One of the most anticipated series this spring is HBO’s “Winning Time,” a look at the 1980s LA Lakers Dynasty based on the book “Showtime” by Jeff Pearlman. With Adam McKay directing, that’s bound to be a rollicking comedic look at the Showtime era of Lakers basketball and its most familiar face, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
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For those who want a take on Johnson that’s a little less bombastic, AppleTV+ has an alternative. “They Call Me Magic,” a four-part documentary series also coming this spring, takes a deep dive into Magic’s impact both on and off the basketball court.
Here’s the official synopsis from AppleTV+:
With unprecedented access, the docuseries explores Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s remarkable journey from being the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and cementing himself as an all-time NBA legend, to changing the conversation around HIV, and transforming into a successful entrepreneur and community activist. From his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming the global force he is today, “They Call Me Magic” features intimate interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup, as the docuseries charts the cinematic life of one of the biggest cultural icons of our era.
Rick Famuyiwa directs the series with editor Dirk Westervelt and cinematographer Rachel Morrison. The new series joins AppleTV+’s growing lineup of acclaimed documentary projects, including “Boys State,” “Beastie Boys Story,” and Todd Haynes’ “The Velvet Underground.”
Tune into Johnson’s incredible life story when “They Call Me Magic” premieres on AppleTV+ on April 22. Watch the trailer below.