Sports Shows to watch during the Olympics on Cascade PBS

Are you excited for the Olympics? Can’t wait for all the thrills and competition? Do you want to swim as fast as Katie Ledecky or run at the speed of light like Usain Bolt? One of the joys of celebrating the Olympics is watching your favorite sports shows and movies. From sports dramas to sports biographies, there’s something for everyone to watch on Cascade PBS.  

Some of us like learning about the history of sports. Others, the athletes who overcame obstacles, triumphed and defined the sports they played. The Olympics are where a lot of these stories played out. Cascade PBS has something for every sports viewer from Olympic underdog stories like American Experience “The Boys of ‘36,” to Ken Burns documentaries like Baseball. PBS favorites old and new, you can watch all of our sports shows, programs about the Olympics and much more on the Cascade PBS app and CascadePBS.org. 

We've put together a list of sports shows we offer that are a good place to get ready, get set and watch! Enjoy the journey through sports history and celebrate the achievements that define the spirit of the Olympics. Start your Olympic viewing journey with Cascade PBS Passport. 

School of Champions

School of Champions tells the story of a freshman class at Austria's most renowned and prestigious ski-academy. The students face intense performance pressure and living life as teenagers. Some of the trials they deal with are feelings of love and jealousy and working on new friendships. Meanwhile, school administrators battle their issues, including bad publicity, poor finances and many more. Stream School of Champions now.

Groundbreakers

Hosted by sports icon and champion of equality Billie Jean King, this film discusses what Title IX is, past and current female athlete icons and how their achievements have changed female sports for the better. Stream Groundbreakers now.

Ice Mermaid

Join accomplished marathon swimmer Melissa Kegler as she not only tries to do the impossible of completing the first U.S. 2.2k ice swim but asks the question, what is your body capable of? Stream Ice Mermaid now.

The Boys of ‘36

Follow the story of the 1936 U.S. Olympic rowing team, nine students from the University of Washington as they won gold at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Boys of ’36 details their unexpected victory and the obstacles they overcame to achieve it, giving hope to a nation struggling to emerge from the depths of the Great Depression. Stream The Boys of '36 now.

Muhammad Ali

“Float like a butterfly, sting like bee” and watch Muhammad Ali. He was a three-time heavyweight boxer champion, but he was also an activist and a philanthropist. Look into this four-part documentary about the life of Muhammad Ali and why he captivated so many people’s hearts. Stream Muhammad Ali now.

Gods of Tennis

Go back in time and revisit the golden age of tennis. In this three-part documentary series, meet the tennis icons such as Ashe, McEnroe, Borg and King who changed the sport forever while also creating change off the court as well. Stream Gods of Tennis now. 

Out & Back

Join author, activitist, and runner Alison Mariella Désir as she explores the Pacific Northwest with the change-makers who are reclaiming the outdoors and creating opportunities for BIPOC communities to find ways to break the norm and be able to get outdoors and participate in sports that they love. Stream Out & Back now. 

Jesse Owens

He defied the odds and became a symbol of courage, challenged racial barriers and rallied crowds around the world. Dive into the life of Jesse Owens and his extraordinary performance at the 1936 Olympics. Watch the struggles he had to face when he came back to America and wasn’t seen the same way. Stream Jesse Owens now. 

Baseball

Step up to the plate and learn about the history of baseball. From discussing the iconic players of the sport to how the game changed through the years, Baseball tells the story of the impact America had on the sport and the impact the sport had on America. Stream Baseball now. 

Native Ball

Blazing a trail for other Native girls, follow Blackfeet Nation’s Malia Kipp as she earned a full-ride division I scholarship in basketball and carried the burden of living in two worlds as a Native American. This story tells how she earned the respect of her coach, team and tribe. Stream Native Ball now. 

Jackie Robinson

Jack Roosevelt Robinson rose from humble origins to cross baseball's color line and become one of the most beloved men in America. Watch how Robinson spoke out against the discrimination he faced on and off the field and how he helped pave the path for other people of color to join the Major Leagues and the future of baseball as a whole.  Stream Jackie Robinson now.