Netflix Strikes Gold with New Sports Docuseries “Beyond the Lanes: The Rise of College Bowling”
April 17, 2025 – Los Gatos, CA
Netflix is stepping into the alley with its latest original documentary series, Beyond the Lanes: The Rise of College Bowling, set to premiere globally on May 15. The docuseries shines a spotlight on one of America’s most underrated collegiate sports, tracing the emotional and competitive journey of student-athletes as they pursue bowling glory.
Filmed over the course of the 2024–25 season, the six-part series takes viewers behind the scenes with several top college bowling programs, including powerhouse teams from Wichita State, McKendree University, and Vanderbilt. From early morning training sessions to the pressure-packed lanes of the Intercollegiate Team and Singles Championships, the documentary offers an unfiltered look at the passion, precision, and perseverance that define the sport.
“We wanted to showcase the incredible talent and drive in a sport that doesn’t always get its due,” said director Jessica Ramirez, known for her work on Last Shot: High School Legends. “College bowling is intense, emotional, and filled with stories that deserve to be told.”
Beyond the Lanes follows both men’s and women’s teams, highlighting the sacrifices and triumphs of student-athletes balancing rigorous academics with national-level competition. The series also delves into personal narratives—rising stars overcoming adversity, seasoned veterans eyeing pro careers, and coaches building legacies from the ground up.
Netflix’s VP of Sports Content, Marco Reynolds, says the platform aims to diversify its sports storytelling. “We’ve had success with football, basketball, and Formula 1. Now it’s time to turn the spotlight on sports that are thriving at the grassroots level and resonating with younger fans. Bowling is one of them.”
The series includes exclusive interviews with USBC officials, college coaches, and alumni who have gone on to compete on the PBA and PWBA tours. It also features rare footage from behind closed doors at team meetings, recruitment sessions, and emotional post-match moments.
Whether you’re a bowling fanatic or a casual viewer, Beyond the Lanes promises to be a gripping journey through the often-overlooked world of collegiate competition.
