uncut: Heart of the North Side will span eight episodes, each roughly 45 minutes, covering the Cubs’ 2024 campaign—a rollercoaster that ended with an 83-79 record and a third-place finish in the NL Central. While the season fell short of playoff glory, it was rich with storylines: the emergence of young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, veteran leadership from Dansby Swanson, and manager Craig Counsell’s first year at the helm after leaving Milwaukee. Netflix cameras were embedded from spring training to the final out, capturing locker-room debates, dugout tensions, and personal milestones.
The series promises “unprecedented access,” a hallmark of Netflix’s sports docs. Expect candid interviews with players like Nico Hoerner, whose gritty play earned him a Gold Glove nomination, and Shota Imanaga, the Japanese rookie whose 3.18 ERA electrified fans. Off-field moments—like Crow-Armstrong’s community work in Chicago or Swanson’s reflections on leading through adversity—will humanize the roster. Wrigley Field itself is a co-star, with drone shots of its ivy-covered walls and raucous bleachers showcasing why it’s baseball’s cathedral.
Klein’s vision, per a Netflix press release, is to “strip away the myths and show the Cubs as they are—flawed, fierce, and fiercely loved.” Unlike past Cubs docs that leaned on nostalgia, Cubs Uncut will tackle tough topics: trade rumors swirling around Cody Bellinger, fan frustration with ownership’s payroll, and the pressure to rebuild a contender. Yet, it’s not all heavy—expect lighthearted scenes of players pranking each other or Counsell’s dry wit stealing the show.
Why This Documentary Is a Big Deal
1. Timing Is Everything
The Cubs are at a crossroads in 2025. After missing the playoffs for four straight years, they’re poised for a breakout, with prospects like Matt Shaw and a revamped bullpen (bolstered by 2025 trade acquisition Ryan Brasier). Cubs Uncut arrives as a rallying cry, reminding fans of the team’s potential while chronicling the foundation laid in 2024. Its release, slated for July 15, 2025, aligns with the All-Star break, ensuring maximum buzz as the pennant race heats up.
2. Netflix’s Sports Doc Magic
Netflix has mastered the art of turning niche sports into global phenomena. Formula 1: Drive to Survive boosted F1’s popularity, while The Last Dance rekindled love for the 1990s Chicago Bulls. Cubs Uncut could do the same for baseball, especially for younger viewers who see the sport as slow-paced. By focusing on personalities—like Imanaga’s quirky humor or Seiya Suzuki’s cultural bridge between Japan and Chicago—the series aims to make the Cubs relatable worldwide.
3. Wrigley’s Universal Appeal
Wrigley Field’s timeless charm is a universal draw. The docuseries will highlight its quirks—day games, hand-operated scoreboards, and fans tossing back opponent home runs—while weaving in Chicago’s North Side vibe. Expect cameos from local icons, perhaps Chance the Rapper or Bill Murray, echoing the celebrity-studded We Believe. This blend of tradition and modernity could attract tourists to Wrigley, boosting the Cubs’ brand.
4. A Balanced Narrative
Unlike earlier Cubs films that leaned into the “lovable losers” trope, Cubs Uncut promises balance. It celebrates the 2016 title—expect archival footage of Kris Bryant’s grin and Anthony Rizzo’s catch—while addressing recent struggles. Klein’s team spent months with fans, from bleacher diehards to suburban families, capturing their hope and heartache. As Klein told Variety, “This isn’t about curses; it’s about people chasing dreams against all odds.”
The Cubs’ 2024 Story: A Season of Grit
While 2024 wasn’t a championship year, it was compelling. The Cubs started strong, going 25-19 by May, fueled by Imanaga’s dominance and Javier Assad’s breakout (2.74 ERA). Injuries to Jordan Wicks and a midseason slump tested their resolve, but a late surge—winning 22 of their final 35 games—showed fight. Crow-Armstrong’s .280 September average and 12 stolen bases hinted at a future star, while Bellinger’s 18 homers kept trade talks alive.
Off the field, Counsell’s hiring sparked debate. His analytical approach clashed with Wrigley’s old-school ethos, yet he won over players with his calm demeanor. Cubs Uncut will likely explore this tension, showing Counsell strategizing with GM Jed Hoyer or consoling a slumping Ian Happ. Fan reactions, from X posts praising his game-calling to gripes about bullpen moves, will add texture.
Anticipated Impact and Fan Buzz
Since the announcement, Cubs fans have flooded X with excitement. “Netflix doing the Cubs right? I’m crying already,” one user wrote. Another predicted, “This’ll be bigger than The Last Dance for Chicago.” Analysts agree: ESPN’s Jesse Rogers called it “a chance to redefine the Cubs for a new generation.” The timing—post-Red Sox doc and pre-Olympics—positions it to dominate summer streaming.
The series could also sway 2025’s narrative. A strong start for the Cubs, paired with the doc’s release, might galvanize season-ticket sales and pressure ownership to spend on free agents. Conversely, if the team stumbles, Cubs Uncut could amplify calls for change, especially if it exposes front-office friction.
Challenges and Expectations
Producing Cubs Uncut wasn’t easy. Klein’s crew faced Chicago’s unpredictable weather—rain delays are a Wrigley staple—and the challenge of condensing 162 games into eight episodes. Balancing star players with role players like Mike Tauchman risks alienating fans, and the doc must avoid over-romanticizing the Cubs’ past. Yet, Netflix’s track record suggests they’ll deliver a polished product.
Conclusion
Cubs Uncut: Heart of the North Side is more than a documentary—it’s a love letter to the Cubs and their fans. Set to drop July 15, 2025, it promises a raw, thrilling ride through Wrigley’s highs and lows, spotlighting players who embody Chicago’s spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong North Sider or a casual viewer, this “realistic and super cool” series will make you feel the pulse of baseball’s most iconic team. As Edman might say, the Cubs are blessed to have this stage—let’s see how they shine.
