Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Former Boston Bruins Legend and Franchise Icon Derek Sanderson, Slated for Release on..
In a landmark announcement that has already ignited excitement among hockey fans and documentary enthusiasts alike, Netflix has unveiled its latest original sports feature: “The Underdog,” a powerful and deeply personal documentary chronicling the life, career, and redemption of Derek Sanderson, one of the most charismatic—and controversial—figures in Boston Bruins history.
Slated for global release this fall, “The Underdog” is being described as a raw, emotional, and cinematic retelling of Sanderson’s rollercoaster rise to NHL stardom, his fall into personal darkness, and the incredible journey of resilience that followed.
A Legend on Ice, a Survivor off It
Derek “Turk” Sanderson was more than just a hockey player—he was a phenomenon. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1960s with swagger, talent, and a brash confidence that matched the cultural revolution of the era, Sanderson quickly became a fan favorite and a tabloid fixture. Known for his flashy lifestyle, long hair, and tough-as-nails style of play, he was both a Bruin and a brand long before modern athletes embraced celebrity status.
At the height of his fame, Sanderson helped lead the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup titles, centering the famous “Nitro Line” and playing alongside legends like Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. But behind the on-ice glory, he was battling demons that would eventually derail his career.
Addiction, injury, and financial ruin would send Sanderson spiraling. “The Underdog” captures this fall from grace in vivid detail—but more importantly, it tells the story of a man who clawed his way back.
Behind the Scenes: A Story Years in the Making
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Clara Jennings and produced in partnership with the NHL and Netflix Sports Originals, “The Underdog” weaves together never-before-seen archival footage, intimate interviews, and re-enactments to paint a portrait of a man who lived every inch of his legend—and paid the price.
The documentary features candid new interviews with Sanderson himself, as well as:
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Bobby Orr, who famously helped Sanderson turn his life around,
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Phil Esposito, his longtime teammate and friend,
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Former Bruins coaches and broadcasters,
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Family members and addiction recovery counselors who supported his comeback.
“This film is not just about hockey,” Jennings said in a statement. “It’s about the human spirit. Derek’s story is one of fame, failure, redemption—and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild.”
A Boston Story with National Weight
“The Underdog” is expected to resonate far beyond Bruins fans. At its core, the documentary is a story of survival, of lessons learned the hard way, and of what it means to confront one’s past in pursuit of something greater.
The city of Boston, known for its deep sports loyalty, has embraced the news of the film’s release with open arms. Murals of Sanderson have already appeared near TD Garden, and commemorative screenings are reportedly being planned for local hockey communities and youth rehab centers.
“This isn’t just a hockey doc,” one fan posted on social media. “It’s about Boston. It’s about rising again. It’s about being human.”
An Impact Beyond the Ice
Today, Derek Sanderson is a respected financial advisor and public speaker, often visiting schools and recovery centers to speak about addiction and life after fame. That second act is one of the documentary’s most powerful threads.
“I made every mistake a man could make,” Sanderson says in the trailer’s voiceover. “But I survived. And I’m still skating—just in a different way now.”
The film also tackles broader issues including mental health in professional sports, the pressure of early fame, and the era’s lack of support systems for athletes in crisis.
Release Plans and Expectations
Netflix has confirmed that “The Underdog” will premiere globally in early October, aligning with the NHL preseason and Hockey Fights Cancer month, a cause close to Sanderson’s heart. The film is expected to receive limited theatrical screenings in select cities, with a Boston premiere already generating intense local interest.
Critics and insiders who’ve seen early cuts are calling it “gripping,” “unflinching,” and “emotionally cathartic.” Fans are already predicting Emmy buzz—and more importantly, a renewed appreciation for one of the sport’s most complex figures.
Final Thoughts
In a world of curated perfection and safe stories, Netflix’s “The Underdog” offers something rare: an unvarnished, unscripted look at a legend who lost it all—and chose to fight his way back.
Whether you’re a lifelong Bruins fan, a sports documentary lover, or someone who believes in second chances, this film promises to be one of the defining sports stories of the decade.