Michael Jordan Documentary ‘Last Dance’ Will Drop On ESPN Early Thanks To Coronavirus

There hasn’t been much good news in the world lately. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a public health emergency and economic uncertainty as well as worldwide social isolation. At the same time, sports fans are dealing with a barrage of cancellations at a time when the distraction of a game would be extremely welcome.

But here’s a bone: ESPN Films and Netflix
NFLX
have announced that they’ve sped up production of their highly-anticipated Michael Jordan docuseries, The Last Dance, and it will premiere on April 19 instead of in June as scheduled.

The change in scheduling benefits everyone during these tough times. ESPN, who is suffering from a basically blank dance card, will have something to beef up their depressing television schedule. The fans, who are sorely missing any sort of televised recreational competition, can have the opportunity relive the rise of one of the top athletes of our time as well as the triumphs of the 1990s Chicago Bulls.

“As society navigates this time without live sports, viewers are still looking to the sports world to escape and enjoy a collective experience,” ESPN said in a statement. “We’ve heard the calls from fans asking us to move up the release date for this series, and we’re happy to announce that we’ve been able to accelerate the production schedule to do just that. This project celebrates one of the greatest players and dynasties ever, and we hope it can serve as a unifying entertainment experience to fill the role that sports often play in our lives, telling a story that will captivate everyone, not just sports fans.”

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was one of the first national sports organizations to indefinitely suspend their season, which they did beginning on March 12 after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. Most everyone else has since canceled, suspended, or postponed, including the March Madness, Tokyo Olympics, NASCAR, the U.S. Open, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, the Kentucky Derby, and the Indianapolis 500.

The Last Dance touts the full participation and blessing of Jordan, along with over 100 interviews, including most every famed personality from the era. The series will also include 500 hours of footage from Bulls’ last championship run in 1997-98, along with all-star commentary.

“Michael Jordan and the ’90s Bulls weren’t just sports superstars, they were a global phenomenon,” director Jason Hehir told CNN. “Making The Last Dance was an incredible opportunity to explore the extraordinary impact of one man and one team. For nearly three years, we searched far and wide to present the definitive story of an era-defining dynasty and to present these sports heroes as humans. I hope viewers enjoy watching our series as much as we enjoyed the opportunity to make it.”

The 10-part series will run from April 19 to May 17 on ESPN and on Netflix on April 20 outside of the United States.

The series was produced by Mike Tollin and Mandalay Sports Media in association with NBA Entertainment and Jump23.