Emotional!!! Netflix Has Announced the Release Date for a Special Documentary Honoring the Ohio State Marching Band (OHMB) Has Earned the Title of Top Marching Band in the World
Netflix has officially unveiled the premiere date for its highly anticipated documentary spotlighting the Ohio State Marching Band (OHMB), celebrating the ensemble’s journey to being crowned the world’s premier marching band. Titled *Buckeye Beats: The Rise of the Ohio State Marching Band*, the feature-length film will debut on Netflix’s streaming platform on September 12, 2025—just in time for the start of college football season.
Directed by award-winning documentarian Sarah Chen, *Buckeye Beats* offers viewers an intimate look at the OHMB’s storied history, rigorous rehearsal schedules, and the personal sacrifices of its 225 members. From the band’s humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its modern-day reputation for precision marching and show-stopping halftime performances, the documentary traverses nearly 130 years of tradition.
Chen, known for her musical profiles in *Symphony of Dreams* and *Chasing Chords*, told Netflix’s press team that she was drawn to the OHMB’s “unmatched spirit, unwavering discipline, and the deep bond that unites its members.” In a recent interview, Chen shared, “Capturing the raw emotion of seniors taking their final field bows and the fierce pride of freshmen earning their berets made this project a true labor of love.”
The documentary interweaves interviews with current band director Dr. Marcus Hayes, alumni who have gone on to professional music careers, and die-hard Ohio State fans. Archival footage recounts landmark moments: the band’s first radio broadcast in 1930, their pioneering “Script Ohio” formation in 1936, and their groundbreaking trip to the Rose Bowl. Fans will also witness behind-the-scenes challenges, such as adapting performances during the COVID-19 pandemic and the meticulous choreography that goes into crafting each season’s show theme.
Dr. Hayes, who has led the OHMB since 2015, reflected on the documentary’s significance: “Our band members put in thousands of collective hours to perfect every note and step. This film isn’t just about music—it’s about community, legacy, and the Ohio State spirit that pulses through every performance.” He added that the documentary will also highlight outreach programs through which the OHMB mentors local high school bands, fostering the next generation of marching musicians.
Critics and fans alike have already expressed excitement for the documentary’s release. Social media buzzed with clips from the official trailer, which teases breathtaking aerial shots of the band’s iconic “Block O” formation and emotional backstage moments as the drum majors count down to “Take the Field.” Netflix’s announcement post garnered over 200,000 likes within 24 hours, with comments praising the OHMB’s precision and energy.
In celebration of the premiere, Netflix plans to host a virtual watch party on September 12, featuring live Q\&A sessions with Chen, Dr. Hayes, and select band members. Subscribers eager to relive the OSU marching tradition can also access a companion web series of extended interviews and rehearsal footage.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: *Buckeye Beats* promises to deliver a heartfelt tribute to the musicians who have marched, played, and inspired crowds for generations. Whether you’re a lifelong Buckeye fan or new to the pageantry of collegiate marching bands, this documentary looks set to strike a chord with audiences worldwide.
