Netflix has once again raised the bar in the world of sports storytelling with the release of its latest original documentary, “The Underdog,” a deep and captivating chronicle of former Kentucky Wildcats basketball head coach Rick Pitino. Set against the backdrop of one of college basketball’s most storied legacies, the film explores Pitino’s complicated journey — one filled with triumph, scandal, redemption, and a relentless commitment to the game of basketball. Slated for release later this year, the documentary is already generating significant anticipation among sports fans, critics, and followers of Pitino’s long and controversial career.
“The Underdog” does more than trace the biography of a coach; it dives headfirst into the heart of what makes Pitino one of the most polarizing and respected figures in the history of the sport. From his early coaching days to his transformation of the Kentucky Wildcats into a national powerhouse, and from personal setbacks to public scrutiny, the documentary does not shy away from the complicated dualities that defined his career. Netflix’s production team reportedly conducted over 200 hours of interviews, including candid conversations with Pitino himself, former players, assistant coaches, university officials, and sports analysts who witnessed his meteoric rise and dramatic falls firsthand.
What separates “The Underdog” from traditional sports documentaries is its storytelling depth. While many recall Pitino’s time at Kentucky as one of dominance and championship-level coaching, this film contextualizes those achievements within the broader scope of college basketball history. It offers never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the 1996 national title run, touching interviews with former players who credit Pitino for changing their lives, and a raw look at the pressures that came with rebuilding a damaged program into a perennial title contender.
The documentary opens with Pitino’s arrival in Lexington in 1989—a time when Kentucky’s basketball program was reeling from NCAA sanctions and struggling to regain national credibility. Through archival footage and narrated reflections, viewers witness how Pitino quickly instilled a culture of discipline, intense conditioning, and a fearless three-point shooting offense that revolutionized the way the Wildcats played. His fast-paced style, tireless work ethic, and charisma quickly won over fans and players alike, setting the stage for one of the most exciting eras in Kentucky basketball history.
Former players like Tony Delk, Walter McCarty, and Antoine Walker appear in the film, sharing personal anecdotes about their time under Pitino’s guidance. They speak of grueling practices, life lessons learned, and the deep respect they continue to hold for their former coach. “He was hard on us, no question,” McCarty says in the film. “But everything he demanded, he lived. He pushed us to be more than athletes. He made us believe we could win no matter the odds.”
That mindset, the underdog mentality, is central to the documentary’s title and theme. Pitino’s coaching philosophy hinged on effort, execution, and belief—tools that allowed him to resurrect not only Kentucky but also later stints with Louisville and the New York Knicks. The film dives into how his early years shaped that philosophy, beginning with his immigrant upbringing in New York, his time as a high school and assistant coach, and the setbacks that taught him resilience.
Yet, “The Underdog” does not avoid controversy. It delves deeply into the scandals that later came to define portions of Pitino’s public life, including NCAA investigations, recruiting violations, and his eventual firing from Louisville. These moments are addressed with honesty, featuring both Pitino’s perspective and commentary from journalists and administrators who were involved in the events. Rather than excusing or glossing over these chapters, the documentary presents them as part of the complex mosaic that is Rick Pitino’s life—a coach who won big, fell hard, and kept coming back.
In one emotional segment, Pitino discusses the pain of public disgrace, the impact it had on his family, and the long road back to coaching. “I made mistakes. I trusted people I shouldn’t have. I own that,” he says in a quiet moment. “But I never lost my love for the game. Basketball is my lifeline, and coaching is what gives me purpose.” His return to Iona College and subsequent hiring at St. John’s serve as testaments to his enduring love for the sport and his refusal to walk away in the face of adversity.
The film also includes commentary from college basketball figures like Mike Krzyzewski, John Calipari, and Jay Bilas, each offering unique insights into Pitino’s competitive fire and basketball acumen. Krzyzewski calls him “a brilliant tactician,” while Calipari, who followed Pitino at Kentucky, acknowledges the foundation that Pitino laid for the program’s continued success. “He rebuilt Kentucky brick by brick,” Calipari says. “There’s no denying that. Whatever came after, the man was a builder.”
Critically, “The Underdog” also explores the emotional cost of success. It highlights Pitino’s personal losses, including the tragic death of his son and the physical and mental toll that decades in the spotlight have taken. His wife and close friends speak in intimate detail about the private man behind the public persona—someone who, despite the accolades, carries scars that fame and fortune could never erase.
For Kentucky fans, this documentary is both a celebration and a reckoning. Pitino’s name remains a lightning rod in Lexington, where his success is undeniable, but so is the betrayal many fans felt when he later coached rival Louisville. The film does not ignore this tension—it embraces it, using it to paint a fuller, more nuanced portrait of a man who lived and coached in extremes. “There were days I wasn’t welcome back in Kentucky,” Pitino reflects. “But I understand why. I still love that place. It shaped me more than any other stop in my career.”
As with all great documentaries, “The Underdog” is not merely about one man. It’s about the ecosystem of college basketball, the crushing weight of expectations, and the human capacity for reinvention. It forces viewers to confront how easily public opinion can shift and how hard-earned respect can vanish in an instant. Yet it also reminds us that legacies are not written in a single chapter—they are defined by the totality of one’s journey, including the highs and the lows.
Netflix’s commitment to premium storytelling is on full display here. The cinematography is crisp, the pacing is thoughtful, and the emotional beats land with precision. Sports fans will relish the deep dives into classic games and coaching tactics, while general audiences will appreciate the universal themes of ambition, failure, and redemption. There are moments of humor, sadness, and exhilaration—all anchored by the magnetic presence of Pitino himself.
As the credits roll, viewers are left with a complex image of a basketball icon. Rick Pitino is not perfect. He’s not even close. But he is compelling, passionate, and unrelentingly human. “The Underdog” honors that complexity, giving him his due without flinching from the truth. For a man who has been at the center of so many defining moments in the sport, this documentary serves as a fitting chapter in a legacy that is still being written.
With its bold storytelling and emotional candor, “The Underdog” stands as one of Netflix’s most powerful sports documentaries to date. Whether you’re a die-hard Kentucky fan, a basketball junkie, or simply someone who appreciates tales of perseverance, this film is a must-watch. Rick Pitino’s story is one for the ages—and Netflix just gave it the spotlight it deserves.
