In recent years Netflix has produced a series of very popular all-access, behind-the-scenes sports docuseries such as Last Chance U (football), Full Swing (golf), Break Point (tennis), and Drive to Survive (Formula 1). In 2024, it’ll be the Boston Red Sox getting the Netflix treatment.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox and Netflix announced that Netflix, in conjunction with MLB Studios, will have “unprecedented access to follow the ’24 Red Sox from start to finish.” The series, which wasn’t given a name in the announcement, will then be released in 2025. In addition, Netflix has a documentary looking back on the 2004 Red Sox that will be released later this year.
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As for the behind-the-scenes project, that’s been in the works since 2021, according to the Red Sox release. Initially the concept was discussed between Major League Baseball and Netflix, with the Red Sox becoming the chosen team of focus “after months of discussions.”
This comes as the Red Sox have finished in last place in their division in three of the last four years. 2024 projects to be another bridge year, with the team not having made any major additions to the roster yet this offseason after replacing president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom with Craig Breslow.
Perhaps most notably, the Red Sox will not have “final cut” privileges on the documentary, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam. That means the team won’t be able to tell Netflix to leave things out they don’t want the public to see.
What do key members of the Red Sox organization think of the project? Here’s what they had to say, via the team…
Chairman Tom Werner
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 26: Chairman of the Boston Red Sox Tom Werner and principle owner John Henry walk on the field before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“The partnership between MLB, Netflix and the Red Sox will have a significant impact on growing the game of baseball. The reach of Netflix is profound and these docuseries are ambitious. One will relive one of the most magical stories that forever changed this franchise, and the other is a truly groundbreaking endeavor that will provide an inside look at the lives and personalities of today’s Red Sox players.”
President/CEO Sam Kennedy
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 15: Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy looks on during a press conference addressing the departure of Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on January 15, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. A MLB investigation concluded that Cora was involved in the Houston Astros sign stealing operation in 2017 while he was the bench coach. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“This is one of the largest marketing initiatives we have ever undertaken…When we formally began discussing this opportunity nearly 18 months ago, we stressed to our players that the decision to pursue this project would ultimately be up to them. I am proud of our players, [manager] Alex Cora and our baseball operations leadership for having the courage to embrace such a project and open our clubhouse and Fenway Park to a truly global audience.”
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 2: Craig Breslow speaks as he is officially introduced as Chief Baseball Officer of the Boston Red Sox during a press conference on November 2, 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
“I can appreciate how special this opportunity is, both as an executive and as a former player. So much goes into the pursuit of a World Series Championship, from the players performing on the field to the front office working tirelessly behind the scenes. We’re building something special here in Boston, and I’m excited for fans to see the work that goes into that.”
Manager Alex Cora
HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 01: Manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on August 01, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
“We’re going to embrace this experience from the very first day of filming to the last. This is an incredible opportunity for the entire Red Sox organization, but I’m most excited about what this means for our players. Netflix will be able to magnify their stories in a way Major League Baseball has never seen.”
Shortstop Trevor Story
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 03: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox pumps his fist following a 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on July 03, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
“This is a unique opportunity the players didn’t want to pass up. I’ve enjoyed the behind-the-scenes access in Netflix’s other sports documentaries, and now we get to give the fans an unparalleled look at the passion, sacrifice and hard work it takes to be a Major League Baseball player.”
Pitcher Nick Pivetta
Aug 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (37) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
“I think fans all over the world will gain a new appreciation for the grind of a baseball season, and people who aren’t already fans will gain new respect for the sport. I’m looking forward to being a part of the experience with my teammates and the entire organization.”
Outfielder Rob Refsnyder
May 6, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder (30) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
“We don’t take for granted that our fans spend hard-earned money to come out and support us day in and day out. We truly appreciate them, and we’re excited to provide them with an inside look at a Major League Baseball season.”
