Netflix today unveiled “The Underdog,” a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the formative years and indelible impact of basketball icon Charles Barkley during his collegiate career at Auburn University. Set to launch globally on June 29, 2025, the film promises a captivating exploration of the journey that shaped “Sir Charles” before he became an NBA Hall of Famer and one of sports television’s most beloved personalities.
While Charles Barkley’s NBA exploits with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, along with his role on the “Dream Team” and his current status as a highly entertaining analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” are well-known, “The Underdog” will meticulously focus on his three pivotal seasons at Auburn (1981-1984).
The documentary aims to reveal how a relatively undersized forward from Leeds, Alabama, transformed a struggling basketball program into a force, making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984.
“Charles Barkley’s story at Auburn is a testament to raw talent, relentless will, and the power of believing in yourself even when others might doubt you,” stated Rachel Greene, the documentary’s director. “He arrived at a program that hadn’t seen much success, and almost single-handedly elevated them. The title ‘The Underdog’ perfectly encapsulates not just Auburn’s standing when he joined, but also Barkley’s own playing style – an undersized force who consistently outworked and outmaneuvered bigger opponents.”
The documentary will feature a rich tapestry of archival footage, including rarely seen game highlights from his Auburn days, personal interviews with Barkley himself, his former Auburn teammates, coaches, and university staff.
Notable voices expected to contribute include his former coach Sonny Smith, who famously said Barkley was “starved for somebody to identify with, to cling to or support” and that Barkley “arrived on the scene at the right time.” The film will also likely include insights from prominent figures who witnessed his rise, setting the stage for his eventual NBA superstardom.
Barkley’s college statistics, though perhaps overshadowed by his NBA numbers, were remarkable. He averaged 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game over his collegiate career, with a remarkable 62.6% field goal percentage. He led Auburn in rebounding in all three of his seasons and also in blocks. The film will highlight key games, such as the 1984 NCAA Tournament loss to Richmond where Barkley put up 23 points and 17 rebounds, a performance that remains an Auburn NCAA Tournament record.
“Charles Barkley’s time at Auburn was more than just basketball; it was about building something from the ground up,” commented Maria Rodriguez, Head of Sports Documentaries at Netflix. “His personality, even then, was magnetic, and he rallied a university around a program that had historically struggled. This film will capture that raw, authentic energy and show how the foundation for ‘Sir Charles’ was laid on the Plains.”
“The Underdog” will also delve into Barkley’s decision to choose Auburn, a choice he has openly joked about, stating he picked them “because they sucked” and he “wanted to get to play.” This frank honesty, a hallmark of Barkley’s public persona, will be a central theme, showcasing his singular focus on playing time and impact. The documentary will explore how this decision, rooted in a desire for immediate opportunity, proved to be one of the best of his life, turning him into an All-American and a top NBA draft pick.
Expected to resonate deeply with Auburn fans, basketball historians, and anyone interested in the journey of an iconic personality, “The Underdog” is poised to be a significant addition to Netflix’s growing library of acclaimed sports content. It aims to not only celebrate Barkley’s collegiate achievements but also provide context to the relentless work ethic and unique character that defined his entire career.
Tune in to Netflix on June 29, 2025, to discover the untold story of “The Underdog” and witness the early makings of a basketball legend.
