As Episode 1 of "Welcome to Wrexham" (2022 release; 9 episodes of which 8 are about 22 min each and episode 9 is 47 min) opens, we are introduced to "Wrexham, Wales", population 68,000, whose football team now plays in the 5th tier of English football. In other words: down and possibly out. We then learn that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") are interested in buying the team... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney not only have this crazy (in the best possible way) notion of buying a low-tiered soccer team but then came up with the even better idea of documenting the entire experience. The film makers were provided unfettered access and we get to see some amazing behind the scenes footage. The true winners in this all seem to be the good people of Wrexham, an industrial town that has seen better times (just like its soccer team). Their love for the football team is fierce and stubbornly proud. Production for this series started at the height of COVID in 2020, when no spectators were allowed in the stadiums. And of course one can't help but think about "Ted "Lasso", but this stands nicely on its own and easily at the same level as "Ted Lasso".
"Welcome to Wrexham" started streaming recently on Hulu and the first 4 episodes are now available. Additional episodes are released on Wednesdays. Can't wait! If you are a fan of the beautiful game, or simply wat to get a glimpse what life is like in a seemingly forgotten place like Wrexham, Wales, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE 9/23/22* I've now seen all episodes of Season 1, and it is indeed for the most part enjoyable and likeable. For sure it helps if you like soccer, but at its very core this is more about the people that make up the community of Wrexham than it is about the fate of the soccer team. I must point out that the last episode (filmed a year ago) just ends, and... that's it. No update what has happened since then. Truly a headscratcher and questionable way to finish Season 1.
Couple of comments: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney not only have this crazy (in the best possible way) notion of buying a low-tiered soccer team but then came up with the even better idea of documenting the entire experience. The film makers were provided unfettered access and we get to see some amazing behind the scenes footage. The true winners in this all seem to be the good people of Wrexham, an industrial town that has seen better times (just like its soccer team). Their love for the football team is fierce and stubbornly proud. Production for this series started at the height of COVID in 2020, when no spectators were allowed in the stadiums. And of course one can't help but think about "Ted "Lasso", but this stands nicely on its own and easily at the same level as "Ted Lasso".
"Welcome to Wrexham" started streaming recently on Hulu and the first 4 episodes are now available. Additional episodes are released on Wednesdays. Can't wait! If you are a fan of the beautiful game, or simply wat to get a glimpse what life is like in a seemingly forgotten place like Wrexham, Wales, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE 9/23/22* I've now seen all episodes of Season 1, and it is indeed for the most part enjoyable and likeable. For sure it helps if you like soccer, but at its very core this is more about the people that make up the community of Wrexham than it is about the fate of the soccer team. I must point out that the last episode (filmed a year ago) just ends, and... that's it. No update what has happened since then. Truly a headscratcher and questionable way to finish Season 1.