LOS GATOS, CA (January 16, 2026) — Netflix has officially announced its next major foray into sports storytelling, revealing plans to premiere an exclusive, multi-part documentary series focusing on the history, tradition, and enduring legacy of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tentatively titled Stripes & Glory: The Story of the Cincinnati Bengals, the series promises to be the definitive chronicle of one of the NFL’s most fascinating franchises. From its inception under the legendary Paul Brown to the electric modern era led by Joe Burrow, the documentary will offer an unprecedented look inside the organization that has defined football in the Queen City for over half a century. 

A Deep Dive into NFL Royalty

Following the massive success of sports docuseries like Quarterback, Receiver, and The Last Dance, Netflix is partnering with NFL Films and the Bengals organization to open the archives.

“The Cincinnati Bengals are a franchise rich in narrative arc,” said Brandon Riegg, Vice President of Nonfiction Series at Netflix. “It is a story of innovation, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, swagger. We are thrilled to bring the global audience inside ‘The Jungle’ to see how a team founded by the father of modern football has evolved into the cultural powerhouse we see today.”

From Paul Brown to Joe Burrow

The series will be structured chronologically but will rely heavily on thematic elements that tie the generations together.

A significant portion of the documentary will focus on the team’s founding in 1968 by Paul Brown, a figure whose influence on the game is immeasurable. The series promises to reveal never-before-seen footage of Brown’s early days, exploring how he built the Bengals from scratch after his departure from Cleveland, implementing coaching techniques and scouting methods that are still used in the NFL today.

“You cannot tell the story of the National Football League without telling the story of the Cincinnati Bengals,” said Elizabeth Blackburn, the team’s Director of Strategy and Engagement. “This project is a love letter to our history, but it is also a celebration of our future. We are opening our doors to show the world what it truly means to be a Bengal.”

The Highs, The Lows, and The Personalities

Netflix has promised that the documentary will not shy away from the franchise’s turbulent middle years. It will cover the exhilarating highs of the 1980s, featuring interviews with legends like Ken Anderson, Boomer Esiason, and Anthony Muñoz, detailing the two heartbreaking Super Bowl losses to the San Francisco 49ers that forged a hardened loyalty within the fanbase.

The series will also delve into the colorful and chaotic era of the 2000s, highlighting personalities like Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who brought a level of entertainment and flash to Cincinnati that changed the league’s marketing landscape forever.

However, the emotional core of the series is expected to be the “New Dey.”

The Modern Renaissance

The final episodes of the series will provide an all-access pass to the current era. With exclusive interviews with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Head Coach Zac Taylor, the documentary will reconstruct the miraculous run to Super Bowl LVI.

Viewers will get a fly-on-the-wall perspective of how the culture shifted inside the locker room—transforming from a team searching for identity into a perennial contender with an “us against the world” mentality.

“The world sees the cigars and the sunglasses,” said a Netflix producer attached to the project. “But this series will show the grit. It will show the rehab, the late-night film sessions, and the quiet leadership of guys like Sam Hubbard and Ted Karras who hold the standard.”

A Love Letter to Cincinnati

Beyond the locker room, Stripes & Glory aims to capture the spirit of the city itself. The documentary will explore the unique bond between the team and the “Who Dey” nation. It will feature the stories of superfans, the atmosphere of the tailgate lots, and the way the city of Cincinnati breathes with the rhythm of the football season.

From the freezing cold games on the banks of the Ohio River to the electric energy of a primetime kickoff at Paycor Stadium, the series is set to visually stun audiences with 4K cinematography that captures the grit and beauty of the Midwest.

Release Date and Expectations

While an official release date has not been set, sources indicate the series is targeting a Fall 2026 premiere, perfectly timed to coincide with the heart of the NFL season.

For Bengals fans, this is the validation they have waited decades for. For the general sports audience, it is a promise of high drama. The Cincinnati Bengals have always been a team of theatre—tragic, comedic, and triumphant. Now, for the first time, the full script is being read to the world.

Prepare to enter The Jungle.