What does a satirical take on one of sports’ most controversial figures look like? The answer unfolds in the newly premiered series, ‘Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story’, which debuted on March 27, 2026, on Paramount+ and GameTV. This six-part mockumentary, directed by Corey Bowles, aims to reframe the narrative surrounding Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who was once celebrated as the world’s fastest man.
Ben Johnson’s legacy is marred by a doping scandal that led to him being stripped of his Olympic gold medal in 1988, a moment that shocked the sports world. The series captures the rise and fall of Johnson, who famously set a world record of 9.79 seconds in the 100-meter sprint before his career was derailed by steroid use.
Starring Shamier Anderson as Johnson, the show delves into the ethically questionable coaching and performance-enhancing cover-ups that plagued his career. Bowles, who has a background in comedy from his role in Trailer Park Boys, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “There’s a lot of stories out there and a lot of pitched ideas about what his story was.” He added, “This one just sort of captured a version of him that put a shine to his name but also doesn’t pull any punches on what went down.”
The series not only aims to entertain but also to provide a humorous and cathartic twist on a story that has been part of sports history for decades. Bowles noted, “They did such a good job at taking something that was so big in our youth and a big part of sports and identity in world sports and gave it such a funny, cathartic, interesting twist, I was just like, this is awesome.”
Created by Emmy-nominated writer Anthony Q. Farrell, the series has been well-received for its unique approach to a sensitive topic. It invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of Johnson’s life while enjoying a comedic narrative.
As audiences tune in to watch this reimagined story, it remains to be seen how the series will impact public perception of Ben Johnson and the broader conversation about doping in sports. With its blend of humor and serious themes, ‘Hate the Player’ promises to be a significant addition to the landscape of sports storytelling.
