BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog”, A Highly Anticipated Documentary About Motocross Legend Ricky Carmichael
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a bold move that is already sending shockwaves through the sports and entertainment world, Netflix has just announced the release of “The Underdog”, a gripping new documentary chronicling the life and career of motocross icon Ricky Carmichael. The film, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Dana Keats, is slated to premiere on Netflix globally this Friday at midnight.
Billed as “the definitive story of the G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time), *The Underdog* promises an unprecedented look into the man behind the machine. Known for his fearless riding, unmatched dominance, and humble beginnings, Ricky Carmichael’s story is one of grit, rebellion, and unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
**A Legend Revisited**
At a time when streaming services are doubling down on sports documentaries, Netflix is betting big with this title. Carmichael, a 15-time AMA National Champion and five-time Supercross Champion, has long been a mythic figure in motocross culture. But *The Underdog* delves beyond the trophies and crashes to explore his personal battles with anxiety, injuries, and the pressure of being dubbed “The Perfect Racer” before he even turned 18.
The trailer, released earlier today, opens with a grainy VHS clip from 1987: a young, scrappy Carmichael launching off a dirt mound in his backyard in Tallahassee, Florida. “I was never supposed to make it,” a voiceover from an older Carmichael says. “Too short. Too reckless. Too… me.”
It then cuts to black.
What follows is a high-octane ride through Carmichael’s rise from a small-town underdog to a multi-million-dollar name who changed the face of motocross forever.
**Star-Studded Praise and Exclusive Interviews**
Early buzz surrounding the documentary is overwhelmingly positive. Media outlets, sports commentators, and former competitors have already begun posting reactions following private screenings hosted in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Travis Pastrana in the film. “This isn’t just about motocross—it’s about obsession, legacy, and pain.”
Featuring never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews with key figures such as Jeff Emig, James Stewart, and even Carmichael’s longtime rival Chad Reed, *The Underdog* pulls no punches. The documentary also includes emotional commentary from Carmichael’s family, former mechanics, and coaches, painting a deeply human portrait of a man often seen as superhuman.
“It was important for us to show Ricky as more than a machine,” said Dana Keats during a live Q\&A streamed on Netflix’s YouTube channel. “He wasn’t just a champion. He was a kid with massive expectations on his shoulders, facing demons we rarely associate with our heroes.”
**Motocross Revival?**
The timing of *The Underdog*’s release is no accident. With a noticeable uptick in interest around extreme sports, particularly among Gen Z viewers, Netflix executives see this documentary as part of a broader push to diversify their sports content lineup.
“This is the start of something bigger,” said Priya Desai, Netflix’s Director of Sports Content. “Motocross has always had a cult following, but we believe the world is finally ready for a mainstream look at the adrenaline, the drama, and the raw emotion that defines the sport. Ricky’s story is the perfect way to start that conversation.”
Merchandising deals are already in place. A limited edition line of *The Underdog* apparel in collaboration with Fox Racing dropped this morning and sold out within two hours. Plans for Carmichael to embark on a mini “media & memories” tour, including appearances at SXSW, Red Bull Imagination, and ESPN studios, have also been confirmed.
**Behind the Bars: The Making of “The Underdog”**
The documentary took nearly four years to produce, with over 400 hours of raw footage shot across 11 cities and five countries. Keats and her crew embedded with Carmichael during private rides, therapy sessions, and even family dinners. At one point, the production was briefly halted due to an off-camera crash during a desert ride near Barstow, California—one of many raw moments the film doesn’t shy away from.
Soundtracked by an evocative blend of Southern rock, lo-fi hip hop, and pulse-pounding electronic beats curated by Grammy-winning composer Jamar Cole, the film’s aesthetic is both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
When asked why the documentary was titled *The Underdog*, Carmichael offered a simple explanation: “Because I’ve never felt like the favorite. Not once. Not even when I was winning.”
**What Viewers Can Expect**
Clocking in at 1 hour and 48 minutes, *The Underdog* is more than a highlight reel—it’s a deeply personal journey. From his first bike at age five to his final lap at Daytona, the documentary doesn’t gloss over the darker chapters: the sponsors who bailed, the pressure from fans, and the post-retirement depression Carmichael battled quietly.
“You’ll laugh, cry, and probably want to get on a bike,” joked Keats at the premiere.
Netflix is also offering an interactive companion experience, where subscribers can explore a virtual “Ricky Room” filled with 3D-rendered memorabilia, archived interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage that didn’t make the final cut.
**Anticipated Reception**
As the countdown to release nears its final hours, fans are already taking to social media in droves. Hashtags like #TheUnderdogNetflix and #RickyRidesAgain are trending globally, with fans posting tribute videos, art, and even DIY bike stunts in Carmichael’s honor.
According to early projections from FlixMetrics, *The Underdog* is expected to break records in the documentary category, potentially rivaling the success of *The Last Dance* and *Drive to Survive*.
For motocross fans and sports lovers alike, *The Underdog* isn’t just another documentary—it’s a cultural moment.