Omaha Productions has redefined sports entertainment since its 2020 founding, establishing itself as a powerhouse across streaming platforms and traditional media. Under the leadership of NFL legend Peyton Manning and veteran media executive Jamie Horowitz, the company has built an impressive portfolio of content that spans documentaries, scripted series, and innovative live programming.
Their recent Netflix collaboration, Quarterback, exemplifies the company’s ability to create compelling sports narratives. The series dominated Netflix’s global rankings for three weeks, showcasing the behind-the-scenes lives of NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota. This unprecedented access and intimate storytelling approach has become a hallmark of Omaha Productions’ documentary style.
Following this success, Netflix and Omaha Productions announced Receiver, an eight-episode series offering an in-depth look at NFL pass catchers. “The natural progression is from a pass to a catch,” noted Netflix’s Vice President of Nonfiction Sports, Gabe Spitzer, highlighting the organic expansion of their NFL storytelling universe. The series will feature stars Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Amon-Ra St. Brown during the 2023 season.
The company’s influence in women’s sports coverage has grown significantly with Full Court Press, which documented the transformative 2023-2024 women’s basketball season. The series earned widespread acclaim and prompted an immediate second season order, focusing on new stars, including UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins. This commitment to women’s sports storytelling demonstrates Omaha’s ability to identify and develop emerging market opportunities.
Omaha Productions is launching Chad Powers on Hulu in a bold move into scripted entertainment. The series, starring Glen Powell as a former quarterback seeking redemption through an alter ego, evolved from a viral segment featuring Eli Manning that garnered over 15 million views. The show’s creative team includes Marvel writer Michael Waldron and accomplished actors Perry Mattfeld and Steve Zahn, showcasing Omaha’s ability to attract premium talent.
The ManningCast continues to break new ground in sports commentary, recently earning Eli Manning his second Emmy Award. The show’s unique format, blending expert analysis with casual conversation and celebrity guests, has revolutionized how audiences engage with live sports broadcasting. This success demonstrates Omaha’s talent for creating innovative programming that appeals to diverse viewer demographics.
Strategic partnerships have fueled the company’s rapid growth. A landmark nine-year deal with ESPN ensures Omaha’s position as a significant player in sports media through 2033. New collaborations, including a partnership with LeBron James‘ SpringHill Farms for NBA content, continue to expand their reach across different sports and entertainment categories.
According to Therese Andrews, head of production at Omaha Productions, the company maintains a robust development pipeline with 8-12 projects in various stages. These include new documentaries, series, and innovative formats that span multiple sports and entertainment categories, reflecting Omaha’s commitment to diverse storytelling approaches.
The company’s partnership with NFL Films and Words + Pictures has enabled it to maintain high production values across its documentary content. This attention to quality, combined with its ability to secure unprecedented access to athletes, has set new standards for sports storytelling on streaming platforms.
Looking ahead, Chad Powers represents Omaha’s ambitious vision for the future of sports entertainment. By blending elements of comedy with authentic sports culture, the series aims to appeal to dedicated fans and general audiences. Eli Manning’s involvement in the creative process, including participation in pitch meetings and providing football insights to writers, ensures the show maintains authenticity while breaking new ground in sports-themed entertainment.
As Omaha Productions continues to expand its influence, its commitment to innovative storytelling and high-quality production remains constant. Through strategic partnerships, diverse programming, and a deep understanding of audience preferences, it has established itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of sports media and entertainment.