Heels’ Netflix Debut: Why It’s Not Just For Wrestling Fans And The Show’s Future With WWE Integration

 

“Heels,” the former Starz series created by Michael Waldron, has found a new home on Netflix, bringing both of its seasons to a potentially much larger audience. Waldron and his team often imagined how differently things might have played out if the series had initially premiered on Netflix. Now, the streaming giant is offering “Heels” a second chance to shine, proving that the universe might just be on their side.

The Journey of “Heels”: From Starz to Netflix

“Heels” originally premiered on Starz in 2021, with its second season airing in 2023 before the show was canceled amidst a broader slate of cuts at the network. The series follows Jack Spade (played by Stephen Amell), who runs the Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), a small-town wrestling promotion in Georgia that is fighting for survival. Jack, who inherited the league from his father, balances his dreams of success with the constant challenges of running a struggling business.

Despite its cancellation, “Heels” has now found new life on Netflix, which Waldron describes as an exciting opportunity for the show to reach an entirely new audience. “It’s like the show’s coming out for the first time for a big, real audience to see,” Waldron said in an interview with Variety. “It’s like, damn, you can’t pin this thing.”

Not Just for Wrestling Fans: A Show for Everyone

While “Heels” is deeply rooted in the world of professional wrestling, Waldron insists that the show is much more than that. He draws comparisons to beloved series like “Friday Night Lights” and “Mad Men,” which also centered around specific worlds but resonated broadly because of their universal themes. “I always felt like it was a show for everybody,” Waldron said, highlighting that the series captures the complexities of life in small-town America.

“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,” he added. “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.”

Waldron believes that this universality is what sets “Heels” apart, making it accessible to audiences beyond wrestling enthusiasts. The series dives into personal stories, family dynamics, and the struggle between ambition and responsibility, making it relatable even for those who have never set foot inside a wrestling ring.

The Future of “Heels”: A Possible WWE Integration?

One of the most intriguing possibilities on the horizon for “Heels” is its potential integration with WWE, something Waldron and his team have been excited about. According to Waldron, the “Heels” team has had positive discussions with WWE, whose flagship show “Raw” will begin airing weekly on Netflix starting in January. This opens up a tantalizing opportunity for deeper connections between the fictional DWL and the real-world WWE, especially if “Heels” continues on Netflix.

“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 shared. Though there have been subtle nods to WWE in the series, the potential for a more direct relationship could bring a whole new level of authenticity and excitement to “Heels,” blending fiction with the real world of professional wrestling in ways fans have never seen.

What’s Next for “Heels”?

While the future of “Heels” remains uncertain, fans are hopeful that the show’s newfound visibility on Netflix could pave the way for a third season. Waldron hinted at a storyline exploring the DWL’s rise to success and the darker side of newfound wealth and fame. “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?” he teased.

For now, the show’s creators and cast are busy with other projects, making a third season an uphill battle. However, Waldron remains optimistic, noting that if the response on Netflix is overwhelming enough, there’s still a chance for “Heels” to continue.

Conclusion: “Heels” is Ready for Its Main Event

“Heels” is more than just a wrestling show; it’s a story about ambition, family, and the creative struggles that define us all. As the series finds a new home on Netflix, it has the opportunity to capture the hearts of viewers far beyond the wrestling community. And with the possibility of WWE integration on the horizon, the future of “Heels” looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or just someone who loves a good underdog story, “Heels” is ready to step back into the ring.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Quantrell Colbert

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