The newest ESPN Films documentary, “Dickie V,” will premiere on ESPN+ on July 20. The 80-minute documentary, which was directed by Nick Nanton (“Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On,” “Visioneer”), follows the remarkable life and career of Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale, who has been ESPN’s voice of college basketball for more than four decades. Vitale has battled cancer for years and has fought the disease on behalf of others as well. The linear premiere of “Dickie V” will take place on ESPN on Saturday, July 23, at 4 p.m. ET.
The documentary presents a history of ESPN, given that Vitale’s experience at the network dates back to its inception, as it follows the broadcaster’s battle with melanoma, lymphoma, and ulcerated lesions on his voice cords with candid, revealing footage of the patient in the hospital and recovering at home. On December 5, 1979, Wisconsin played DePaul in the network’s first-ever college basketball game, which he called.
Since then, he has performed in over a thousand games, imparting his in-depth knowledge of the sport in an enthused, passionate, and never monotonous manner. His “Vitale-isms” have become a part of everyday speech, with phrases like “Awesome, baby!” and “Get a T.O., baby!” as well as the terms “PTP’er” (primetime player), “M&M’er” (mismatch), “Diaper Dandy” (freshman star), and many more, becoming commonplace.
Vitale started out as a coach because he loved basketball so much. Prior to being designated the head coach at the University of Detroit in 1973, he was employed as an assistant coach at Rutgers University in 1971. Vitale’s NBA coaching career was brief, despite his desire to become the Detroit Pistons’ head coach. In the 1978–1979 season, Vitale joined the Pistons’ coaching staff. However, 12 games into his first season, he was sacked after being sent to the hospital with stress-related stomach problems.
Along with all the amazing moments captured on video, Vitale was also dedicated to battling cancer long before he was diagnosed with it. His great friend and college basketball coach Jim Valvano was the one who first sparked this enthusiasm. The fight against paediatric cancer has been Vitale’s main concern for a long time, and he has assisted in raising tens of millions of dollars for the cause. Given the 83-year-old Vitale’s recent fight with illness and his impending recognition at the ESPYS as the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance recipient, the timing of the movie is particularly poignant.
The movie was made by Nanton under his Astonish Entertainment banner in collaboration with The Montag Group. “Everyone knows the Dick Vitale who comes up with an eager smile and lively chat, but there is so much more to his character beyond his ‘Vitale-isms’,” Nanton stated. “While making this movie, I came to understand that the source of his persistence and sincere demeanour was a place of tremendous hurt and a desire to support anyone who had experienced the same level of loss he had.
I am confident that everyone will be moved by Vitale’s story of perseverance, which began with bullying from his peers when he was a child because of the loss of his left eye, progressed to a meteoric rise in coaching before being abruptly fired from his dream job as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, and finally to a “second career” in broadcasting that turned out to be his true calling. His is a tale of tragedy, victory, altruism, and compassion. I felt compelled to share it.
“Dickie V” is a fun, unforgettable, moving, inspirational ride through an incredible life still being lived, and a poignant tribute to a man still spreading love and joy wherever he goes. The film features more than 40 original interviews, including Magic Johnson, Mike Krzyzewski, Charles Barkley, John Calipari, Robin Roberts, Chris Berman, and Mike Tirico.
Awesome, baby, as the late great Dickie V would say.
The appropriately named Dickie V documentary, which will air on ESPN+ on July 20, will be directed by Emmy winner Nick Nanton. The 80-minute documentary will “chronicle the incredible life and career” of Vitale, including his work as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN as well as his battles with melanoma, lymphoma, and ulcerated vocal cord lesions.
More than 40 exclusive interviews, including ones with Magic Johnson, Mike Krzyzewski, Charles Barkley, John Calipari, Robin Roberts, Chris Berman, Mike Tirico, and others, will be included in the movie.
Additionally, ESPN will show the documentary on Saturday, July 23 at 4 p.m. ET.
After receiving a diagnosis of vocal chord dysplasia in December, Vitale did not broadcast many games during the 2021–22 college basketball season. Vitale appears to be on the right track to to the sidelines next season, though.
Since its founding in March 2008, ESPN Films has been a pioneer in the documentary filmmaking sector, creating more than 100 films that have featured some of the most fascinating sports tales. The 30 for 30 series and the Academy Award-winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America” are two examples of the high calibre of narrative that has resulted in record viewership, several awards, and favorable reviews. ESPN Films has also worked on 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied, and the Emmy-winning docuseries “The Last Dance,” among other things. For all of the 30 for 30 content, ESPN+ is the only place to get it.
Where to Watch Dickie V (2022)?
Dickie V (2022) will be premiering on ESPN on July 23, 2022. We do not recommend illegal streaming and always suggest paying for the content you like to watch.
Is Dickie V (2022) available on Amazon Prime?
Amazon prime will not be streaming Dickie V (2022). Additionally, several other films are streaming on Prime. Our recommendations are The Voyagers, It’s a Wonderful Life, Notting Hill, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Is Dickie V (2022) available on HBO Max?
HBO Max will not be streaming Dickie V (2022). However, HBO’s subscribers can enjoy its other popular streams like Euphoria, When Harry Met Sally and Promising Young Woman.
Is Dickie V (2022) available on Hulu?
Dickie V (2022) is not available on Hulu. The new release line-up additionally includes Pam and Tommy, How I Met Your Father, Abbott Elementary, and Vikings.
Is Dickie V (2022) available on Netflix?
Dickie V (2022) will not be available to stream on Netflix. However, other brilliant shows like The Power of The Dog, The Social Network, Tick, Tick, Boom, and much more are available.