Apple TV+ announces Magic Johnson docuseries, premieres April 22
Just like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and others, Magic Johnson is getting the full docuseries treatment.
Apple TV+ announced Friday that "They Call Me Magic," a four-part series documenting the Los Angeles Lakers legend's life on and off the court, will premiere on April 22. The streaming service also released a 30-second trailer.
There’s magic in the air. The true story of @magicjohnson’s life on and off the court premieres April 22 on Apple TV+ #TheyCallMeMagic#TCA22pic.twitter.com/r9JDZdN6Go
— Apple TV+ (@AppleTVPlus) February 4, 2022
Apple acquired the series, directed by "Dope" director Rick Famuyiwa, in a deal last November.
There is obviously no shortage of material for a Magic Johnson docuseries to cover, from his national championship-winning tenure at Michigan State, to his time starring for the Showtime Lakers and, of course, when he made international news with his abrupt retirement after being diagnosed with HIV.
The trailer indicated there should be plenty said about that last subject, with the longest clip coming from his news conference announcing his diagnosis. Per Deadline, the series promises to deliver "never-before-seen footage and interviews with Johnson as well as figures from the world of business and politics and his inner circle."
Plenty of Magic Johnson/Lakers content on the way
If you're a person who just can't get enough content about the Lakers, now is a good time to live.
In addition to Apple releasing a Magic Johnson docuseries, HBO has its "Winning Time" series dramatizing the Showtime Lakers coming out in March, something Johnson has said he is not a fan of.
There is also the Lakers-inspired office comedy that has been ordered by Netflix and Hulu's Jeanie Buss-helmed nine-part docuseries about the history of the Lakers under the Buss family. Oh, and there is almost definitely a "Last Dance" style Kobe Bryant series coming with footage from the Lakers legend's final season.
Just in case Lakers fans want to watch something other than their 25-28 team this year.