Football
A photo of a football on a pitch.

New Zealand's newest professional football club will be the focus of a major television series this summer. Forever Auckland FC, an eight-part documentary, will chart the team's first season in Australia's A-League and premieres on 27 August.

The programme is executive produced by Dame Julie Christie, one of New Zealand's leading television figures. Described as a blend of optimism and realism, the series has drawn comparisons with Ted Lasso for its mix of humour, character-driven stories and candid behind-the-scenes moments. All episodes will be available on Sky Open, Sky Go, Neon and Sky Sport Now.

Inside Auckland FC

Forever Auckland FC takes viewers into the dressing room, boardroom, team bus and supporters' groups, offering an unfiltered look at Auckland FC's debut campaign.

According to the NZ Herald, Christie has promised a 'warts 'n' all' portrayal, highlighting both the highs of early victories and the setbacks of a first season. The production team said the intention was to show football's "emotional rollercoaster" in full, from pre-season planning through to the closing stages of the campaign.

Echoes of Ted Lasso

Critics have noted similarities with Ted Lasso, citing the balance of drama, humour and community spirit. Industry site C21Media reported that the programme features larger-than-life characters, frank boardroom discussions and the intensity of fan culture.

Christie argued that football remains 'one of the last unscripted dramas left on television', reflecting its authenticity and unpredictability. For audiences already familiar with Ted Lasso, the comparison provides a timely hook, though the producers stress the reality of Auckland FC's journey is what sets the series apart.

Why It Matters in the UK

Auckland FC was announced as an A-League expansion club in 2023 and joined the competition for the 2024 season. The addition gave New Zealand a second professional football side, alongside Wellington Phoenix.

For UK viewers, the programme may resonate in a similar way to Netflix's Sunderland 'Til I Die, which combined intimate access with wider cultural themes. While the A-League is based in Australasia, the underlying themes of ambition, identity and fan loyalty will be familiar to football supporters in Britain.

It should be noted that while Sky Open and Sky Sport Now are New Zealand broadcasters, the series will be accessible in the UK through Sky's digital platforms, including Sky Go and Neon.

Where and When to Watch

Forever Auckland FC will debut on Wednesday 27 August at 7:30pm on Sky Open. Weekly episodes will follow, with the full series also available on demand via Sky Go, Neon and Sky Sport Now. The broadcast coincides with Auckland FC's preparations for its second season, providing timely context as the club seeks to build momentum on and off the pitch.

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More Than a Club Story

Producers emphasise that the documentary is not just about football results. It is framed as a story about resilience, community and the cultural role of sport in New Zealand.

By combining candid access with emotional storytelling, Forever Auckland FC aims to capture how a new club builds an identity and inspires a following. With Christie's track record and the spotlight on Auckland FC, the series underscores the appetite for authentic sports narratives.

For football fans in New Zealand and abroad, it offers a rare chance to witness the formation of a club in real time, while also reflecting the universal drama of the game itself.

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