The Southeastern Conference is home to some of the nation’s best football. Focusing on the 2024 season, Netflix’s new documentary series dives into the story of the gauntlet known as the SEC and highlights the talent in the conference and how shocking upsets can happen on “Any Given Saturday.” *WARNING: SPOILERS INCLUDED*

Episode 1: Opening Kickoff

This episode captures the drama as two teams search for answers. The LSU Tigers, still stinging from their season-opening loss to USC, face the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. While LSU seeks redemption after their disappointing debut, South Carolina is figuring out how to utilize redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ potential. The episode follows both teams’ preparation and concludes with LSU’s victory over the Gamecocks.

Episode 2: QB1

Here we follow the University of Florida Gators, led by coach Billy Napier, facing one of college football’s toughest schedules this season. When sixth-year quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a concussion early in the season and an ACL injury later, freshman DJ Lagway, the team’s top recruit, stepped into the spotlight with a chance to prove himself. After many ups and downs, Lagway leads his team to a bowl game win against Tulane. 

Episode 3: Shock the World 

This segment spotlights Vanderbilt, led by alumni head coach Clark Lea and quarterback Diego Pavia, as they fight to establish their identity in the SEC. Long branded as the “doormat of the SEC,” Vanderbilt enters a new era under Coach Lea’s determined mindset. The team’s breakthrough moment comes when they take down powerhouse Alabama, a stunning upset that shocked the college football world.

Episode 4: Turning Point 

Here we watch as the LSU Tigers enter Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. LSU, looking to make a break into the playoffs, and Alabama, looking to redeem themselves after losing to Vanderbilt, prepare for one of the biggest games of the season. After succumbing to the madhouse of Bryant-Denny Stadium, LSU takes a hard loss, stripping their last opportunity to make it to the playoffs. 

We also watch the Texas A&M Aggies take on the Auburn Tigers. Auburn looks for a last chance to get a good win after a tough season for the Tigers, and after four overtimes, they take the win. This was huge to see because prior to this they were 1-5 in conference play. College football served up heartbreak and redemption in equal measure that weekend, with LSU’s playoff hopes crashing while Auburn finally found something to celebrate

Episode 5: Football Family 

This episode really focuses on the human aspect of football. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is still trying to make a name for himself in the coaching world. We see them as they take on the Texas A&M Aggies, resulting with a strong victory after previous hard losses. 

We also watch Vanderbilt, who is on a three-game winning streak, drop a close game against the Texas Longhorns, 27-24. Despite the disappointment, the Commodores came back the next week to knock off the Auburn Tigers, making them bowl eligible. 

Episode 6: Bragging Rights

It’s rivalry weekend, and the SEC has some of the oldest and most famous in the country. Mississippi State, tired of being not taken seriously, plays Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they’ll have to wait until next year to try and knock off their in-state rival after losing 26-14.  

Over in Texas, the Longhorns face off against Texas A&M for the first time in 13 years. Despite playing on the road at Kyle Field, considered to be one of the toughest stadiums in the country, Texas solidifies their recent dominance over the Aggies with a huge win against a hated rival.

Episode 7: Just Win

The final episode focuses on the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks as both teams make their final push toward the playoffs. Tennessee finishes the regular season strong with a decisive win over Vanderbilt, effectively ending South Carolina’s postseason hopes. 

The celebration didn’t last long, though, as they lost in the first round of the playoffs at home to eventual National Champion Ohio State. The episode wraps up with reflections from across the SEC, and players and coaches look ahead with renewed optimism, eager for what the next season will bring.

My Take

I truly enjoyed this series. It offered a deep and engaging look into several SEC programs, many of which I knew little about before watching. As an LSU fan, I especially appreciated how much attention the Tigers received throughout the episodes. I would recommend “Any Given Saturday” to anyone who loves college football, particularly those who follow the SEC, but even casual viewers can enjoy it without needing an in-depth understanding of the sport. 

One of my biggest takeaways is the newfound respect I gained for coaches across the conference. It is easy to criticize when a team isn’t winning, but this series shows just how much effort and dedication these coaches pour into building their programs and maximizing their players’ strengths.