‘Heels’ finds new life on Netflix: A deep dive into the wrestling drama
A new platform, a new audience
Heels, the wrestling drama that originally aired on Starz, is now streaming both of its seasons on Netflix. This move offers the series a chance to capture a much larger audience than it ever had before. The show’s creator, Michael Waldron, humorously reflected on this transition, noting that the team often speculated about the potential reach if the show had debuted on Netflix from the start.
“We often said, ‘Well, s–t, if we were on Netflix, everybody would be watching this thing!’ And now it’s kind of like, alright, the universe called our bluff,” Waldron remarked.
The story behind ‘Heels’
Heels premiered on Starz in 2021, with its second season following in 2023. Despite its compelling narrative, the show was canceled along with several other Starz series. The plot centers around the Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), a struggling pro wrestling promotion in a small Georgia town. Jack Spade, played by Stephen Amell, inherits the league from his father and faces the challenge of keeping it afloat while aspiring to elevate it to new heights.
The ensemble cast includes Alexander Ludwig, Chris Bauer, Mary McCormack, Kelli Berglund, Allen Maldonado, Trey Tucker, Robby Ramos, Alice Barrett Mitchell, Roxton Garcia, David James Elliott, Joel Murray, and CM Punk. Mike O’Malley, who also served as the series showrunner, portrayed Charlie Gully, a rival promoter.
A second chance for ‘Heels’
Waldron expressed his gratitude to Starz for the opportunity to create the show, but he also acknowledged that the move to Netflix feels like a fresh start.
“I’m so grateful to them that we got to make this show, and they took the chance on me for that. In some ways, it feels like the show’s coming out for the first time for a big, real audience to see. It’s like, damn, you can’t pin this thing.”
Fans are hopeful that Netflix might revive the show for a third season. While this remains uncertain due to the cast and creative team’s commitments to other projects, an overwhelming response from viewers could change the tide. Waldron hinted that a potential third season would explore the darker side of success as the DWL breaks through to a new level.
“If they’re on TV, and if all these people in this town that haven’t had a lot of money, what does it look like when suddenly everybody’s doing a lot better?”
More than just wrestling
Waldron dismissed the notion that Heels is solely for wrestling fans, comparing it to series like Friday Night Lights and Mad Men. He emphasized that the show is about more than just wrestling; it’s a portrayal of the South and middle America, offering a nuanced look at people who are often caricatured on TV.
“It’s also just a show about the South and middle America, folks who just don’t usually see themselves on TV, or if they do, it’s a caricature. Just because you live in a small town doesn’t mean that you don’t have big-time ambitions and artistic ambitions…The show, on its face, is a show about athletes, but when really you dig into it, it’s a show about the creative process.”
Potential WWE collaboration
The Heels team has had promising conversations with WWE, who are fans of the show. If the series continues on Netflix, there is potential for a more integrated storyline involving WWE, especially since WWE’s flagship show Raw will begin airing weekly on Netflix starting in January.
“I think the really exciting thing is, if we’re able to move forward with the show, we could more properly integrate the WWE into the storyline, as the DWL becomes a competitor,” Waldron said.
Watch ‘Heels’ now
Both seasons of Heels are now available for streaming on Netflix. For those who haven’t yet experienced the drama and passion of the DWL, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Whether you’re a wrestling enthusiast or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, Heels offers a unique blend of drama, ambition, and the creative process that is sure to captivate a broad audience.