Showtime Offers Early Free Premiere of Docuseries “Boys in Blue” [VIDEO]

SHOWTIME today released the series premiere of its new four-part docuseries, BOYS IN BLUE, early for free online sampling on streaming platforms and on-demand to subscribers and non-subscribers through February 28. The first episode is available now on Sho.com, Showtime.com, as well as across multiple SHOWTIME partner platforms including YouTube.

As part of Paramount’s Content for Change initiative, BOYS IN BLUE and its first episode’s early, unrestricted release continues the company’s mission to create a more equitable and accessible media industry through inclusive storytelling. The complex relationship between the young, predominately Black high school athletes and their police officer football coaches and mentors examined in BOYS IN BLUE is unique, especially in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, and represents the epitome of what Content for Change aims to share with viewers. Set in motion by the SHOWTIME sister network BET, Content for Change aims to break down the narratives that allow for racism and hate to exist through a diversity of representation in programming and production.

BOYS IN BLUE focuses on North Community High School’s Polars football team, where mostly Black student-athletes are coached and mentored by members of the Minneapolis Police Department. The series follows the team as they navigate life after the tragic police killing of Floyd, a milestone event in American history that set off a national movement for social justice and police reform. Despite their differences, the officers and students find common ground on the field and kinship in the drive to win a state championship, establishing what they believe is a safe harbor from the violence and civil unrest of their community. As players and coaches return to the field with visions of championship glory, their sense of normalcy and optimism are tested like never before.

“Paramount’s Content for Change initiative is thrilled to partner with SHOWTIME to open access BOYS IN BLUE to a wider audience,” said Crystal Barnes, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG. “This powerful series showcases how connection on and off the field can inspire change. One of many ways true change begins is by unleashing the power of content to counteract bias, stereotypes, and hate, and challenge norms.”

To amplify the Content for Change mission, Paramount commissioned acclaimed artist and musician Vo Williams for an original new single “Trailblazing.” Watch the BOYS IN BLUE season teaser video featuring the track here.

The series is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Peter Berg, who also executive produced via Film 45 with partners Matthew Goldberg and Brandon Carroll, alongside Rob Ford. The series is produced by Mandon Lovett and co-executive produced by Emily Webster Jackson, Giselle Rodriguez, Ryan Schiavo, and Andre Gary.