Maintaining excitement in long-running television shows can be challenging, with many series struggling to keep viewers engaged over time. However, Netflix’s “Welcome to Wrexham,” the documentary series following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of a British football club, appears to have found the formula for longevity. The fourth season premieres this week on FX in the U.S. and Disney+ in the UK, positioning the show as a staple in sports documentary programming.
Drawing inspiration from other popular sports documentaries such as “Sunderland ‘Til I Die,” which concluded after three seasons, and Amazon Prime’s “All or Nothing,” Reynolds and McElhenney have made strides to ensure that “Welcome to Wrexham” does not face a similar fate. Notably, both owners have experience in creating successful long-term narratives; Reynolds’ film “Deadpool 3” achieved over $1.3 billion at the box office, and McElhenney’s show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is the longest-running sitcom in the U.S.
In the upcoming season, Wrexham will embark on its first League One campaign in nearly two decades. The series will feature familiar faces, including the beloved pub landlord Wayne Jones and Declan Swans lead singer Michael ‘Scoot’ Hett, while also introducing new community characters, enhancing the show’s appeal.
Episode previews suggest a blend of humor and serious undertones as the owners navigate the complexities of managing a football club. One instance highlighted is a scene where Reynolds hilariously inquires whether a new pitch will be made of human hair. Episodes will also explore the dynamic of board meetings conducted over Zoom, balancing the lighthearted interactions of the owners with the serious stakes of team performance.
The potential for additional seasons hinges on viewership numbers, but given the club’s recent performances and its rise from non-League to potentially reaching the Premier League, there’s optimism that the show will continue to capture the interest of audiences.
“Welcome to Wrexham” premieres in the U.S. on FX on May 15, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. The UK premiere is set for May 16. As fans eagerly anticipate the new season, it seems the story of Wrexham and its owners is far from over, promising more captivating narratives in the future.