The Last Dance: A Definitive Look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls Dynasty
In the world of professional sports, few stories are as legendary as the rise and dominance of the 1990s Chicago Bulls. The Last Dance, a 2020 American sports television documentary miniseries, provides an intimate and comprehensive account of this era. Co-produced by ESPN Films and Netflix, the series serves as both a career retrospective for Michael Jordan and a deep dive into the team's final championship run.
Directed by Jason Hehir, the series utilizes a blend of candid interviews and exclusive, never-before-seen footage. While it covers the breadth of Jordan's career, it places a primary focus on the 1997–98 season—the final year Jordan played for the Bulls. This unique access allows viewers to see the internal dynamics of one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
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Key Facts
- Focus: Michael Jordan's career and the Chicago Bulls' 1997–98 season.
- Production: Co-produced by ESPN Films and Netflix, featuring over 500 hours of all-access footage.
- Format: A 10-part miniseries with episodes running between 48 and 50 minutes.
- Release: Aired on ESPN from April 19 to May 17, 2020, and released internationally on Netflix.
- Critical Reception: Highly acclaimed, with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 91/100 score on Metacritic.
Production and Release
The creation of The Last Dance was a years-long process. According to Adam Silver, the current NBA Commissioner, Michael Jordan had previously agreed that all-access footage from the 1997–98 season could only be used with his direct permission. After several refusals, Jordan finally agreed to a proposal from producer Mike Tollin in 2016.
The series was originally slated for a June 2020 release. However, due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ESPN moved the premiere forward to April 19, 2020. To accommodate different audiences, ESPN2 and ABC aired a censored version of the series that removed most profanity for family viewing.
Interestingly, Jordan maintained strict privacy during production, refusing to be filmed in his own home. Instead, interviews were conducted in three separate rented or borrowed houses. Additionally, the fifth episode of the series is dedicated to the memory of Kobe Bryant, who passed away in January 2020; his interview appears at the start of the episode.
The Voices of the Dynasty
The documentary is distinguished by its massive array of interviewees. It features the core pillars of the Bulls dynasty, including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, and head coach Phil Jackson. Beyond the team, the series includes perspectives from NBA executives like David Stern and Adam Silver, as well as cultural figures such as Barack Obama and Nas.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Jason Hehir |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Production Companies | ESPN Films, Netflix, Mandalay Sports Media, Jump 23, NBA Entertainment |
| Primary Subject | Michael Jordan & 1997-98 Chicago Bulls |
| US Viewership | Average 6.71 million viewers |
Reception and Controversies
While critics praised the series as a "compelling and comprehensive portrait," it was not without controversy. Several of Jordan's former teammates expressed disappointment, disputing the accuracy of certain accounts and the series' heavy focus on Jordan. Some critics and former players argued that the production was excessively deferential to Jordan while portraying other key figures in a negative light.
Specific criticism was directed at the lack of coverage for point guard Ron Harper. Despite starting all 82 games during the 1997–98 season, Harper appeared only briefly in the series, primarily discussing a game from 1989 rather than his role in the Bulls' second three-peat (winning three consecutive championships).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of The Last Dance?
The series focuses on the career of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, specifically highlighting the 1997–98 season, which was Jordan's final year with the team.
Why was the release date of the series moved?
The premiere was moved up to April 19, 2020, because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How did the series perform in the ratings?
It became ESPN's most-watched documentary, averaging 6.71 million viewers and tying for fifth among adults aged 18–49 for the 2019–20 television season.
Who criticized the documentary?
Several of Michael Jordan's former teammates criticized the series, claiming it was inaccurate, overly focused on Jordan, and unfairly negative toward other players.
Which episode is dedicated to Kobe Bryant?
The fifth episode is dedicated to Kobe Bryant, featuring his interview in the opening segment.