Prime Video Unleashes Emotional Dale Earnhardt Series - When to Watch
One of NASCAR's greatest ever drivers, Dale Earnhardt Sr., is being explored in a four-part series as Prime Video confirms the launch of Earnhardt coming this May. This follows the success of other motorsport docuseries such as Drive to Survive, and even NASCAR's own, Full speed which will see Season 2 released later this year.
25 April saw Prime Video announce that the initial two episodes of the series covering the NASCAR legend will be released on 22 May. The final two will follow on 29 May. This will coincide with the Coca-Cola 600, which takes place at Charlotte Motor Speedway on 25 May.
NASCAR said the following about the series, which will explore the rich history of the racing icon.
"'Earnhardt' will dive into the rich history of Dale Earnhardt, one of the sport's most influential figures to ever compete at NASCAR's highest level. Through rare archival footage, thrilling races and emotional interviews from his children, colleagues and closest friends, the docuseries will depict Dale Earnhardt's rise to NASCAR stardom and nationwide fame. Earnhardt's navigation of family dynamics - including that of his son, Dale Earnhardt. Jr. - will also be explored."
This comes after the substantial success of other docuseries surrounding sports. Most famously, Netflix's Drive to Survive, saw Formula 1 explode in popularity, especially in the US market. This so-called 'Netflix Effect' is something now multiple sports are looking to leverage.
NASCAR has seen benefits already through its own Netflix series, Full Speed. According to Nielsen data, via The Athletic, 88% of its viewers hadn't seen the previous season's championship race, proving its value with sport newcomers.
"To see 88 percent of new fans watching that show, and then you roll into the season and you have some terrific racing and you have a number of winners who were actually featured on Netflix, it really matched up to what we'd hoped for," NASCAR COO Steve O'Donnell confirmed.
"It's impossible to say exactly how much it's driving the ratings, but you've certainly got to look at that stat and say we exposed the sport to a new audience."
Formula 1 saw large growth among its younger fanbase following the success of Drive to Survive, with the 16-35-year-old segment being 77% of the sport's expansion. NASCAR likely expects a similar change in its viewership, fighting against its current older demographic.
