A Sportsish Review: The Kingdom
Let’s be honest: I didn’t expect to cry while watching a docuseries about the Kansas City Chiefs. And yet, there I was, dabbing away a tear during a Patrick Mahomes family moment, gasping at an ankle injury, and cheering at my screen like I was in the stands at Arrowhead. The Kingdom, ESPN’s upcoming exclusive series, is more than just a sports doc. It’s emotional. It’s dramatic. And it’s honestly kind of adorable. Whether you're a football fanatic, a casual Sunday viewer, or a Swiftie just here for the Travis Kelce content, this series has something for you. Think: the intensity of game day, the sweetness of bts moments, and yes, the Taylor Swift shoutouts we needed.
Chiefs Players running out on the field to dominate (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
What’s it About?
The 6 part series follows the Chiefs through their 2024 season, picking up right after their second straight Super Bowl win. The goal? A historic three-peat. But this isn’t just about stats and scores, it’s about the people behind the plays. Each episode dives into different elements of the team: the pressure, the pain, the pride, and the personalities that make the Chiefs more than just a football team.
You get everything from family moments with Patrick Mahomes to deep dives into Andy Reid’s coaching style, emotional history lessons about the Hunt family and the origins of the franchise, and some unexpectedly cute moments in Germany (yes, international Chiefs fans are so real).
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift hugging after the AFC championship game. David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Fav Moments:
Mahomes, the family man:
Patrick Mahomes is obviously the face of the team, but this show peels back the curtain in such a genuine way. We see him as a dad, a husband, a son, and even as a kid himself in old home videos. There’s one moment with a card that says “Pat no matter what” and I swear I turned into a puddle.
Travis Kelce, certified heartthrob:
Let’s talk about the real star of the Kelce Era. From his SNL debut to giving the literal jersey off his back to a rookie on the team, Travis comes across as fun, kind, and just effortlessly cool. And yes, there’s a whole section on his relationship with Taylor Swift. The NFL + pop culture crossover we didn’t know we needed. Chris Jones literally says, “Travis has it all — and Taylor Swift.” ICONIC.
Andy Reid, surprisingly romantic??
I didn’t think a football coach would be giving me relationship goals, but here we are. There’s this sweet moment where his wife talks about knowing he was the one on their second date. I know he’s intense on the field, but off it? Kind of a teddy bear.
The Real Stuff:
It’s not all warm fuzzies. The show doesn’t shy away from the tough parts like injuries, media criticism, the heartbreak of losing the 2025 Super Bowl. Rashee Rice’s injury, DeAndre Hopkins' comeback, Kareem Hunt reflecting on his past, it’s raw and real. Even the segments on the 2022 draft class and the pressure of making history add layers that go beyond the scoreboard.
Final thoughts: Is it worth watching?
Absolutely. This isn’t just a recap of plays and press conferences. The Kingdom is thoughtful, emotional, and surprisingly intimate. It highlights the Chiefs’ journey, but also lets you feel the weight of the wins, the pain of the losses, and the depth of the relationships that carry them through it all.
And yes, it’s perfect for the girlies. You don’t need to know every player on the roster to enjoy it. Come for the drama, stay for the bromances, the dads being soft, and Travis Kelce being literally everything. Also, the BTS moments are chef’s kiss.
Patrick Mahomes celebrating a Super Bowl win. (David J. Phillip/AP)
Final verdict? The Kingdom makes football feel personal, and for once, we get to see the game from the inside out. It’s not just about what happens on the field, it’s about what happens in the locker room, on FaceTime with your kids, in the history books, and yes, in the group huddles led by Mahomes that honestly had main character energy.
Stream it. Scream at it. And maybe, just maybe, become a little bit of a Chiefs fan yourself.