Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of women's sports! The Rise, a groundbreaking five-part documentary series, is set to premiere on Peacock, shedding light on the incredible growth and impact of women's professional sports. But here's where it gets controversial... and captivating!
The Rise is a collaboration between Hello Sunshine, Ally, and the Lyda Hill Philanthropies' If/Then Initiative. The first two films will drop on Peacock on December 15, 2025, with the remaining three scheduled for release in 2026.
Hello Sunshine's documentary teams have been granted exclusive access to leagues and players, capturing historic moments and the evolution of women's sports. From the very first season of the Professional Women's Hockey League to the record-breaking 2024 WNBA season, these films will delve into the factors driving the surge in popularity and feature insightful interviews with athletes.
"The rise of women's sports has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we're thrilled to have been a part of this seismic shift," said Sara Rea, Head of Unscripted at Hello Sunshine. "We're grateful to our partners for their support and belief in our mission to showcase these inspiring stories. Peacock is the ideal platform to share these unique documentaries, offering a glimpse into pivotal moments in the history of women's sports."
The first feature-length documentary, WNBA 2024: The Year That Changed Everything, takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the season that women's basketball took center stage. With sold-out arenas, skyrocketing merchandise sales, and an explosion of social media engagement, this film will explore the factors that propelled the sport into the mainstream. Executive produced by Candace Parker, the documentary features interviews with Parker herself, Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and other prominent figures in the world of women's basketball.
The New Moneyball, another documentary premiering on December 15, delves into the 'overnight success' story of women's professional sports, revealing that it was actually a 50-year journey in the making. The film highlights the dedication of investors and athletes alike, showcasing how their collective efforts have shaped the landscape of women's sports.
The remaining three documentaries, scheduled for release in 2026, include:
- The Inaugural Season of the PWHL: Documenting the struggles and triumphs of elite female ice hockey players, this film follows the birth of a new professional women's hockey league and the athletes who made it happen.
- The Gold Medal Girls of X Games: A glimpse into the world of Southern California skate culture, following four teenage girls on their journey to the 2024 X Games.
- The Women of NASCAR: An exhilarating look at the high-stakes world of the ARCA Menards Series, where four fearless women defy expectations and compete in a male-dominated racing arena.
Hello Sunshine's executive producers, led by Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, and others, have brought these inspiring stories to life. Ashlyn Harris, a consulting producer, has provided valuable insights across all five documentaries.
Ally, the nation's largest all-digital bank, has been a driving force in promoting parity in media spend between men's and women's sports. Their partnerships with various sports organizations and leagues, including the NWSL, WNBA, and others, further demonstrate their commitment to supporting women's sports.
The Rise is Hello Sunshine's latest unscripted series celebrating women's sports, following the success of Women's Sports Now (Roku), F1: The Academy (Netflix), and Surf Girls (Amazon Prime).
So, what do you think? Are you ready to dive into the world of women's sports and explore the stories behind their rise? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your perspectives on this exciting series.
