Breaking: Netflix Announces Release of The Underdog, A Gripping Sports Documentary on Pete Rose.
In a move that has both sports enthusiasts and documentary lovers buzzing with anticipation, Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of its latest sports documentary, The Underdog. Slated to premiere on August 30, 2025, the film is set to be a deep, emotional, and revealing dive into the life and career of Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose arguably one of the most controversial and complex figures in baseball history.
For decades, Pete Rose has been a name that inspires admiration, debate, and intense scrutiny. Known as “Charlie Hustle for his relentless drive and unmatched work ethic on the field, Rose remains Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in hits, games played, at-bats, and outs. Despite his extraordinary achievements, his career has been overshadowed by a lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling allegations that shook the sport to its core.
The Underdog promises to go beyond the headlines and statistics, presenting an intimate portrait of the man behind the myth. The documentary, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Rachel Cartwright, offers never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews with Rose, his family, teammates, critics, and sports journalists. Netflix has positioned the film as not only a sports documentary, but a story of human resilience, redemption, and the high cost of greatness.
According to Netflix’s official synopsis, The Underdog traces Rose’s journey from the blue-collar streets of Cincinnati to becoming a baseball icon, then to his dramatic fall from grace. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult momentsfrom his banishment from the game in 1989 after an investigation concluded he had bet on baseball games, to his decades-long battle for reinstatement. Yet it also highlights the profound love he had for the game, the sacrifices he made, and the personal demons he faced behind the scenes.
This documentary is not about clearing Pete Rose’s name, said director Cartwright in a statement. “It’s about understanding the man behind one of the most debated scandals in American sports. We wanted to show Pete not just as a player, but as a father, a competitor, and a person who made mistakes that cost him dearly.
The announcement of The Underdog comes at a time when conversations around sports, morality, and second chances are more relevant than ever. Rose, now 84, has remained a divisive figure—adored by legions of fans who argue his achievements on the field warrant Hall of Fame recognition, while others maintain that rules must be upheld regardless of fame or stats.
In recent years, the rise of legal sports betting across the United States has reignited debate about Rose’s punishment, and whether the time has come to reconsider baseball’s stance. The Underdog is expected to stir those conversations once again, offering audiences a rare chance to see the full arc of a man who once defined baseball grit.
The documentary will feature appearances by notable figures including former teammates Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan (archival), sports broadcasters like Bob Costas and Joe Buck, and even sports ethicists and psychologists who explore the broader implications of Rose’s choices.
Netflix has built a strong reputation for sports storytelling in recent years with hits like The Last Dance, Untold, and Quarterback. The Underdog is poised to join that elite lineup, offering not just a retelling of Pete Rose’s career, but a powerful meditation on the price of glory and the struggle for redemption.
Mark your calendars: The Underdog premieres globally on Netflix on August 30, 2025. Whether you view Pete Rose as a tragic hero or a cautionary tale, this is a documentary you won’t want to miss.
