Decades in Sports
2026– · CNN · 60 min · 1 season
S01E06 · 2010s to Present
Mon, 31 Aug, 11:00 am
Huge names emerge in sports in the 2010s, including LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Steph Curry. As social media revolutionizes fan engagement, direct interaction and sports betting change the way viewers see celebrity athletes forever.
About
Decades in Sports explores the cultural and political milestones that transformed sports and helped shape America. Across six episodes, it examines the defining moments, athletes, and cultural shifts that shaped sports over the past six decades, from the television revolution and Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, to the transformative social and political changes of the 1970s, to the impact of social media on today's biggest sports stars. Along the way, each decade reveals the unforgettable athletes, intense rivalries, dominating dynasties, championship moments, and cultural milestones that transformed sports and America.
The series features interviews with legendary broadcasters Bob Costas, Al Michaels and Andrea Kremer, football legends Lynn Swann and Drew Pearson, basketball Hall of Famer Bill Bradley, Olympic gold medalist and WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, ESPN analysts Jessica Mendoza and Malika Andrews, journalists/authors Dave Kindred, Joe Posnanski, Michael MacCambridge, Bomani Jones and John Heilemann, marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer, and additional athletes, coaches, journalists, historians, and legendary sports broadcasters.
Episodes
- E01
1970s
Mon, 3 Aug· 60 minAs cultural and political movements grow across the United States, their impact on sports is undeniable. Women command a larger place on the American sports horizon, while free agency rebalances the dynamic between owners and players.
- E02
1960s
Mon, 3 Aug· 60 minTelevision revolutionizes the way Americans enjoy sports, bringing games, especially from the NFL, into tens of millions of homes. Certain stars, Bill Russell, Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali, and Peggy Fleming, seem born for the camera.
- E03
1980s
Mon, 10 Aug· 60 minAs tensions between the USSR and the United States heat up in the 80s, so do sports rivalries. Everett vs. Navratilova and Bird vs. Magic in the NBA dominate their respective sports, while The Great One bursts onto the ice in the NHL.
- E04
1990s
Mon, 17 Aug· 60 minIn the 1990s, athletes' celebrity power transcends the world of sports. Sports scandals are increasingly smeared across tabloid headlines, while Michael Jordan wins six titles and becomes one of the most recognized athletes in the world.
- E05
2000s
Mon, 24 Aug· 60 minNational tragedy, historic comebacks and grand slams define the 2000s in sports. Tiger Woods in golf, the Williams sisters in tennis, and a shakeup of one of the greatest baseball rivalries in history prove that sports belong to all Americans.
- E06
2010s to Present
Mon, 31 Aug· 60 minHuge names emerge in sports in the 2010s, including LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Steph Curry. As social media revolutionizes fan engagement, direct interaction and sports betting change the way viewers see celebrity athletes forever.
