Apple TV+ has announced the premiere date for a new four-part documentary series about the life story of basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, They Call Me Magic.
The series premieres on Apple TV+ on April 22, and offers viewers a look at the life and career of the NBA icon, whose work both on and off the court cemented his legacy.
They Call Me Magic explores Johnson’s journey from humble beginnings in Michigan to being the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and securing his status as an all-time NBA legend, to changing the conversation around HIV and becoming a successful entrepreneur and community activist. The series features intimate interviews with Johnson, his family, and an all-star lineup of friends and colleagues.
The series is directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope) with editor Dirk Westervelt and cinematographer Rachel Morrison. It’s produced for Apple by XTR and New Slate Ventures, in association with H.Wood Media and Delirio Films.
They Call Me Magic is the latest major documentary project for Apple TV+, on the heels of the Emmy-winning Boys State, The Velvet Underground and Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, among others. The streamer also has the documentaries The Supermodels, from Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries and director Barbara Kopple, and Number One on the Call Sheet from Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan, on the way.