Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024) is an American crime drama limited series that premiered on September 5, 2024, on Peacock. Created by Shaye Ogbonna, the series is based on the iHeart Radio podcast of the same name and dramatizes a notorious armed robbery that occurred during the after-party of Muhammad Ali's comeback fight in 1970. The show features a star-studded cast, including Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Taraji P. Henson.
The narrative revolves around Gordon "Chicken Man" Williams (played by Kevin Hart), who seizes the opportunity of Ali's fight to host a lavish after-party attended by influential figures in Atlanta's Black community. However, the night takes a dramatic turn when a multi-level robbery scheme unfolds, leading to one of the largest heists in Atlanta's history. As chaos ensues, Williams finds himself suspected of masterminding the crime and must work to clear his name while navigating tensions with J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives on the city's desegregated police force.
The series consists of eight episodes, with the first three released simultaneously on premiere day. Subsequent episodes are scheduled to drop weekly until the finale on October 10, 2024. Critics have responded positively to the show, praising its engaging storytelling and performances, particularly highlighting Kevin Hart's expanded dramatic range. The series has received an average rating of 7.4/10 on IMDb and a favorable score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist not only recounts a thrilling heist story but also reflects an important moment in Black cultural history, showcasing how this event helped transform Atlanta into what is often referred to as the "Black Mecca." The combination of historical context and compelling character arcs aims to resonate with viewers while offering an entertaining crime drama experience.