Kirby Smart Explains Georgia’s Decision to Skip Netflix SEC Series and Whether the Bulldogs Might Participate in the Future
In an era where access and exposure dominate the landscape of college football, Netflix’s upcoming SEC documentary series is poised to give fans an unprecedented look behind the curtain of some of the most storied programs in the sport. With cameras rolling and storylines developing in real-time, the series is expected to be a cultural event, much like Drive to Survive was for Formula 1 or Quarterback was for the NFL. But while many fans anticipated that the two-time national champion Georgia Bulldogs would take center stage, the news that Kirby Smart and his program opted out of the series came as a surprise to many.
The Bulldogs’ absence from the Netflix series has raised plenty of questions. Why would one of college football’s premier powerhouses—arguably the powerhouse of the current era—choose not to participate in a high-profile opportunity for national exposure? Is Kirby Smart hiding something? Or is this just a case of a coach protecting the tight-knit culture that has become the foundation of Georgia’s success?
When asked directly about Georgia’s decision to sit out the show, Kirby Smart didn’t mince words. “We’ve built our program around focus, discipline, and limiting distractions,” he said. “A camera crew following us around every day might make for great television, but that’s not how we prepare to win championships.”
Smart’s response is consistent with everything he’s built in Athens since taking over in 2016. His Georgia teams are known not just for their immense talent, but for their intense preparation, consistency, and mental toughness. In Smart’s mind, opening up the program to cameras—especially during game weeks or crucial training periods—might do more harm than good. He’s not opposed to media in general, but he’s laser-focused on protecting what has made Georgia successful: its culture.
That culture, cultivated over years of development, is rooted in a business-like approach. Georgia players and coaches often speak about “eliminating the noise,” a phrase that has become something of a program mantra. In Smart’s view, adding a documentary film crew, even one with the prestige of Netflix, introduces unnecessary noise into the process. It might be good for publicity, but it’s not necessarily good for performance.
Yet despite their absence from the series, Georgia’s influence on the SEC and college football at large will undoubtedly loom large over the show. After all, every team in the conference is chasing the Bulldogs. And that’s part of the reason why fans wanted to see them featured—to get a glimpse inside the machine that has produced two national titles, a historic win streak, and a reputation for producing elite NFL talent at nearly every position group.
Still, Smart’s hesitance isn’t without precedent. Other successful programs have also declined to participate in similar projects, citing concerns over competitive advantages and potential distractions. Alabama under Nick Saban, for example, was notorious for limiting media access. The idea is simple: the fewer the distractions, the more energy you can devote to player development, game planning, and execution.
Even though Georgia opted out, Smart didn’t completely shut the door on future participation. When asked if the Bulldogs might ever take part in a similar series down the road, he left the possibility open. “I’ll never say never,” Smart said. “If the timing’s right, and we feel like it fits with our goals, we’d consider it. But it would have to be on our terms.”
That last part—on our terms—is key. Smart’s emphasis on control is central to his philosophy. He believes in having complete control over Georgia’s message, its routines, and its internal operations. Turning that over to a third-party production team, even temporarily, could jeopardize that control. For Smart, that’s not a risk worth taking lightly.
It’s not just Smart who feels this way. Several Georgia players, speaking anonymously, also expressed concerns about how constant camera presence might affect team dynamics. “There’s a different vibe when you know every move you make might be shown on a screen,” one player said. “We’re here to win. That’s the focus.”
Still, others admitted they were intrigued by the concept. Some younger players—raised in the era of social media and 24/7 content—see value in the platform. For recruits and current athletes alike, the idea of showcasing the program to a global audience is appealing. And in a time when NIL opportunities often hinge on personal brand exposure, it’s fair to ask whether not participating in the series could put Georgia at a slight marketing disadvantage.
But for now, the Bulldogs are clearly choosing substance over spectacle. And while other SEC programs will enjoy the media spotlight of the Netflix series, Georgia seems content to watch from afar—and let their performance on the field do the talking.
That performance, of course, remains as elite as ever. Georgia heads into the 2025 season once again ranked among the top preseason favorites. With another stacked recruiting class, a reloaded defense, and a returning core of experienced talent, the Bulldogs are in prime position to make another College Football Playoff run. Kirby Smart has built a machine, and like all finely tuned machines, it runs best with precision and minimal interference.
Some fans and media critics have speculated that Georgia’s decision to opt out may be an attempt to hide internal pressure or drama, particularly as NIL and the transfer portal continue to reshape the sport. But there’s little evidence to support that. In fact, Georgia has largely avoided the kinds of high-profile NIL drama or portal chaos that has plagued other top programs. The Bulldogs have remained remarkably stable, both in terms of roster and staff.
That stability, again, is by design. Kirby Smart’s ability to keep his players locked in, committed, and focused year after year is part of what separates him from other elite coaches. While Netflix may crave drama for viewership, Georgia prefers results—and results they’ve delivered.
Even without the cameras, Georgia remains one of the most talked-about programs in the country. National networks frequently broadcast their games in prime time, and Smart’s weekly press conferences draw major media attention. Recruits still line up to play in Athens, and Bulldog merchandise flies off the shelves. In other words, Georgia doesn’t need Netflix to validate its brand.
That said, the landscape is changing. As college football becomes more media-driven and NIL-focused, programs may feel increasing pressure to open their doors for broader exposure. Whether it’s a Netflix docuseries, an Amazon special, or another digital platform, future opportunities will surely present themselves.
If and when Georgia decides to take that leap, it will almost certainly be under Kirby Smart’s careful guidance. He’ll want full control over what’s filmed, when it’s filmed, and how it’s presented. It won’t be a reality show—it’ll be a carefully curated showcase that reflects the values and discipline of the program.
Until then, Georgia’s approach remains old school—and wildly effective.
The Bulldogs may not be the stars of Netflix’s SEC show, but they’re still the standard-bearers of the conference. And when all is said and done, it’s likely that Georgia’s absence from the documentary won’t diminish their presence in the national conversation one bit.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs continue to define excellence not by how much they show—but by how much they win.
