Netflix announces 'Receiver' docuseries to follow NFL stars
Last summer, Netflix concentrated on the NFL with Quarterback, its newest docuseries. And now, it will be Receiver. The names are self explanatory.
It all makes sense, given how close QBs are to the guys at the other end of their throws. The five who will be the stars of the series are Davante Adams of the Raiders, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel of the 49ers, Justin Jefferson of the Vikings and Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions. We should note that technically, Kittle is a tight end.
All the footage is from last season. So there should be a ton of storylines for Receiver, from the 49ers trek to the Super Bowl, to Jefferson’s struggle with an injury to St. Brown and the Cinderella Lions. Then there is Adams and the Raiders’ odd year that saw a coaching change at mid-season.
Receiver, like Quarterback before it, is being co-produced by Peyton Manning‘s Omaha Productions. And Patrick Mahomes’ 2PM Productions is also doing the show.
“The natural progression is from a pass to a catch, so we’re excited to dive into the Receiver world after the success of our Quarterback series,” said Gabe Spitzer, VP for nonfiction sports at Netflix, told the Hollywood Reporter. “NFL Films and Omaha Productions have delivered again in finding unique and dynamic athletes who will further highlight the drama of this sport on and off the field.”
Receiver evolved after quarterbacks said no for second season
Receiver follows the successful Quarterback. Last year, Netflix gave us a behind-the-scenes look at Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota. There are plans for another installment of Quarterback. However, a number of players at the position did not want to be in the TV spotlight. A new cast has yet to be announced.
“As we did with Quarterback, we look forward to telling the stories of five incredible receivers,” Manning told HR. ”Each with their unique personality, skillset, and motivation for what drives them to be the best,” Manning said in a statement.
NFL Films supervising producer Joe Zucco also talked up how Receiver is the natural follow up to Quarterback.
“We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks. We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication and passion of the NFL’s great wide receivers — and one tight end — will make a perfect follow-up.”