Netflix Announces Exclusive Documentary on the Life and Legacy of the Florida Panthers
July 10, 2025 | By Jamie Cordero – Sports & Culture Corresondent
In a move that’s already sparking excitement among sports fans and documentary lovers alike, Netflix has announced an exclusive new documentary titled *“Panther Pride: The Florida Legacy.” The film will offer an in-depth exploration of the Florida Panthers NHL franchise, chronicling its unlikely rise, defining moments, and cultural impact on South Florida over the past three decades.
The documentary is set to premiere globally on October 18, 2025—coinciding with the start of the NHL season—bringing viewers never-before-seen footage, candid interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of hockey’s most resilient and transformed teams.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Florida Panthers organization to tell this incredible story,” said Heather McNamara, Netflix’s Vice President of Sports Content. “From their rollercoaster beginnings in the ’90s to their recent Stanley Cup glory, the Panthers’ journey captures everything that makes sports so powerful—passion, perseverance, heartbreak, and triumph.”
Founded in 1993, the Panthers spent years struggling to gain traction in a market dominated by football and beaches. But over time, the team carved out a fiercely loyal fan base, culminating in a dramatic turnaround that saw them claim their first Stanley Cup in 2024 after a decades-long drought.
The documentary will trace this evolution, with special attention paid to the 2023–2024 championship run that redefined the franchise.
Narrated by acclaimed actor Pedro Pascal, “Panther Pride” features exclusive interviews with former and current players including Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and goaltending legend Roberto Luongo. It also includes commentary from coaches, sports analysts, and die-hard fans who have followed the team through its highs and lows.
The production team, led by Emmy-winning director Ava Linhart (known for Last Shift: The Rise of the Lightning), spent over 18 months embedded with the team, gaining intimate access to the locker room, team practices, and even family homes. Linhart promises a “raw, human look” at what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up.
“I didn’t want to just tell a sports story,” said Linhart. “I wanted to tell a Florida story. A story of grit, identity, and redemption.”
Panthers fans have already taken to social media to share their anticipation. The team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a teaser clip showing the Cup celebration in slow motion, accompanied by the caption: “Our story isn’t just about hockey. It’s about heart. #PantherPrideNetflix”
With its high production values and emotional storytelling, *“Panther Pride”* looks poised to join the ranks of Netflix’s most celebrated sports documentaries. Hockey fans and newcomers alike will soon get a front-row seat to the story of how Florida’s underdogs became champions.