Not every sports documentary is an instant hit, but Netflix's "Quarterback" series released last summer drew widespread praise for its work following Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota.
The show was a such a success that most expected it to return for a second season, following three different quarterbacks. Netflix had the same idea. The only problem, however, was that very few quarterbacks were willing to let a camera crew follow them around for the entire year. The series took fans into the homes of Mahomes, Cousins and Mariota, and it's no surprise that not every signal-caller was willing to go along with that kind of setup.
Rather than abandon the idea altogether, Netflix pivoted and built this year's series around a group of pass-catchers with big personalities. Fans now know exactly when to expect the episodes to drop.
Here's what you need to know about Netflix's "Receiver" series, including the release date and trailer.
MORE: Reviewing Netflix's 2023 'Quarterback' series
Netflix's 'Receiver' series, explained
"Quarterback" not only followed Mahomes, Cousins and Mariota on the field throughout the 2022 season, but also took a closer look at the personal lives and family dynamics of each player during the heat of football season. Between one Super Bowl-winning star, a strong starter still searching for playoff success and a quarterback just trying to stay afloat in the NFL, the series offered a bit of everything.
The dynamics won't be exactly the same this time around -- each pass-catcher featured can be considered a star -- but fans can expect Netflix to dive deep into the personal lives of five players who in some cases have larger-than-life personalities on the field.
The series is set to span eight episodes and focus on five players throughout the 2023 season, giving fans special access to impressive seasons by both the 49ers and Lions among others.
Here's a look at which players will be featured in Netflix's "Receiver."
Which players are featured in 'Receiver?'
The following five players are the focus of the series:
- Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
- Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
- George Kittle, TE, 49ers
- Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions
The group doesn't feature any players trying to cling to starting jobs like Mariota was in 2022, but there are a few intriguing storylines to look forward to.
Adams endured a tumultuous Raiders season that included Josh McDaniels' mid-year firing, reports that the Jets tried to trade for him ahead of the deadline and Jimmy Garoppolo's benching. The series figures to get into at least some of those intense moments.
Jefferson, meanwhile, missed a portion of the season due to injury and saw QB Kirk Cousins go down in the meantime. Jefferson's injury is likely documented in the series.
Samuel, Kittle and St. Brown give Netflix a chance to showcase a pair of special seasons. The 49ers came within a defensive stop of a championship, so cameras were undoubtedly following San Francisco all the way to the Super Bowl's most painful moments, while St. Brown's inclusion in the series will allow fans to get a closer look at an unforgettable Lions season and a terrific year by St. Brown himself.
MORE: Full details on Justin Jefferson's mega contract extension
'Receiver' release date
Netflix will release "Receiver" on July 10. All eight episodes are expected to be released at the same time, as was the case when "Quarterback" was released last July.
'Receiver' trailer
Netflix released the official trailer for "Receiver" on Thursday:
Catch every moment.
— Netflix (@netflix) June 13, 2024
From the creators of Quarterback, RECEIVER arrives July 10. pic.twitter.com/DLkoEGcXyS
The trailer hints at many of the storylines fans were expecting, including Jefferson's recovery from injury and the 49ers' Super Bowl devastation. It also serves as a reminder that there will be some hilarious mic'ed up moments from the players and plenty of family time documented between the five pass-catchers.
If nothing else, the trailer is already enough to get some fans fired up for the NFL season with training camps opening in about six weeks.
