NASCAR’s experiment with Netflix is turning out to be a game changer for the stock racing company. The show ‘Full Speed’ was released on Netflix () . And it received positive reviews from both fans and critics.
How is the Netflix Show Impacting NASCAR viewership?
In the past, we saw Formula 1 gaining a lot of fans from the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive. Similarly, NASCAR is experiencing a wave of new fans coming to the races/watching them on TV. Jeff Gluck of the athletic reports:
Get this: 88% of “Full Speed” viewers did not watch the championship race last year (aka new fans).
NASCAR’s Netflix momentum and a strong start on the racetrack has Steve O’Donnell pumped. We chatted about it in the story below. https://t.co/45OgETSvj2
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 21, 2024
Netflix ‘NASCAR: Full Speed’ Documentary
The series follows the journey of several star drivers, showcasing their grit, determination, and the high-stakes drama that unfolds in the ten-race playoffs. But it does more than just highlight the on-track action. It brings the drivers’ personalities to the forefront, giving viewers a reason to root for or against them.
One of the standout aspects of Full Speed is its ability to elevate the sport beyond the racetrack. It delves into the intimate pre-race conversations between lovers and teammates, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional dynamics that often remain hidden during traditional coverage. This approach adds a layer of suspense and intrigue that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
The series also benefits from some serious power players behind the scenes. Words + Pictures, the production studio behind the critically acclaimed The Last Dance and O.J.: Made in America, brings its storytelling expertise to the table. Additionally, retired NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. serves as the executive producer, lending authenticity and insider knowledge to the project.
Critics have lauded Full Speed as one of the best NASCAR content ever created. It successfully targets newcomers while satisfying oval obsessives. The series has been compared to F1’s Drive to Survive, which saw a significant increase in the sport’s U.S. fan base following its success.
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