ESPN Celebrates 15 Years of Landmark Storytelling With A 30 for 30 Anniversary Special

As its 2024-25 NHL regular-season game coverage unfolds this week, ESPN also marks a significant milestone: 15 years of the groundbreaking 30 for 30 documentary series.

To celebrate, ESPN put together a one-hour anniversary special – now streaming on ESPN+ – which takes a nostalgic journey through the top films that have helped define the series since its debut in October 2009 with “Kings Ransom.”

Hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian Roy Wood Jr., the special offers a compelling look at the moments that have left an indelible mark on sports and beyond. Through interviews with the series’ co-creators— Bill Simmons, Connor Schell, and John Dahl — and acclaimed filmmakers, the program reflects on the legacy and cultural impact of 30 for 30. 
 

Front Row asked Gentry Kirby, Senior Director and Producer of ESPN Films’ 30 for 30, who directed the anniversary special, to dive into the origins and growth of the franchise that boasts more than 100 titles.

As a longtime contributor to ESPN Films and a key figure in shaping the 30 for 30 legacy, Kirby provides unique insights into what has made the series endure.

The first 30 for 30 film “Kings Ransom” told the story of Wayne Gretzky’s trade from the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. How did that project come to be the launchpad for the series?
While I wasn’t a part of the ESPN Films team when “King’s Ransom” debuted in 2009, the Gretzky trade was a perfect story to kick off 30 for 30 with director Peter Berg.

It wasn’t just a major moment in hockey; it was a cultural event that shifted the entire landscape of the NHL and changed how people viewed hockey in the U.S. That film was about much more than a trade; it was about the human emotions, the pressures, and the ripple effects that went far beyond the ice.

What has allowed the series to remain so dynamic and versatile?
The versatility was built into the mission statement of the series: Use multiple filmmakers who bring their unique vision to tell different stories. And we’ve continued with that goal as the years have passed.

The variety in storytelling and storytellers continues to grow with new and familiar faces. In the past year, we’ve had two first-time filmmakers (Ismail Al-Amin for “False Positive” and Jay Caspian Kang for “American Son”) direct 30 for 30s while Ken Rodgers directed his ninth film (“Minister of Defense”).

The film topics keep expanding past the traditional sports stories. “I’m Just Here for the Riot,” which debuted this summer, starts with Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, but as soon as the game is over, it becomes a deep dive on social media shaming and the consequences of it.  We will continue to push the envelope on what a 30 for 30 can be.  

Are there any particular films that stand out to you or that you’re especially proud of?
One film that truly stands out is “Subject to Review,” a 30 for 30 Short. It’s a remarkable example of the creative freedom we offer our directors, allowing them to experiment with storytelling in innovative and thoughtful ways.

This film exemplifies the essence of 30 for 30 — taking bold approaches to sports narratives and crafting something truly special.

Other films that stand out for me include “The American Gladiators Documentary,” “LANCE,” “Slaying the Badger,” and “Rodman: For Better or Worse.” These films highlight the diversity, depth, and unique perspectives that define the 30 for 30 series.

What can viewers expect from the 15th-anniversary special? And what led to the decision to have Wood host?
We were so happy to get Roy Wood Jr. on board for the special, as he is a huge 30 for 30 fan. He’s funny, obviously . . . But he also brought his take on our films. He reveals a Top 15 list, but he also speaks to some of his favorites like “The Birth of Big Air,” “Deion’s Double Play” and “I Hate Christian Laettner.”

Which @30For30s were absolutely PERFECT to you? There’s been 100+ let me name them all to jog your memory. Today on the 15th anniversary of 30For30, We’re counting down the top 15 so far, 7p ET ESPN2 & streaming on ESPN+. Hosted by yours truly.

And before y’all say ‘The Last… pic.twitter.com/EHU4fI7UC2

— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 6, 2024

We wanted to highlight the wide breadth of titles from the whole series, not just the most popular ones.  We hear from many of the directors and film subjects who share details from our films that you might not know. What if I told you that the Oscar-nominated film “I, Tonya” was inspired by “The Price of Gold” 30 for 30?

Roy does a great interview with director Billy Corben, who talks about the idea behind “The U” and how people reacted to “Broke” when it came out. Even if you know the series well, I’m sure we’ll tell you something you didn’t know, which is also what we strive to do in our films.