BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Indiana Hoosier Men’s Basketball Legend Bob Knight, Slated for Release on May 15
Los Gatos, CA — In a major announcement that has ignited excitement across the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has revealed the release date for its newest original documentary, The Underdog, which chronicles the life, legacy, and complex career of Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball icon Bob Knight. The film is scheduled to premiere on May 15, 2025, exclusively on the streaming platform.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ezra Rosenfeld and produced in collaboration with ESPN Films, The Underdog promises an in-depth, never-before-seen look into the rise of one of college basketball’s most controversial and revered figures. From his early days as a player at Ohio State to his three NCAA championships with the Hoosiers, and the turbulent later years of his coaching career, the documentary is being praised as a raw, unfiltered portrait of the man known to fans simply as “The General.”
“Bob Knight was a complex, brilliant, and often misunderstood figure in American sports,” said Rosenfeld in a press release. “This documentary does not shy away from the intensity, the victories, and the controversy that defined his life on and off the court.”
The film features rare archival footage from Indiana University, interviews with former players including Isiah Thomas and Quinn Buckner, and commentary from sports historians and journalists who covered Knight throughout his 29-year tenure in Bloomington. It also includes emotional reflections from Knight’s family, providing a more personal lens into the coach’s life and struggles in his final years before his passing in 2023.
Knight, who led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season in 1976—a record that still stands—remains one of the most polarizing figures in collegiate athletics. His strict discipline, explosive temper, and clashes with media and university officials led to his dismissal from Indiana in 2000. Yet, to many of his players and fans, Knight symbolized integrity, excellence, and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness.
The Underdog arrives amid a growing appetite for sports documentaries, with Netflix capitalizing on the success of titles like The Last Dance and Untold. Early reviews from select screenings suggest the film could be a major contender in upcoming documentary award circuits.
The release on May 15 will be global, with subtitles available in over 20 languages. Fans of college basketball, sports history, and character-driven storytelling are eagerly counting down to what could become one of Netflix’s standout documentaries of the year.
Will The Underdog redefine Bob Knight’s legacy? Viewers will decide when the whistle blows on May 15.