STREAMING HISTORY: Netflix Greenlights Powerful New Documentary on Penn State Football Legacy and Coach Joe Paterno
In a thrilling development for college football fans, Netflix has officially announced the production of a documentary spotlighting the iconic history of the Penn State Nittany Lions football program, with a central focus on legendary coach Joe Paterno. The upcoming feature promises to take viewers deep into the heart of Happy Valley, celebrating one of the most storied programs in NCAA history.
Titled “We Are: The Penn State Story,” the documentary will chronicle the rise of Penn State football from its humble beginnings to becoming a national powerhouse. At the center of the narrative is the complex and revered figure of Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in major college football history at the time of his retirement. Known simply as “Coach P” to generations of players and fans, Paterno’s decades-long tenure is synonymous with discipline, academic commitment, and on-field excellence.
According to Netflix producers, the documentary will feature never-before-seen footage, interviews with former players and coaches, and in-depth explorations of the program’s greatest triumphs, including undefeated seasons, national championships, and the enduring “Linebacker U” legacy. The film will also touch on the cultural significance of Beaver Stadium, one of the loudest and largest venues in sports, and the unwavering loyalty of the Penn State fanbase.
“This isn’t just a story about football,” said executive producer Jonathan Hensleigh. “It’s about community, tradition, adversity, and how one program helped define the spirit of college athletics.”
Expected to premiere in early 2026, the documentary comes at a time when Penn State is once again surging nationally, making it the perfect moment to reflect on the roots of its greatness. For Nittany Lions fans, “We Are” is more than a phrase—it’s a legacy, and now it’s headed to the world stage.
