The sports world is abuzz with anticipation as Netflix prepares to unveil *Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen*, a gripping six-episode documentary series set to premiere globally on September 17, 2025. Offering an unprecedented look into the Essex-based Matchroom Sport empire, founded by Barry Hearn and now led by his son Eddie, the series dives deep into the high-stakes world of sports promotion, blending the family drama of *Succession* with the raw intensity of *Drive to Survive*. The recently released trailer, described as “class” by fans, showcases sporting titans like darts prodigy Luke Littler, boxing icon Anthony Joshua, and snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, alongside pivotal events such as Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano II, and Joshua’s clash with Daniel Dubois. With cameras granted “access all areas,” the series promises to reveal the unfiltered chaos, ambition, and rivalries behind one of Britain’s most influential sporting dynasties.
At the heart of the series is the father-son duo of Barry and Eddie Hearn, whose larger-than-life personalities and relentless drive have transformed Matchroom into a global powerhouse since its inception in 1982. Barry, the 76-year-old founder, reflects on their unconventional approach: “Sports fans will absolutely love this. For over four decades, Matchroom has proved itself to be one of the true, global British business triumphs. But we’re not normal. And for that reason we have always had to stand away from the crowd and defy what is ‘normal’ from a traditional, corporate business sense.” His candid description of the series as “warts and all” hints at a raw portrayal of the family dynamics, with Barry as the “old, grey-haired geezer” who built the empire and Eddie as the “dynamic” son steering it into new territories. The trailer teases tensions not only between father and son but also among Matchroom’s inner circle, including Frank Smith (CEO of Matchroom Boxing), Emily Frazer (CEO of Matchroom Multisport), and Matt Porter (CEO of Professional Darts Corporation).
Eddie Hearn, now chairman, underscores the series’ unique appeal: “This is a big day for our company and we are very proud to showcase our story to a global audience on Netflix. It’s *Succession* meets *Drive to Survive* as we bring you an unprecedented look at the up-close-and-personal drama from the biggest and best live events on the planet across Boxing, Darts, Snooker and Multi Sports.” The documentary, filmed across locations like Brentwood, Essex, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, Riyadh, and Manila, captures the frenetic energy of Matchroom’s operations. From heated dressing room arguments to intense press conference showdowns, the series promises to peel back the curtain on events like Benn’s grudge match with Eubank Jr., Taylor’s historic rematch with Serrano, and Joshua’s high-stakes bout against Dubois. Eddie emphasizes the personal stakes: “You are seeing the likes of Luke Littler and Ronnie O’Sullivan like never before and what really happened behind-the-scenes… Away from the live action, you’re seeing all the backstage dramas in the dressing rooms, the press conferences, the arguments… it is so compelling.”
Produced by Box to Box, the acclaimed team behind *Formula 1: Drive to Survive* and *At Home with the Furys*, the series highlights Matchroom’s diverse portfolio, which spans boxing, darts, snooker, pool, and even fishing. The inclusion of stars like Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation who won the 2025 PDC World Championship, and O’Sullivan, a seven-time snooker world champion, underscores Matchroom’s ability to elevate athletes to global stardom. Joshua, a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, adds further star power, with the trailer teasing emotional and strategic moments from his Dubois fight. The series also spotlights rising executives like Frank Smith and Emily Frazer, portraying them as the “kids” vying for influence in a real-life succession saga, as Barry puts it: “You’ve got me… and then the young son comes in, who is dynamic, and all the other kids as well.”
Matchroom’s journey from a snooker-focused outfit in the 1980s, sparked by Barry’s partnership with Steve Davis, to a £280.8 million enterprise in 2023 reflects its relentless ambition. The documentary captures this evolution, including Eddie’s innovative “Fight Camp” events during the COVID-19 pandemic, staged in his childhood home’s garden, and Barry’s community efforts, like sponsoring Brentwood Town FC. “It’s sometimes nice to just remember where you came from, and to put a little bit back,” Barry said, highlighting his roots. The series also promises humor and heart, with Box to Box’s head of sports, Warren Smith, noting, “In father and son Barry and Eddie Hearn we have the best of British – two of the greatest deal makers around but also two of the most competitive men you can meet.” As fans await the September premiere, *Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen* is poised to redefine sports storytelling, offering a raw, emotional, and thrilling glimpse into a family empire that thrives on defying the ordinary.
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