BREAKING: Netflix Unveils ‘Collingwood: Beyond the Black and White’ – A Deep Dive into AFL’s Most Polarizing Club
Netflix has officially announced its latest original sports documentary, Collingwood: Beyond the Black and White, set to premiere on October 27, 2025. The series takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the most iconic—and controversial—clubs in Australian sport: the Collingwood Football Club.
Best known for its passionate fanbase, storied rivalries, and long list of AFL premierships, Collingwood is no stranger to attention. But this documentary doesn’t just retell highlights from the field. It promises to offer an unflinching look at the club’s complex legacy, from glory days to deep-rooted controversies.
The series reportedly spans decades of Collingwood history, featuring never-before-seen footage, candid interviews with players past and present, coaches, executives, and die-hard fans. It’s expected to cover everything from historic grand finals to the infamous defeats that have haunted generations of supporters.
What sets Beyond the Black and White apart is its focus on not just football, but the cultural and societal role the club has played—both positive and negative. The documentary is said to delve into the club’s handling of racism, diversity, and public accountability, including its highly publicized internal reviews and reform efforts.
Collingwood has long been considered a “love them or hate them” team. With a legacy stretching back to 1892, they’re one of the AFL’s foundation clubs and have remained a powerhouse in both on-field performance and media spotlight. But they’ve also been a lightning rod for criticism—often accused of being out of step with modern values and slow to adapt.
This documentary reportedly does not shy away from those criticisms. Instead, it aims to present a full picture of the club’s evolution—warts and all. Viewers can expect raw, emotional reflections from current stars as well as retired legends, as they confront both personal and collective challenges within the Collingwood system.
In a broader sense, the series uses the Collingwood story as a lens through which to examine the AFL itself and the changing face of Australian sport. Questions around inclusion, race, tradition, media scrutiny, and leadership are all said to be central themes.
The show is part of Netflix’s continued investment in premium sports storytelling, following successful ventures like Drive to Survive (Formula 1), Full Swing (PGA Tour), and Untold. With its strong personalities, intense rivalries, and Melbourne’s uniquely tribal football culture, Collingwood: Beyond the Black and White is poised to appeal not only to Australian viewers but to a global audience curious about elite sport’s off-field drama.
For lifelong Magpie fans, it offers a deep emotional journey. For everyone else, it’s a compelling window into the soul of one of sport’s most talked-about clubs.
As the October 27 premiere draws near, one thing is clear: this is more than a football docuseries—it’s a story about identity, legacy, and transformation.
