A new documentary on the history of the Celtics is in production, as a joint venture between HBO Sports Documentaries, Ringer Films, and Words + Pictures will chronicle the franchise?s story in ?Celtics City,? premiering in 2025.
It was announced Monday that the documentary, a multipart series on the 18-time champions, will be executive produced by Bill Simmons and Connor Schnell, working together for the first time since their co-creation of ESPN?s critically acclaimed 30 for 30 series.
There?s no story quite like the Boston Celtics, said Simmons, an avid Celtics fan and executive producer for Ringer Films. Everything went right for 40 years, then nothing went right, then suddenly, things started going right again. But beyond the 18 titles and all the legends and memories, the teams connection to the city and almost a century of American history was the most compelling piece for us. This story is bigger than basketball, and yet, it?s everything you ever loved about basketball, too.
The series is directed by seven-time Emmy winner Lauren Stowell, who earned acclaim over 16 years at ESPN with her works including a 2020 SC Featured piece on current Celtic Jrue Holiday and his wife, Lauren, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor during her pregnancy in 2016.
Stowell will draw on extensive archival footage and more than 80 interviews with Celtics past and present, including Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. But indications from those involved suggest the documentary won?t just cover the on-court rise, fall, and rise again of the team, but also its place in Boston over nearly 80 years of existence.
The Celtics are more than a basketball team, Stowell said in a release. They?re a symbol of resilience, unity, and success. While chapters of the team?s story have been told, the full scope of their cultural impact has never been fully explored. Making this documentary was an incredible opportunity to delve into generations of legendary personalities, defining struggles, and extraordinary triumphs that have left a lasting mark not only on the game of basketball, but on the city of Boston and the spirit of America.
