Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sluggish, superficial docu celebrates legendary athlete.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Goliath (2023)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The three-part documentary series GOLIATH tells the life story of late NBA player Wilt Chamberlain. It reveals what life was like for Chamberlain in the 1950s as a 7' tall and awkward high school student whose ball playing abilities put him on the national scene, and how he evolved into a cultural icon. Family members, friends, coaches, athletes, and historians discuss his talent, his commitment to the game, and how he was often mischaracterized, and sometimes even demonized, by the press when he failed to live up to people's expectations. It also notes how he negotiated racism in his early career on and off the court. Insights into Chamberlain's personal life, including his womanizing reputation, and his close relationship with his mother and extended family, are also offered.
Is It Any Good?
This unhurried and rather superficial documentary offers a combo of digital animation, AI, live-action interviews, and archive footage to examine and celebrate how Wilt Chamberlain became basketball's first popular culture icon. Goliath describes how the talent and power of the athlete who eventually became known as the "Big Dipper" motivated changes to the official rules of the game to keep him from having the advantage over other players. The production also details how Chamberlain went from an awkward young man to a legend -- a legend who was able to turn his fame into lucrative business opportunities, and who paved the way for athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal to do the same.
Goliath carefully, but non-judgmentally glosses over some of Chamberlain's personal life, including his fierce competitiveness on and off the court, and his claim that he'd had sex with 20,000 women. But most of the story focuses on his more selfless activities, including his commitment to a number of children's charities, and his kindness towards others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about people's attitudes about male athletes and their relationships with women over the years. Why has popular culture looked past (or even celebrated) the alleged philandering of male athletes over the years? Has this changed? Why or why not?
For what purpose does Goliath use AI to recreate Will Chamberlain's voice? Is the way it is used in the series ethical? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 14, 2023
- Cast : Wilt Chamberlain , Jemele Hill , Kevin Garnett
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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