Groundbreaking: Netflix Lands High-Profile Documentary on Texas Tech – “This, It’s Cool and Realistic”
In a major win for college sports storytelling, Netflix has announced the launch of a groundbreaking documentary chronicling the rise of Texas Tech athletics titled “This, It’s Cool and Realistic.” Set to premiere this summer, the documentary promises an unfiltered, cinematic deep dive into the Red Raiders’ transformation under new head coaches, athletic leadership, and a passionate fan base that’s redefining college culture in Lubbock.
The title—This, It’s Cool and Realistic—has already sparked buzz across social media for its laid-back, confident tone, echoing the vibe that’s swept over Texas Tech’s athletic programs in recent seasons. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava Thompson (Last Play Wins), the documentary blends raw behind-the-scenes access with artistic cinematography and a fresh, modern narrative voice.
“This isn’t just a sports story,” Thompson said at the press announcement. “It’s about identity. It’s about swagger. It’s about a university community that’s rewriting its own future—with grit, heart, and a little Texas edge.”
The documentary follows Texas Tech’s 2024–2025 athletic season, focusing on the meteoric rise of head basketball coach Dusty May and the impact of rising football star Jalon Hutchings, as well as moments from women’s sports, student life, and Lubbock culture. With unprecedented access to locker rooms, training sessions, recruiting meetings, and game-day rituals, Netflix aims to capture the soul of the Red Raider spirit in a way that’s never been done before.
One of the major storylines explored is Dusty May’s surprising decision to turn down multimillion-dollar offers from Georgia and Notre Dame in favor of staying with the Red Raiders. His leadership and commitment to building something sustainable in Lubbock are central to the narrative. Viewers will also get an in-depth look at the program’s push to evolve in the age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and transfer portal challenges.
“We’re not trying to be anyone else,” May says in the trailer. “We’re building something real right here. This—it’s cool. It’s realistic. And it’s ours.”
From late-night film sessions to rowdy game days at Jones AT&T Stadium and United Supermarkets Arena, the documentary also highlights the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines Texas Tech. Scenes feature marching band rehearsals under West Texas sunsets, student chants echoing through campus, and family dinners with athletes far from home.
Netflix reportedly beat out Amazon and ESPN+ for exclusive streaming rights, cementing the platform’s position as the home for authentic, gripping sports stories. Executive producer Marsha Klein said the project was appealing because of its “unfiltered charm” and “genuine storytelling potential that goes beyond wins and losses.”
Red Raider fans, alumni, and sports lovers across the country are already counting down to the premiere. With its cool tone, realistic approach, and deep emotional core, “This, It’s Cool and Realistic” may just be the definitive portrait of what it means to chase greatness—not in a blue blood program, but on your own terms, in your own voice, in West Texas.
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