Netflix Strikes Gold with New Docuseries “Rolling Thunder: The Rise of College Bowling”
Netflix has announced its latest sports documentary series, Rolling Thunder: The Rise of College Bowling, set to premiere this summer. The six-part series dives into the intensely competitive, emotionally charged, and often overlooked world of collegiate bowling in the United States.
Created by Emmy-winning director Ava Jenkins, Rolling Thunder follows five top college programs — including Wichita State, Vanderbilt, and Nebraska — as they battle for supremacy in the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, the series sheds light on the athletes’ rigorous training, personal sacrifices, and the fierce camaraderie that fuels their success.
“This isn’t just a show about strikes and spares,” said Jenkins. “It’s about the stories behind the lane — young athletes balancing pressure, identity, and dreams, all within one of the fastest-growing college sports.”
Each episode explores different themes: the psychological warfare of match play, Title IX’s impact on women’s bowling, and the rise of international athletes in American programs. The series also highlights personal journeys, such as a senior captain battling injury in her final season and a freshman phenom from Singapore adapting to life in the U.S.
Netflix VP of Sports Content, Marcus Li, called the series “a game-changer for underrepresented sports. College bowling has passion, drama, and stakes — everything you’d want in a compelling sports doc.”
Rolling Thunder premieres globally on August 22, 2025.
