Netflix’s newly announced hockey drama has sparked backlash online, with some critics accusing the streaming giant of being insensitive due to the show’s central storyline.
The streaming service recently announced an untitled, eight-episode hockey series starring Michelle Monaghan, set in a small Minnesota town where the local high school hockey team is devastated by a fatal bus crash. The project comes from creator Nick Naveda, showrunner Bridget Bedard, and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment production company. Newsweek reached out to the press representatives for Nick Naveda, Bridget Bedard, 21 Laps Entertainment and Netflix for comment via email.
Many believe the series draws inspiration from the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in April 2018, when a semitruck collided with a bus carrying a junior hockey team, killing 16 people, including 10 players and six staff members. The perceived parallels between the real-life tragedy and the show’s premise have been deemed distasteful by many.
The series takes place in South Dorothy, Minnesota, where hockey is the lifeblood of the community. The town’s legendary high school team has produced state championships and NHL stars for decades under the leadership of beloved Coach “Sully” Sullivan. When a bus crash claims the lives of several players as well as Sully himself, the community is left reeling.
Monaghan stars as Harper Sullivan, Sully’s widow, who is unexpectedly tasked with stepping into the role of head coach.
She must guide a new group of young, grieving players while helping the town reckon with its loss. The series is described as an underdog story centered on grief, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.
“I’ve carried South Dorothy and its people in my heart for as long as I can remember,” Naveda told Tudum. “To finally bring that world to life with my Grizzly family at 21 Laps and Netflix is nothing short of a dream come true. Big love and gratitude to my partners for this opportunity, and for all their unyielding support over the years.”
However, following the announcement, social media users began drawing comparisons between the fictional storyline and real-life hockey tragedies, particularly within Canada’s hockey community. Several critics argued that the timing and subject matter felt inappropriate.
“Netflix announcing a show with this plot not even 10 years after the crash is tone deaf at the least…and also, disgusting, I’m sorry,” shared Sam, @catsnpucks on Threads, garnering over 247,000 views.
“For any hockey fan or decent human being in Canada, this accident was TRAUMATIC and will be one of those ‘where were you…’ moments. I will not be watching it. I lived through it the first time, I’m not about to watch a sensationalized version of it” shared Shannon Lee.
“This is incredibly upsetting and is both highly disrespectful of the victims and their families. And of the impact that it had on the CANADIAN hockey community,” shared Andraea Lynne.
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