CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 16, 2026) — The black and blue history of the Carolinas is coming to the global stage. In a major announcement that has electrified the sports media landscape, Netflix confirmed on Friday that it has greenlit an exclusive, multi-part documentary series focusing on the history, tradition, and enduring legacy of the Carolina Panthers.
The project, tentatively titled Two States, One Team: The Story of the Carolina Panthers, promises to be the definitive chronicle of one of the NFL’s most fascinating expansion franchises. Produced in collaboration with NFL Films and Omaha Productions, the series is set to premiere in the fall of 2026, coinciding with the kickoff of the NFL season.
A Franchise Like No Other
While other NFL teams boast century-long histories, the Carolina Panthers’ story is one of rapid ascents, crushing heartbreaks, and a unique cultural identity forged in a relatively short time. Since their inception in 1995, the Panthers have provided some of the most dramatic storylines in modern football history, making them an ideal subject for Netflix’s growing sports portfolio.
“The Carolina Panthers are a perfect example of how a sports team becomes the heartbeat of a region,” said Brandon Riegg, Vice President of Nonfiction Series at Netflix. “From their record-breaking start as an expansion team to the cultural phenomenon of the 2015 season, this organization has a cinematic history that has never been fully told. We are granted unprecedented access to the archives and the locker room to tell this story the right way.”
Unlocking the Archives: 1995, 2003, and 2015
According to the press release, the documentary will be structured around the three “pillars” of the franchise’s history, offering never-before-seen footage and candid interviews with team legends.
The series will begin with the “Miracle of ’96,” exploring how the Panthers, in only their second season of existence, reached the NFC Championship Game—a feat that redefined what was possible for an expansion team. Interviews with original stars like Sam Mills and Kevin Greene are expected to feature heavily, utilizing archival audio to bring the past to life.
A significant portion of the series will be dedicated to the 2003 “Cardiac Cats.” This era, defined by quarterback Jake Delhomme and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., culminated in Super Bowl XXXVIII, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most chaotic Super Bowls ever played. The documentary promises to reveal the locker room dynamic of a team that thrived on close games and sheer willpower.
However, the centerpiece of the series is expected to be a deep dive into the 2015 season. This was the year the Panthers went 15-1, Cam Newton won the MVP, and the team danced its way to Super Bowl 50. The documentary will explore the cultural impact of that team—the “dabbing,” the handing of footballs to children, and the polarizing nature of their dominance.
“Keep Pounding”: The Emotional Core
At the heart of the series will be the origin and significance of the franchise’s motto: “Keep Pounding.”
The documentary will feature a dedicated segment on the late Sam Mills, the linebacker and coach whose courageous battle with cancer inspired the speech that gave the team its identity. Producers have reportedly secured exclusive interviews with the Mills family and former players who were in the room for that speech, aiming to show how those two words have transcended football to become a rallying cry for the Carolinas’ fight against cancer.
Access to the Present
In true Netflix fashion—following the blueprint of Quarterback and Hard Knocks—the series will not just look back. It will also provide an embed-style look at the current state of the franchise. Cameras have reportedly been following the team through the 2025 season and the 2026 offseason, documenting the rebuilding efforts under owner David Tepper and the front office’s quest to return the team to glory.
This juxtaposition of the glorious past and the gritty present is designed to give viewers a holistic view of the cycle of NFL life.
Reaction from the “Keep Pounding” Community
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from Panthers legends and fans alike.
Steve Smith Sr., the franchise’s all-time leading receiver and known for his fiery personality, took to social media to endorse the project. “It’s about time,” Smith posted. “We put blood and sweat into that jersey. The world saw the highlights, but they didn’t see the fight. They didn’t see the brotherhood. Netflix better be ready, because we aren’t holding anything back.”
Current General Manager Dan Morgan, a former linebacker who played in the Super Bowl XXXVIII loss, stated, “This is a chance to show the world what it means to be a Panther. We represent North and South Carolina. There is a grit to this fanbase and this organization that is unmatched. We are excited to open our doors and share our truth.”
A New Era of Sports Storytelling
For Netflix, this acquisition signals a continued commitment to premium sports storytelling. By choosing the Panthers—a team with a passionate, regional fanbase and a history of dramatic highs and lows—the streaming giant is betting that the human stories inside Bank of America Stadium will resonate with a global audience.
From the roar of the crowd in Charlotte to the living rooms of millions, the story of the Carolina Panthers is finally getting the cinematic treatment it deserves. The series will explore not just how a team was built, but how a family was formed.
As the teaser trailer released Friday concludes, with a black screen and the sound of the “Keep Pounding” drum echoing: History is written in black and blue.
