Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping series serves football fans life lessons; drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Quarterback Joe Montana's storied career is the focus of JOE MONTANA: COOL UNDER PRESSURE, starting with his high school days and spanning his time in the NFL and four Super Bowl wins. Overcoming setbacks is a recurring theme: Montana was often underestimated and had to fight for his starting spot in the first half of his career, and battled potentially career-ending injuries in the second. As the title would suggest, Montana's uncanny ability to deliver in the final minutes of important games, and the mindset that allowed him to do so, is also highlighted. Through interviews with his old teammates, coaches, and Montana himself, the famed quarterback is portrayed as a humble and hardworking player who valued his teammates and the opportunities he was given. There are a number of tidbits that fans will love, such as how he almost switched from football to another sport while at Notre Dame. The controversy over his suspected cocaine use in the 1980s is also addressed.
Is It Any Good?
This docuseries may drag a bit for non-football fans, but the off-the-field action will draw younger generations into the inner workings of the man even Tom Brady refers to as the reigning NFL GOAT. Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure is a largely inspirational tale that highlights the qualities you would expect from the living legend -- an extraordinary amount of determination and perseverance. Time and time again Montana has to fight being underestimated, and later injured, by relying on preparation and capitalizing on the limited opportunities he's provided. His accomplishments are nothing short of awe-inspiring and those lessons alone make the series worthwhile. What's even more compelling, though, is the humility and kindness Joe seems to maintain throughout his career. In contrast to what one might expect, he's portrayed as unstereotypically sensitive, prioritizing his family along with his career, and as someone teammates and coaches genuinely like and respect. Athletes who once vied for the same starting quarterback position describe him as always being a close friend. Even if the kids aren't interested in sticking around for all six episodes, this docuseries deserves a look for the quality life lessons it conveys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between a documentary and other types of TV shows. Can you take away different things from the different types of programming?
Who do you think made this documentary? How does that affect how Montana is portrayed? How do you think the documentary would be different if someone else made it?
In what ways does Joe Montana display humility? How does he display perseverance and self-control? Why are these important character strengths?
Children this age may still have some difficulty learning social lessons from stories. Comment positively on the behaviors that you like and consider asking what they think is the take-away.
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 6, 2022
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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