This Gripping New '70s Thriller Just Hit #1 on Peacock and It Stars an A-List Cast
Imagine a show with Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle all in one go. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not.
If you're looking for something new to add to your weekend watchlist, I highly recommend giving Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist a chance (especially if you’re a lover of all things 1970s like myself). An eight-part limited-edition series on Peacock, the first three episodes were released last week, and the remaining episodes are scheduled to drop every Thursday until October 10.
This plot centers around the infamous robbery that took place in Atlanta shortly after Muhammad Ali’s historic comeback fight, which was heavily anticipated, as it had been more than three years since the iconic boxer’s suspension from the sport after refusing to enlist in the Vietnam War in 1967.
While I was familiar with Ali’s legendary fight, I was absolutely clueless about this robbery, and the impact it had on paving the way for Atlanta to be the lively city it is today. Nonetheless, I love shows that are entertaining while also serving as an interesting history lesson. Created and executive produced by Shaye Ogbonna in association with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions and Will Packer media, this series is based on the 2020 iHeart true crime podcast of the same name, and stars Kevin Hart as the smooth-talking Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, a man who wants to rise to the top of the Black Mafia.
Peacock
Admittedly, I’m a 1970s nerd with the goal of eventually watching every single movie ever made during the decade, so I was instantly sold by the blaxploitation themes that are heavily present, the afros and Farrah Fawcett flip hairstyles and groovy disco and R&B jams presented throughout. This series also has a...gasp…theme song—something we don’t get a lot of with television shows anymore.
The split cameras and sharp closeups are also fun reminders of the era. Optics aside, you already know you’re getting elite acting when you've got OG vets like Samuel L. Jackson and Don Cheadle included, but I especially like when Taraji P. Henson does period pieces because there is something about her aura and acting prowess that fits right in with those eras—almost as if you can pluck her out and actually put her in a movie from the '60s/'70s where she will blend in perfectly. To that point, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kevin Hart in a role like this before, and it’s a fresh, welcoming sight.
Peacock
The significance of the robbery and Ali’s fight being on the same night is what transformed Atlanta from “country” to “city,” and while those who witnessed the change in real-time are the only ones who can factually speak on those change, this series is the next best thing for those of us who weren't around during that time period.
Peacock
Simply put, if you enjoy glitzy and glamorous crime-retelling with an old-school emphasis, you’ll definitely enjoy Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. I already can’t wait for the next episodes.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is now available to watch on Peacock.
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