**Good Morning America: Netflix Reveals Official Release Date for Emotional Paul “Bear” Bryant Documentary Series***August 13, 2025 – ESPN*

 

**Good Morning America: Netflix Reveals Official Release Date for Emotional Paul “Bear” Bryant Documentary Series***August 13, 2025 – ESPN*

Netflix has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated documentary series, *Bear: The Crimson Legacy*, chronicling the life, career, and cultural impact of legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The six-part series is set to premiere globally on **October 15, 2025**, coinciding with the height of college football season — a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

This emotional and revealing series dives deep into Bryant’s transformative role in shaping not only the University of Alabama’s football dynasty but also the larger landscape of college athletics and Southern culture. From his unparalleled 323 career wins to his controversial role in desegregating the sport in the Deep South, *Bear: The Crimson Legacy* blends archival footage, personal letters, and rare interviews with players, family members, and rivals.

The series is directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rachel Morrison (*Mudbound*, *Seabiscuit: Rising*), who spent three years interviewing over 80 people connected to Bryant’s life. “This isn’t just about football,” Morrison said in a press statement. “It’s about a man who became a symbol — for better and worse — of an era, a region, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that left both triumph and pain in its wake.”

The documentary promises to go beyond the sidelines, exploring Bryant’s humble beginnings in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, and tracing his rise through coaching stints at Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas A\&M before returning to Tuscaloosa, where he became synonymous with Alabama football. Each episode examines key phases of his life: his early struggles, the glory years of six national championships, his complex relationships with players like Joe Namath and Wilbur Jackson, and his internal battles with health, pressure, and the burden of legacy.

One of the most emotional episodes reportedly covers Bryant’s role in integrating Alabama’s football program — a watershed moment in both sports and civil rights history. Though initially resistant, Bryant’s eventual push for change is examined through the lens of both criticism and redemption, offering an unflinching look at how the coach navigated the racial tensions of the 1960s and ‘70s.

“There was the Bear on the field, but there was also the man off the field — flawed, proud, and deeply human,” said former Alabama player and NFL Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome, who participated in the documentary. “This series doesn’t shy away from either side.”

Netflix has partnered with ESPN Films to ensure the sports history is told with nuance and accuracy, while also reaching a broader audience. In the lead-up to the release, exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content will be featured on *College GameDay* and ESPN digital platforms.

With its blend of southern grit, national glory, and personal sacrifice, *Bear: The Crimson Legacy* promises to be a definitive portrait of Paul “Bear” Bryant — not just as a coach, but as a towering figure whose influence is still felt on and off the field.