Viewers have been left raving about an ‘exceptional’ crime drama that’s available to watch on ITVX.
Starring an A-list cast including Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Terrence Howard, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist tells the true story of an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight after he was stripped of his heavyweight title for refusing to be drafted for the Vietnam War.
The show follows the infamous violent robbery at a lavish post-fight party where the criminals took off with more than $1,000,000 in cash and jewelsand left Atlanta transformed.
‘This is a high-level Black project with a lot of resources,’ showrunner Shaye Ogbonna told the Los Angeles Times before the show premiered in September 2024.
‘It’s important that the story is told correctly and accurately. You don’t get a lot of opportunities like this.’
‘This was Atlanta’s coming out party,’ she added. ‘It gave us the opportunity to tell this amazing story about this amazing city from this uniquely African-American perspective.’
Little Fockers actor Kevin, 45, plays Gordon ‘Chicken Man’ Williams, with Taraji as Vivian ‘Sweets’ Thomas, Don as Detective JD Hudson, and Nick Fury star Samuel as Frank ‘Black Godfather’ Moten.
It also guest stars Dexter Darden as Muhammad Ali, and features Michael James Shaw and Sam Adegoke.
The eight-part drama, based on the true story of the 1970 incident, follows a 2020 podcast of the same name, and explores how Williams went from organising the party for 200 people under the instructions of Moten and Richard ‘Cadillac’ Wheeler (Terrence Howard), before becoming one of the prime suspects of the case.
The robbery, which took place hours after Ali won his comeback fight against Jerry Quarry on October 26, 1970, saw hundreds of partygoers taken hostage by armed masked men who kept them in the residence’s basement and stole their money and belongings.
The series premiered on ITVX in October, just a month after launching on Peacock in the US.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist has an impressive rating on Rotten Tomatoes too, with a 96% Tomatometer score, and 90% Popcornmeter.
‘This had me stuck I binge watch the whole season on a work night,’ viewer Arabia D wrote.
‘Great acting from a great cast. Great story with great writing. Great show. Definitely an instant classic,’ Jeffery Charles added.
Michael M said: ‘Great storytelling, well acted, well directed, great cinematography, great costumes design and sets. Just well done overall and I’m loving it so far!!!’
Sadie B added: ‘Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of Kevin Hart’s movies until now, but he truly delivered an outstanding performance and held his own among a cast of great actors. This series is definitely worth watching, as it beautifully captures the essence of its era. It’s a well-told story that keeps you hooked, eagerly waiting for the next episode.’
‘Gripping story that only increases with intrigue every episode. Star studded cast does not disappoint. From acting to sets to costumes bolstered by a musical score that is baked into the series with perfect temperature, Fight Night throws a solid punch. Don’t miss it,’ Lynne Hoffman K said.
Over on X, @khungo_ said: ‘The acting on Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist was exceptional.’
‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist was the perfect binge for my snow day,’ @_OmarMusa said.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is available to watch on ITVX.
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