HBO has announced a four-part documentary series, “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” which will explore the life and career of baseball legend Pete Rose. The series will air on July 24 and 25, with two episodes each night.
Directed by Mark Monroe, known for “The Dissident,” “Icarus,” and “Lucy and Desi,” the docuseries promises an in-depth look at the complex figure of Rose. The series will detail his rise to becoming baseball’s all-time hits leader and his fall from grace due to gambling, resulting in a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball (MLB).
The documentary will feature new interviews and footage of Rose, along with archival material and interviews with teammates, family, friends, and journalists. Among the interviewees are Pete Rose Jr., Mike Schmidt, Ken Griffey Sr., Tommy Helms, Eduardo Perez, Ron Cey, Al Michaels, Lesley Visser, Marty Brennaman, Jon Miller, Chad Lowe, Larry Keith, Ted Keith, C. Trent Rosencrans, and Jay Jaffe.
The series is divided into four episodes:
– Episode One: “The Longshot” (July 24, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) – Focuses on Rose’s quest for MLB reinstatement at age 81 and his rise in the sport.
– Episode Two: “The Dirty Work” (July 24, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) – Highlights Rose’s impact on the Cincinnati Reds and his personal struggles.
– Episode Three: “One of One”(July 25, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) – Covers Rose becoming MLB’s all-time hits leader and his subsequent gambling scandal and prison sentence.
– Episode Four: “One Last Record”(July 25, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) – Chronicles Rose’s public admission of betting on baseball and his ongoing efforts for reinstatement and Hall of Fame induction.
Produced by Bad Robot/Zipper Bros Films Productions with Greg & Jeff Productions, Diamond Docs, and Sutter Road Picture Company, the executive producers include J.J. Abrams, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Rachel Rusch Rich, Greg Grunberg, Jeffrey Lenko, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Bentley Weiner. Rose himself is interviewed but is not listed as an executive producer.
The series aims to provide a balanced view, delving into Rose’s gambling and other transgressions without minimizing their impact.
