The Last Dance recounts the legend of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Its serves as a great primer for a new fans of the sport (like me) while also providing some exciting insights into the defining years of NBA history.

Though not in any way a groundbreaking documentary, it is well executed and tells a compelling story connecting the early years of the Bulls where they went from being nobody, to champions, to 1998, the last time Jordan played for them and won them a championship. For a newcomer like me, what the documentary successfully highlights is just how incredible the impact Jordan had on the sport was. This man, supported by an incredible team and coach, was a singular powerhouse in an unprecedented manner. He was feared on-court and adored off-court. He was charming as an athlete and a bully on the field. Teams had rules to counter his on-court presence, while strategies were developed by the Bulls to enable Jordan’s plays. He was driven to be the best and managed to prove that he was, six times over. He was human but redefined what humans could be expected to achieve if they put their minds to it.

The success of the documentary is that it captures all of this nuance, not shying away from the darker, harsher aspects of the legend but also highlights just how far reaching his impact was. It is inspiring, emotional, and informative.

While a bit tricky to follow, with earlier episodes lacking a sense of momentum, once one gets into the rhythm the show sets, the experience is a lot smoother and more enjoyable. A good watch if you’re into basketball or want to get into it.