In the wake of sports being cancelled and TV being ambushed by replays after replays of games played years ago, Michael Jordan gave us something to look forward to.
The 10-part series, The Last Dance, aired on ESPN from 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. weekly, brought us a deep dive into the final moments of the 1998 Chicago Bulls championship.
This team, which could be considered the best team to ever play, according to Bleacherreport, won five world championships prior to the 98’ season, which would be Jordan’s last year before going into retirement again. The Last Dance takes us into the life of Jordan during his whole career, focusing on Jordan’s last season and the events leading up to it.
This isn’t ESPN’s first time making a documentary, not by a long shot. ESPN releases short films titled 30 For 30. Many of these films tie into The Last Dance, for instance episodes three and four touch on the Bad Boys, the title given to the Detroit Pistons for being overly aggressive.
Not only does the show focus on Jordan, but the entire Bulls team as well. You get an inside view of how the Bulls pulled off six world championships in eight years, as well as the drama between coaches and teammates.
bench during a Chicago Bulls basketball game
against the Vancouver Grizzlies.
The Bulls finished the season with a 62-20 record.
Photo courtesy of Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images.
One of the best aspects of The Last Dance is how it shifts from the 1998 season to different years. While it centers on Jordan’s last year, it also moves back in time to expose the backgrounds of decisions made by the players.
Besides Jordan, other highlight players in the show include Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, Scottie Pippen, coach Phil Jackson, David Aldridge, and Michael Wilbon.
The Last Dance is beautifully crafted, and does a superb job drawing viewers in. Filled with fantastic cinematography and nostalgia, it’s a great watch even for non-sports fans. Even now in this time of uncertainty, it provides notable lessons for everyone: maturity, self-control and diligence.
You can watch The Last Dance on ESPN, Sling TV or YouTube TV.
