NASHVILLE, TN – Netflix’s newest sports documentary, “SEC Football: Any Given Saturday” dives deep into the traditions, rivalries, and cultural weight of the Southeastern Conference, and for Middle Tennessee fans, it hits close to home. Both Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee – Knoxville play prominent roles in the series, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the athletes, coaches, and communities that make SEC football an institution.
The multi-episode series combines archival footage, new interviews, and sideline moments to tell the SEC story from its founding to its modern-day dominance. Expect appearances from legendary coaches like Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier, along with unforgettable game-day atmospheres across the South.
For Nashville, the show offers rare inside access into the Vanderbilt Commodores program, highlighting both its academic prestige and the grit required to compete in a conference dominated by perennial powerhouses.
“You can’t tell the story of the SEC without talking about Tennessee football, both here in Knoxville and in Nashville,” said Paul Finebaum, SEC Network host, in a recent press interview. “The culture is bigger than the game — it’s about family, community, and identity.”
The series paints Vanderbilt as the ultimate underdog, a program defined by heart, discipline, and a commitment to balancing elite academics with athletics. Head Coach Clark Lea told Netflix producers that the Commodores’ role in the SEC is “not just about winning games, but about preparing young men for life beyond the field.”
Game-day scenes shot at FirstBank Stadium show a vibrant mix of students, alumni, and lifelong fans decked out in black and gold. The series also takes fans inside the never-done-before moment Vanderbilt beat No.1 Alabama in the 2024-2025 season.
The University of Tennessee segment captures the thunder of over 100,000 fans at Neyland Stadium. From the “Vol Navy” boats lining the Tennessee River to the Pride of the Southland Band’s pregame march, the energy is electric.
UT Athletic Director Danny White says the Netflix spotlight is an opportunity to show the world what makes Vol Nation special.
“We’re proud of our history, our traditions, and our fans. This series captures that better than anything we’ve seen before,” White says.
While the series celebrates big plays and SEC legends, it also addresses the economic, cultural, and social impact of college football in the South, including how schools like Vanderbilt and Tennessee shape their cities.
Sports historian Andrew Maraniss, a Vanderbilt alumnus, noted: “In places like Nashville, SEC football is more than a pastime. It’s a thread that runs through the community and influences everything from business to tourism.”
“SEC Football: Any Given Saturday” is streaming now on Netflix, with all episodes available for binge-watching. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual watcher, or just curious about the culture, the series offers a front-row seat to the pageantry and passion of SEC football, and Tennessee SEC team within it.
Fill out the form and get the latest issue delivered right to your inbox
