I love sports documentaries, and I’ve seen just about all of the great ones. In my opinion, Partners, the PPA docuseries, belongs in that conversation. It tells the story of the sport we love in such a captivating, honest, entertaining, and fascinating way. I can’t recommend it enough.

The series gives incredible behind-the-scenes access to the biggest storylines in pickleball from the past year, offering real insight into the relationships, dynamics, and unfiltered opinions shaping the pro game.

Honestly, I wish the cameras had just kept rolling, because the 2026 season is already delivering incredible storylines. I don’t want the series to end.

Every major moment was covered — from Anna Leigh Waters’ unbelievable dominance, to Ben Johns cementing his GOAT status, to the Girlies’ difficult breakup and Waters ultimately parting ways with Catherine Parenteau. Learning more about the “why” behind those decisions helped tell a much bigger story about the sport, and about how important the right partner is in chasing victory.

Anna Bright was arguably the central narrator throughout the series, providing background and insight into many of the major storylines. At the same time, it was a lot of fun hearing from the pros, broadcasters, and PPA Tour staff, all of whom added personality and perspective to the series. I also really enjoyed Ben Johns’ occasional analytical breakdowns, which gave viewers a deeper understanding of the game.

One of the standout personalities for me was Lucy Kovalova. Her one-liners and observations were both hilarious and surprisingly insightful.

Another major strength of the series was the spotlight on veteran players like Matt Wright, whose perspective highlighted just how much the sport has grown and evolved over the years. It also showcased the diversity and longevity possible at the professional level of pickleball.

I also appreciated that the series didn’t shy away from more difficult topics, including Quang Duong’s sudden termination last year. Hearing firsthand explanations from UPA CEO Connor Pardoe added valuable context, and learning more about Duong’s relationship with his father and coach, Duke Duong, made that storyline especially compelling. Overall, it helped answer many lingering questions surrounding the situation.

Another storyline I really enjoyed centered around Kate Fahey. She’s become a polarizing figure on social media, with some fans praising her on-court intensity while others criticize her for it. Seeing Fahey open up about the emotional toll of hateful comments was powerful and, unfortunately, very relatable in today’s digital world.

I also appreciated her honesty about working with a mental coach and discussing the mental challenges that come with competing at the professional level. Hearing about her growth and progress throughout that journey added a deeper layer to her story. It made you see Fahey not just as a pro athlete on Pickleballtv, but as a real person navigating pressure, criticism, and personal growth in the public eye.

And of course, we have to mention the breakup between Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson. The documentary certainly wasn’t afraid to dive into the drama and reveal some behind-the-scenes details. But if you want the full story, you’ll have to watch the series for yourself.

What stood out to me, though, was that the show never leaned too heavily into the reality TV aspect. It easily could have been edited to focus entirely on the drama and messy storylines.

Instead, the series treated both the sport and the players with a level of seriousness and respect that I really appreciated. The emotions, conflicts, and relationships all felt authentic, and the documentary presented them in a way that honestly reflected life on the PPA Tour. As someone who was courtside watching many of these moments unfold throughout the season, the series felt like a genuine portrayal of those major events.

Overall, this was an incredibly well-produced series that balanced drama, intensity, and insight perfectly. It offered a compelling look into the growth of professional pickleball and the personalities shaping the sport today. It’s absolutely a must-watch.

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