[05/29/25 - 09:03 AM] Executive Produced by LeBron James & Maverick Carter, The History Channel's New Documentary "Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning" Set to Premiere July 7 Directed by Chris Eyre, the documentary offers a comprehensive exploration into the life and legacy of the legendary Olympian and one of the greatest all-around athletes of all time, and explores what it means to be an American through the pivotal intersection of identity and sport.
[via press release from History]
THE HISTORY(R) CHANNEL TO PREMIERE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY "JIM THORPE: LIT BY LIGHTNING" SHOWCASING THE INCREDIBLE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST ON MONDAY, JULY 7 AT 8PM ET/PT
Documentary Executive Produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter's UNINTERRUPTED and Directed by Award-Winning Director Chris Eyre
New York, NY - Thursday, May 29, 2025 - The HISTORY(R) Channel has set the premiere for its new, two-hour documentary "Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning" executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter's award-winning athlete storytelling brand UNINTERRUPTED and in association with INE Entertainment, Five All in the Fifth, and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media company, on Monday, July 7 at 8pm ET/PT. Directed by Chris Eyre (Cheyenne and Arapaho), the documentary offers a comprehensive exploration into the life and legacy of the legendary Olympian and one of the greatest all-around athletes of all time, and explores what it means to be an American through the pivotal intersection of identity and sport.
Considered to be one of the greatest and most versatile athletes of modern sports, Jim Thorpe was the United States' first Native American Olympic gold medalist. Born on the Sac and Fox Nation reservation in central Oklahoma, Thorpe grew up during a time when Native people were seen as threats to Western expansion. Despite great odds and in opposition to anti-indigenous rhetoric, Thorpe developed an affinity for athletic endeavors, which would ultimately evolve him into a multisport powerhouse and symbol of the strength and perseverance of his Native peoples. In addition to his Olympic success, Thorpe became an invaluable athlete across baseball, football, basketball, and track-and-field.
Featuring narrated excerpts from Thorpe's unpublished autobiography alongside thoughtful interviews from scholars and sports commentators, and innovative recreations, "Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning" offers an all-encompassing look into one of the most impressive, yet unsung, athletes of the 20th century.
"Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning" is produced for The HISTORY(R) Channel by UNINTERRUPTED in association with INE Entertainment, Five All in the Fifth, and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media company. LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron serve as executive producers for UNINTERRUPTED. Chris Eyre is executive producer and director. Mark Koops, Eric Day, and Doug Banker are executive producers for INE Entertainment and Five All in the Fifth, respectively. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serve as executive producers for Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media company. Eli Lehrer and Jim Pasquarella serve as executive producers for The HISTORY Channel. Courtney Whitaker and Matt Rissmiller serve as co-executive producers for UNINTERRUPTED.
A+E Global Media holds worldwide distribution rights to "Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning."
About The HISTORY Channel(TM)
The HISTORY Channel(TM) is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events to a signature slate of industry leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based programming, The HISTORY Channel serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY Channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for several consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For additional press materials visit the A+E Global Media Press Center at press.aegm.com.
For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. The HISTORY Channel(TM) is a division of A+E Global Media (aegm.com), a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
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