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It has been a ratings monster, according to the network. Every Sunday night, fans are able to flip escape into the world of the 1997–98 Chicago Bulls and distract themselves from the sad realities of COVID-19.
"It’s a way to bring families together,” executive producer and Philadelphia native Mike Tollin said. "I love hearing from people, 'You know, I’m not a sports fan. I never watch basketball, but this so interesting. The characters are so fascinating. I never knew any of this.'"
Tollin and his production partners knew it would be a huge success because of the interest in Jordan, his last season with the Bulls, and all of the stories attached to that dynasty.
He says he’s also happy to hear that it has given people an escape.
“People aren’t responding and saying, 'Hey, I like that show,'" Tollin said. "People are saying, 'Thank you for bringing that show to me and my family.' It’s incredible."
Tollin’s extensive resume includes other sports documentaries such as “Iverson” and “Hank Aaron: Chasing The Dream,” Nickelodeon shows such as “All That” and “Kenan & Kel,” and TV shows “Arli$$” and “Smallville.” Movies he has produced include “Varsity Blues,” “Radio” and “Coach Carter.”
He says “The Last Dance” has been different because sports personalities are reacting to it like it’s a game, as they’re reminded of controversies and storylines from the past.
Tollin said media attention surrounding the April 19 airing was like the Super Bowl.
“It is rather immersive,” Tollin said, “and you’re sort of walking around in this dreamscape. Could this really be happening over just a documentary film?”
The film has been in the making for a long time. Exclusive footage from that famed 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season was kept out of the public eye for over two decades. Jordan agreed to do the documentary with Tollin and his team at Mandalay Sports Media in 2016. Tollin said Director Jason Hehir had three separate two- to three-hour interviews with the basketball star to discuss the beginning, middle and end of his iconic Bulls career.
“Jason had a clipboard with endless questions, and he had a game plan,” Tollin said. “You gotta come prepared if you’re gonna play with Michael Jordan.
“Very early on, with the apprehension of 'How’s this gonna go?' and 'Is he really going to be up for this?' once we get into it, we saw that he was leaning in. He was not only not evading questions — the harder the question or the more juicy the topic, the more he seemed intent on responding with candor.”
They realized they could “roll up their sleeves” and ask Jordan about anything, including sensitive topics.
“Each time an interview was scheduled, we advanced the ball. More things had been said for Michael to respond to. He was that much more comfortable," Tollin said.
Philadelphia stands apart among the five markets where episodes three and four scored the highest ratings. The others are all in Illinois and North Carolina, states strongly associated with Jordan.
Ratings in Philly tied it with Greensboro, North Carolina, for third place. Chicago and Raleigh-Durham were ahead of it, and Charlotte was fifth.
Tollin says he is pleased it's doing well in Philly, which he calls a great basketball town.
“I am not surprised,” he said. “I’m heartened by it. Way to show up, Philly!" Tollin has certainly not forgotten his roots. Before his interview with KYW Newsradio started, he sang the radio station's iconic jingle, unsolicited.