After three retirements and a total of 30,000 points scored in his basketball career, Michael Jordan left the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2003 with a legacy that has arguably been unrivaled even today. Even his name itself is synonymous with being the greatest of all time. Over the decades, multiple documentaries have showcased Jordan’s inspirational attitude towards basketball, including the latest 10-part docuseries, ESPN’s The Last Dance. Combining recollections from players to politicians and never-before-seen video footage, The Last Dance dissects Jordan’s resilient soul and competitive career in the ‘90s Bulls era. The overall series is a great watch for avid sports fans and provides a glimpse into one the world’s most famous icons.

In the opening episode, viewers follow the start of Jordan’s dynasty as they are introduced to the strained relationship between his general manager, Jerry Krause, and coach, Phil Jackson, which eventually led to Jackson’s departure from the Bulls. Prior to these events, Jordan played for the University of North Carolina, where his charismatic nature, natural talent and work ethic led to his overall third draft pick by the Bulls in 1984 where he earned his stripes as a rookie, assisting in huge wins for the team. This episode excellently establishes the foundation for the series, allowing the average viewer to understand the conflict and key players.

In the following two episodes, the series delves into the personal lives of the Chicago Bulls’ most prolific players, notably Jordan’s underpaid and underrated right hand man, Scottie Pippen, and unpredictable defensive powerhouse Dennis Rodman. Afterwards, the series focuses on Michael Jordan’s transition into the global icon he is today, including life-altering events like the untimely death of his father that furthered his impact on not only basketball but entertainment culture as a whole.

The Last Dance provides a deeper look into the lives of Jordan and his teammates without feeling repetitive, and succeeds in providing a distraction to sports fans during this time away from basketball. The docuseries combines old-school hip hop with montages of the Chicago Bulls to provide nostalgia for basketball fans, particularly those who grew up in the era.The Last Dance is rated as a 4.5 out of 5 stars for those interested in one of the most influential figures in American culture.