In a major announcement that has ignited excitement across the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has officially unveiled its newest original sports documentary, The Underdog, centered on the life and legendary career of NBA superstar and Golden State Warriors point guard, Stephen Curry. Slated for release on December 26, 2024, the timing of the documentary’s premiere aligns perfectly with the 20th anniversary of Curry’s entrance into professional basketball—making it both a tribute and a powerful reflection on one of the most revolutionary athletes of the modern era.From Overlooked to Iconic
Stephen Curry’s rise from relative obscurity to international stardom is a narrative that reads like a Hollywood script. Born in Akron, Ohio, but raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Curry is the son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry. Despite the basketball pedigree, Stephen faced widespread doubt throughout his early career. Scouts and recruiters criticized his slender frame and perceived lack of explosiveness, deeming him unfit for elite college programs or the NBA spotlight.
When Curry chose to attend Davidson College, a small liberal arts school with a modest basketball program, many saw it as a sign of his limited future prospects. What followed was a meteoric and unforgettable rise that culminated in Davidson’s miraculous run to the Elite Eight in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Curry captivated the country, dropping high-scoring games against top-ranked teams and displaying the fearless shooting and clutch gene that would soon become his trademark.
The Golden State Transformation
In 2009, the Golden State Warriors selected Curry with the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft—a decision that would ultimately reshape the landscape of professional basketball. Over the next decade, Curry not only became the face of the Warriors franchise but also a global ambassador for the sport. With his unique blend of handles, agility, vision, and—most notably—his unparalleled three-point shooting, Curry changed the way the game is played at every level.
Netflix’s The Underdog captures this transition with cinematic brilliance. From his early injury struggles to his eventual ascent as a four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, and the NBA’s all-time three-point leader, the series documents every twist and turn in Curry’s incredible career. Through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and commentary from coaches, analysts, teammates, and family members, The Underdog presents a comprehensive portrait of a man who defied every expectation.
Directed by Ava DuVernay: A Powerful Storyteller Meets a Legendary Subject
The documentary is helmed by Ava DuVernay, the award-winning filmmaker known for critically acclaimed projects such as Selma, 13th, and When They See Us. DuVernay brings a fresh, emotional depth to the sports genre, focusing not just on Curry’s athletic achievements, but also on his resilience, identity, and cultural impact.
DuVernay’s approach sets The Underdog apart from traditional sports documentaries. Rather than simply glorifying his career stats and accolades, the film interrogates the psychological and emotional journey behind Curry’s success. What drove him to keep going when the world said no? How did he deal with the pressure of being doubted and dismissed? What sacrifices did he make behind the scenes?
A Multifaceted Life Beyond Basketball
While basketball remains the foundation of The Underdog, the documentary devotes significant time to exploring Stephen Curry’s life off the court. Viewers get an intimate look at his relationships with his wife, Ayesha Curry, and their children, as well as the values that have guided his choices both personally and professionally. Ayesha, a chef, author, and entrepreneur, features prominently in the series, providing insight into the balance the couple has maintained between public life and private identity.
The film also highlights Curry’s philanthropic work, especially his role in co-founding the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which focuses on supporting underserved children through nutrition, education, and physical activity. The documentary reveals the ways in which Curry has used his platform not just to inspire fans, but to create meaningful change in communities across the U.S.
His support for social justice initiatives, from advocating for educational equity to standing up against systemic racism, is a recurring theme throughout the series. These moments showcase Curry not just as an athlete, but as a thoughtful, values-driven leader determined to leave the world better than he found it.
A Deep Dive Into the Dynasty Years
Curry’s most dominant stretch came during the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty years (2015–2019), when the team captured three NBA championships and set the record for most wins in a single season (73-9). The Underdog offers behind-the-scenes footage from those pivotal years, including the formation of the legendary “Splash Brothers” duo with Klay Thompson, the emotional chemistry between Curry and head coach Steve Kerr, and the highs and lows of integrating superstar Kevin Durant into the roster.
What’s particularly powerful is how the documentary addresses the backlash and challenges the team faced—how success bred scrutiny, and how Curry navigated criticism with grace and focus. It covers injuries, media narratives, and the eventual rebuilding process, culminating in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, which many dubbed the most meaningful of Curry’s career.
Global Icon, Local Hero
The series also explores Curry’s global impact. From Asia to Europe to Africa, basketball fans revere him for his humility, relatability, and the joy with which he plays. Unlike many larger-than-life sports figures, Curry has remained grounded, often crediting his family, faith, and community for keeping him centered.
Yet, despite his global appeal, Curry has never forgotten his roots. The film revisits his childhood in Charlotte, highlighting the bond with his father, Dell, and brother, Seth Curry, now an NBA player himself. These segments are raw and emotional, providing powerful context to his journey and offering viewers a full-circle moment as they see how far he’s come.
The Structure: Six Episodes of Pure Gold
The Underdog is structured as a six-part docuseries, with each episode focusing on a specific chapter of Curry’s life:
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“Against the Odds” – Curry’s early life, struggles with visibility, and the decision to attend Davidson College.
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“March Madness” – The 2008 NCAA Tournament run that changed everything.
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“The Rookie and the Rise” – Transition into the NBA and early challenges with injuries and criticism.
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“Revolution” – The Warriors’ dynasty, changing the game of basketball, and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
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“Beyond the Arc” – Off-court endeavors, philanthropy, activism, and family life.
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“The Legacy” – Reflections on his 20-year career, enduring influence, and what’s next.
Audience Anticipation and Early Reactions
Since Netflix dropped the trailer earlier this month, anticipation has reached fever pitch. Social media platforms lit up with tributes from fans, analysts, and fellow athletes praising Curry’s story and the documentary’s emotional weight. NBA stars like LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul have already posted support for the film, calling it a “must-watch” and an “essential piece of basketball history.”
Even before its release, The Underdog is being lauded as a game-changer in the sports documentary genre—comparable in cultural resonance to The Last Dance, the Michael Jordan docuseries that aired in 2020.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Basketball
At its core, The Underdog is a celebration of resilience, faith, and quiet greatness. It is a love letter not only to Stephen Curry’s fans but to anyone who’s ever been doubted, overlooked, or underestimated. In telling his story, the documentary reminds us that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about belief, perseverance, and staying true to who you are.
Curry may have started as an underdog, but as The Underdog shows, he finished as a legend. And now, thanks to Netflix and Ava DuVernay, the world gets to witness that journey in all its brilliance.