Across the pond, Amazon Prime’s docuseries Faceoff: Inside the NHL has been critically well-received and looks to be ticking the boxes for how to get fans on-side with long-form content. Part of a drive in NHL to double down on transparency and human connection – key values for Gen Z – the series focuses on its young stars, their love for the game, and the backstories that drive them. Even more importantly, it benefits from the full backing of the league and its franchises, rather than having to navigate fragmented interest levels (Break Point).
So for the moment, docuseries are here to stay as part of fandom. But to avoid fatigue in long-form sports storytelling, aligning with generational values and winning the backing of all stakeholders will help in capturing and engaging the fans of tomorrow.
