Netflix Confirms Global Release of “New Era: It’s Time” — A Multi-Part Documentary Spotlighting the Tennessee Volunteers’ Extraordinary Journey
KNOXVILLE, TN – October 2025 — Netflix has officially confirmed the global release of New Era: It’s Time, a highly anticipated multi-part documentary that will immerse audiences in the extraordinary journey of the Tennessee Volunteers. Slated to debut worldwide later this month, the series is already generating massive excitement among college sports fans, alumni, and enthusiasts of NCAA football and basketball across the globe.
For decades, the Tennessee Volunteers have represented more than just a sports program. They are a symbol of resilience, tradition, and the unshakable pride of the Volunteer State. Now, for the first time ever, their story will be told in cinematic detail, blending archival footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and intimate interviews with past and present athletes, coaches, and fans.
According to Netflix, New Era: It’s Time will span multiple episodes, each dedicated to a pivotal era in Tennessee’s sporting history. From the legendary leadership of General Robert Neyland and the iconic traditions of Neyland Stadium, to Pat Summitt’s groundbreaking dominance with the Lady Vols, and the resurgence of Volunteer athletics in the modern era, the documentary promises to deliver a comprehensive view of Tennessee’s rise, struggles, and rebirth.
“This isn’t just about football or basketball,” said executive producer Claire Richards. “This is about a culture, a community, and a spirit that transcends the playing field. The Tennessee Volunteers embody what it means to fight through adversity, honor tradition, and inspire generations. That’s why the world needs to see their journey.”
One of the most anticipated elements of the series is its focus on recent years, spotlighting the program’s transformation under bold leadership both on and off the field. With Peyton Manning’s continued influence as an ambassador, Josh Heupel’s revitalization of the football team, and Kellie Harper carrying forward the Lady Vols’ proud basketball legacy, the series will provide viewers with a rare, all-access perspective into how Tennessee is building for the future while honoring its past.
Fans can also expect never-before-seen footage from inside the storied Neyland Stadium, locker room speeches, recruiting battles, and moments of heartbreak and triumph that shaped the Volunteers into one of the most recognizable names in college athletics. Emotional interviews with former players, including NFL legends and WNBA stars, will weave together personal stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and the lasting impact of wearing the orange and white.
“Being a Vol isn’t something you just do — it’s something you live,” says Peyton Manning in the series trailer. “When you step onto that field, or that court, you’re carrying generations of pride, expectation, and love for Tennessee.”
The release comes at a perfect time for the Volunteers, who have been experiencing a renaissance in recent seasons. From historic wins against powerhouse rivals to national rankings that have reignited fan enthusiasm, Tennessee’s resurgence has reminded the sports world why the Volunteers remain a cornerstone of college athletics. Netflix executives believe this combination of legacy and modern relevance will make the series appealing not just to fans of the program, but also to anyone who appreciates the drama, triumph, and heartbreak of sports storytelling.
Early reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms were flooded within minutes of Netflix’s reveal, with hashtags like #VFLDoc and #ItsTime trending globally. Alumni groups across the country have already begun planning watch parties, while Knoxville businesses are preparing for a surge of visitors eager to celebrate the Volunteers’ moment in the international spotlight.
“This documentary is going to put Tennessee on the map in a way that even championships can’t,” said longtime fan and season ticket holder Maria Johnson. “It’s about telling the world who we are, what we’ve overcome, and why we’ll always say ‘Go Vols!’ with our whole hearts.”
With its mix of raw emotion, high-stakes sports, and the undeniable charisma of the Volunteer spirit, New Era: It’s Time promises to be a groundbreaking entry into the world of sports documentaries. For Tennessee fans, it’s not just a show — it’s validation, celebration, and a rallying cry for the next generation.
The series premieres later this month exclusively on Netflix.