VICE TV to Spotlight Rick Pitino and John Calipari in New Sports Series Ahead of March Madness

In a strategic move to deepen its presence in sports entertainment, VICE TV has announced a slate of original programming, including two documentary series that will delve into the careers and current seasons of renowned college basketball coaches Rick Pitino and John Calipari. These series are set to captivate basketball fans as they lead into the NCAA Tournament, popularly known as March Madness.

The network revealed on Thursday that it will launch two six-episode docuseries, “Pitino: Red Storm Rising” and “Calipari: Razor’s Edge”, in February. Both shows promise to offer viewers an insider’s look at the challenges and triumphs these high-profile coaches face in their current roles.

Spotlight on Rick Pitino: “Red Storm Rising”

“Pitino: Red Storm Rising” will chronicle the winning coach, as he seeks to return St. John’s to national prominence. The series will follow Pitino’s efforts to lead the Red Storm back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, highlighting his dynamic coaching style, strategic decision-making, and the intense pressure of rebuilding a storied basketball program. Fans will get an up-close look at the inner workings of a program under one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches.

Pitino, known for his fiery passion and tactical brilliance, has a history of transforming programs into contenders. From his championship runs with Kentucky and Louisville to his more recent success coaching abroad and at Iona, the series will explore his resilience and adaptability, making it a compelling watch for basketball enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

John Calipari’s Journey: “Razor’s Edge”

Meanwhile, “Calipari: Razor’s Edge” will focus on John Calipari’s first season as head coach at Arkansas, showcasing the challenges of taking the helm at a new program. Produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, the series promises to provide an all-access pass to Calipari’s journey as he builds relationships with players, implements his coaching philosophy, and navigates the expectations of Razorback Nation.

“Coach Cal is a Hall of Fame coach and a legend in the sport,” Manning said in a statement. “We’re excited to collaborate with VICE on this project and believe it will resonate with fans as they witness the grit and determination it takes to succeed in college basketball. This series marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long partnership with VICE as they expand their focus on sports content.”

Calipari, a seasoned coach with a championship pedigree, is renowned for his ability to recruit and develop NBA-caliber talent. The series will explore his efforts to instill a winning culture at Arkansas, giving fans a rare glimpse into his methods and the challenges of maintaining excellence in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

VICE TV’s Growing Sports Portfolio

These two series are part of VICE TV’s broader effort to expand its footprint in the sports genre. Known for its edgy and immersive storytelling, VICE aims to bring a fresh perspective to sports documentaries, focusing on the human stories behind the headlines. With the addition of “Red Storm Rising” and “Razor’s Edge”, the network is positioning itself as a go-to destination for compelling sports content.

This move reflects a growing trend in sports media to provide behind-the-scenes access to coaches and teams, offering fans deeper insights into the personalities and strategies that drive success on the court. By partnering with high-profile figures like Peyton Manning and spotlighting legendary coaches like Pitino and Calipari, VICE is setting a high bar for sports storytelling.

What to Expect Leading Into March Madness

Both series are set to premiere in February, aligning perfectly with the excitement of college basketball’s regular season climax and the buildup to March Madness. Viewers can expect a mix of game highlights, candid interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage that captures the drama and intensity of a season on the brink of tournament glory.

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, these series will not only celebrate the legacies of two coaching legends but also explore the unique challenges and triumphs they face in their current chapters. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or new to the sport, these shows promise to deliver an engaging look at the human side of college basketball.