What does a new satirical series reveal about the legacy of Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson? The series, titled Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story, aims to reframe Johnson’s controversial narrative in a humorous light, exploring his rise and fall as the world’s fastest man.
Directed by Corey Bowles and created by Emmy-nominated writer Anthony Q. Farrell, the six-part mockumentary premiered on Paramount+ on March 27, 2026. It stars Shamier Anderson as Ben Johnson and delves into the ethically questionable coaching and performance-enhancing cover-ups that marred his career.
Ben Johnson, who set a world record of 9.79 seconds in the 100-meter sprint in 1988, was stripped of his Olympic gold medal after testing positive for steroids. This scandal not only ended his career but also left a lasting impact on the world of sports.
Bowles remarked on the project, stating, “There’s a lot of stories out there and a lot of pitched ideas about what his story was.” He expressed his excitement about the script, noting, “It was pretty much in the very first page, half way down, that I thought I have got to be a part of this, it’s so good.”
The series captures a version of Johnson that highlights both his achievements and the controversies surrounding him. Bowles added, “This one just sort of captured a version of him that put a shine to his name but also doesn’t pull any punches on what went down.”
In a time when sports scandals are frequently scrutinized, Hate the Player provides a comedic yet critical lens on a significant moment in athletic history. Bowles noted the series’ ability to take a major event from their youth and give it a “funny, cathartic, interesting twist.”
The series is available for streaming on both GameTV and Paramount+, allowing audiences to engage with Johnson’s story in a new way. As the series unfolds, it invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of fame, success, and the consequences of ambition.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the series’ reception and its impact on the public perception of Ben Johnson. However, it is clear that the narrative surrounding his legacy continues to evolve.
