Chicago Bears fans, sports enthusiasts, and documentary lovers across the globe have reason to celebrate. Netflix has officially announced a groundbreaking new docuseries in honor of the 40-year anniversary of one of the most iconic teams in NFL history: the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Championship squad. Known for their explosive talent, unforgettable personalities, and dominance on the field, this legendary team will finally receive the cinematic tribute they deserve — and the surprises don’t stop there. The series, intriguingly titled “Bears & Squid,” promises a dynamic twist that brings in elements of drama, sports, and cultural retrospection.
Set for a global premiere in early 2026, the multi-part docuseries will chronicle the unforgettable rise of the Bears’ 1985 season, a year that saw them demolish opponents en route to a 15-1 regular season record and a historic Super Bowl XX victory. Fans can expect never-before-seen footage from the locker room, exclusive interviews with surviving team members, and raw insight into the personalities that made that team not just great, but unforgettable.
Mike Ditka’s leadership, Buddy Ryan’s revolutionary defense, Walter Payton’s unmatched elegance, Jim McMahon’s rebellious flair, and the menacing “Monsters of the Midway” will all feature prominently. Netflix has spared no expense in acquiring archival game footage and collaborating with NFL Films to present the most comprehensive look at a single team season ever made.
But what makes this project even more captivating is the unexpected twist — the inclusion of “Squid.” While initial speculation pointed to a crossover with Netflix’s “Squid Game” franchise, sources confirm that the title refers to an enigmatic team nickname from behind the scenes. The docuseries will explore the lesser-known side stories from the team, including locker room bonds, feuds, off-field antics, and the gritty reality of fame and physical toll.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ezra Edelman, who previously helmed the Oscar-winning “O.J.: Made in America,” and executive produced by Ryan Coogler and Peyton Manning, the series aims to transcend the world of sports and examine how this team captured the imagination of an entire nation. The cultural backdrop of the mid-80s, with its political tensions, media revolution, and social shifts, will provide rich context to the story of a team that wasn’t just about football — they were about impact.
Former players including Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, and William “The Refrigerator” Perry have already signed on for interviews, while archival content from Walter Payton’s family estate promises to bring fresh emotional weight to the legendary running back’s memory.
Netflix insiders promise surprises, emotional moments, and a gripping narrative that will leave viewers nostalgic, inspired, and completely riveted. The series will also feature a remastered version of the infamous “Super Bowl Shuffle” music video, reimagined for a new generation.
With sports storytelling reaching new heights and the 1985 Bears standing as a blueprint for team unity and cultural relevance, “Bears & Squid” is shaping up to be one of the most important sports documentaries ever created. Buckle up, because the Monsters of the Midway are about to roar again — this time on screens across the globe.