Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Hart’s latest crime series, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” has quickly become a streaming sensation, boasting a 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes just days after its debut. The series is inspired by the 2020 podcast of the same name and recounts a real-life heist during the 1970 comeback fight between Muhammad Ali and Jerry Quarry. Hart takes on the role of Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, while Jackson portrays Frank “Black Godfather” Morten, both pivotal figures in the aftermath of the legendary boxing match.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Mike Cavanagh, Comcast’s president, announced at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference in San Francisco that “Fight Night” has become Peacock’s most-watched original series ever. Remarkably, this milestone was reached within just five days of its release, with only three out of the planned eight episodes available. This early success suggests that the remaining episodes of the crime miniseries, led by Jackson and Hart, could further elevate the platform’s popularity.
Implications of Fight Night’s Triumph for Crime Miniseries
Positive Outlook for Future Peacock Originals
Besides Jackson and Hart, “Fight Night” features a talented ensemble cast, including Taraji P. Henson as Vivian Thomas, Don Cheadle as Detective J.D. Hudson, and Terrance Howard as Richard “Cadillac Richie” Wheeler. The combination of compelling performances and the intriguing backdrop of Ali’s comeback undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success on Peacock. The miniseries now stands alongside hits like “Ted” and “Poker Face,” highlighting the kind of original content that resonates most with audiences.
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The show’s success can also be attributed to the creative team, with Shaye Ogbonna writing the first two episodes and Erika L. Johnson penning the third. Craig Brewer directed the initial episodes, followed by Tanya Hamilton for the third. This strong foundation has evidently captured subscribers’ attention, and if this level of engagement continues, Peacock could establish historical miniseries as a staple of their original content lineup.
Our Perspective on Fight Night’s Remarkable Success on Peacock
Deserved Recognition for the Show
With its compelling cast performances and an instantly intriguing storyline, “Fight Night” is a standout addition to Peacock’s expanding array of original series. While it might not reach the heights of Jackson’s most acclaimed films or Hart’s beloved comedies, the series succeeds in delivering a captivating narrative. With five episodes still to come, its promising start suggests that it will sustain its viewership as new episodes roll out weekly.
Catch new episodes of “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” every Thursday on Peacock.
Source: THR
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
- Crime
- Drama
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a crime drama television series created for Peacock. Based on the true-crime podcast, the series recounts the night in 1970 when Muhammad Ali achieved a comeback, all the while a dangerous armed robbery changed the landscape of the city forever.