Muhammad Ali

Watch Muhammad Ali

  • 2021
  • 1 Season
  • 8.6  (1,186)

Muhammad Ali was an American boxer, activist, and cultural icon whose larger-than-life persona transcended sports and made him a global superstar. In a new documentary from PBS, viewers are taken on a journey through Ali's life, exploring his rise from a young boxer to his controversial stance on the Vietnam War, and his eventual decline in health. Narrated by actor and producer Keith David, the documentary is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Ali's life. The first episode, titled "The Greatest," traces Ali's early years as Cassius Clay and his meteoric rise to the top of the boxing world. Drawing on rare footage and interviews with those who knew him best, including his brother Rahaman, trainer Angelo Dundee, and biographer David Remnick, the episode brings viewers up close and personal with the man who would become known as "The Greatest." The second episode, "Fight of the Century," chronicles Ali's epic battles with Joe Frazier in the 1970s. The two boxers fought three times, with Frazier winning the first and Ali taking the next two. Through interviews with Frazier's family as well as boxing experts, the documentary delves into the cultural significance of these fights and Ali's impact on the sport of boxing. In "The Rumble in the Jungle," the third episode of the documentary, Ali travels to Africa to face off against George Foreman in what would become one of the most famous boxing matches of all time. The documentary explores the political and cultural significance of the fight, which represented a battle between two nations as well as two fighters. The final episode of the series, "The Decline," takes viewers through Ali's later years, including his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease and his decline in health. But rather than focusing solely on the tragedy of Ali's later years, the documentary celebrates the legacy of the man who inspired a generation, both in and out of the ring. Throughout the series, viewers are treated to commentary from a host of boxing experts, cultural critics, and Ali's closest friends and family members. Featuring interviews with the likes of commentator Larry Merchant, biographer Thomas Hauser, and journalist Robert Lipsyte, the documentary provides unparalleled insights into Ali's life and career. The show Muhammad Ali from PBS explores the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in sports and culture. Through rare footage and interviews with those who knew him best, viewers are taken on a journey through Ali's rise to fame, his battles in the ring, his activism and his decline. Challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding Ali's life and career, the documentary is a must-see for any fan of the iconic boxer.

Muhammad Ali
Filter by Source

Seasons
Round Four: The Rent You Pay (1974-2016)
4. Round Four: The Rent You Pay (1974-2016)
September 22, 2021
Muhammad Ali shocks the world when he defeats George Foreman in Zaire, winning back the heavyweight title and becoming the most famous man on earth. He faces Joe Frazier in the brutal "Thrilla in Manila," and boxes for five more years. He is diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984 but continues to travel the world spreading his Islamic faith, and becomes a symbol of peace and hope.
Round Three: The Rivalry (1970-1974)
3. Round Three: The Rivalry (1970-1974)
September 21, 2021
Muhammad Ali faces Joe Frazier in the "Fight of the Century." Though he loses, Ali becomes a hero. The Supreme Court overturns Ali's conviction, validating his refusal to serve in the war in Vietnam and in 1974, Ali outduels Frazier, his greatest rival, in their highly anticipated rematch. But to complete his comeback, he must face the fearsome George Foreman.
Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)
2. Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)
September 20, 2021
Cassius Clay joins the Nation of Islam and adopts the name Muhammad Ali. For three years, Ali dominates the heavyweight ranks but in 1967, he refuses induction into the U.S. Army and becomes one of the most reviled men in America. Ali is stripped of his title, convicted of draft evasion and forced into exile. In 1970, he triumphantly returns to the ring, but it's clear that he has lost a step.
Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)
1. Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)
September 19, 2021
Cassius Clay rises from amateur boxer to 1960 Olympic gold medal winner. He turns professional and moves to Miami, sharpening his boxing skills and honing his genius for self-promotion. Meanwhile, he quietly joins the Nation of Islam and becomes a confidant of Malcolm X. In 1964, he shocks the world by upsetting the heavily favored Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight championship.
Description

Muhammad Ali was an American boxer, activist, and cultural icon whose larger-than-life persona transcended sports and made him a global superstar. In a new documentary from PBS, viewers are taken on a journey through Ali's life, exploring his rise from a young boxer to his controversial stance on the Vietnam War, and his eventual decline in health.

Narrated by actor and producer Keith David, the documentary is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Ali's life. The first episode, titled "The Greatest," traces Ali's early years as Cassius Clay and his meteoric rise to the top of the boxing world. Drawing on rare footage and interviews with those who knew him best, including his brother Rahaman, trainer Angelo Dundee, and biographer David Remnick, the episode brings viewers up close and personal with the man who would become known as "The Greatest."

The second episode, "Fight of the Century," chronicles Ali's epic battles with Joe Frazier in the 1970s. The two boxers fought three times, with Frazier winning the first and Ali taking the next two. Through interviews with Frazier's family as well as boxing experts, the documentary delves into the cultural significance of these fights and Ali's impact on the sport of boxing.

In "The Rumble in the Jungle," the third episode of the documentary, Ali travels to Africa to face off against George Foreman in what would become one of the most famous boxing matches of all time. The documentary explores the political and cultural significance of the fight, which represented a battle between two nations as well as two fighters.

The final episode of the series, "The Decline," takes viewers through Ali's later years, including his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease and his decline in health. But rather than focusing solely on the tragedy of Ali's later years, the documentary celebrates the legacy of the man who inspired a generation, both in and out of the ring.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to commentary from a host of boxing experts, cultural critics, and Ali's closest friends and family members. Featuring interviews with the likes of commentator Larry Merchant, biographer Thomas Hauser, and journalist Robert Lipsyte, the documentary provides unparalleled insights into Ali's life and career.

The show Muhammad Ali from PBS explores the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in sports and culture. Through rare footage and interviews with those who knew him best, viewers are taken on a journey through Ali's rise to fame, his battles in the ring, his activism and his decline. Challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding Ali's life and career, the documentary is a must-see for any fan of the iconic boxer.

Muhammad Ali is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on September 19, 2021.

Where to Watch Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Muhammad Ali on demand at and PBS.

  • Premiere Date
    September 19, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (1,186)