Netflix’s Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls series The Last Dance gets April release
- Basketball fans starved of NBA action amid coronavirus lockdown begged for The Last Dance to be moved up from June slot
- Series shows the star-studded team’s chase for a sixth championship in eight years in the 1997-98 season
Online streaming giant Netflix has responded to the coronavirus pandemic by giving viewers another reason to stay at home – it is releasing its new documentary on Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls early.
Originally slated for a June release, The Last Dance will now stream from April 20, Netflix has confirmed. This was an about-turn from co-broadcasters ESPN telling media in mid-March that it would not be released early, despite growing demand from the public in the absence of live NBA action. Even LeBron James added his voice to those calling for an early release.
The 10-part documentary series focuses on the Bulls team coached by Phil Jackson as they chase a sixth NBA championship in eight years in the 1997-98 season, with Jordan the star of a team also including Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and future Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Basketball fans in the US will get to see the series on ESPN, while Netflix will release two episodes per week every Monday until May 18.
The series is directed by Jason Hehir, whose previous sports documentaries include Andre The Giant, The ‘85 Bears and The Fab Five. He was given access to the team throughout that season, with Netflix promising never-before-seen footage.