One of the most controversial moments in Olympic history is about to return to the spotlight—but this time, it’s being told in a way no one expected.
New Comedy Series ‘Hate The Player: The Ben Johnson Story’ Revisits the Most Infamous Race in Olympic History
Nearly four decades after one of the most shocking scandals in sports history, the story of Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson is returning to screens—but with a bold and unexpected twist.
A new satirical series titled “Hate The Player: The Ben Johnson Story” is set to premiere March 26 on GameTV in Canada, followed by a release on Paramount+ Canada on March 27.
The six-part comedy-drama dives into the dramatic events surrounding the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where Johnson famously won the 100-meter gold medal in what became known as “the dirtiest race in history.”
Just days later, the victory was erased after Johnson tested positive for banned substances, triggering one of the most explosive doping scandals the sports world had ever seen.
Now, that infamous chapter is being reimagined through a unique storytelling lens.
A Satirical Take on a Global Scandal
Unlike traditional sports documentaries, “Hate The Player” blends historical drama with absurdist comedy and cultural commentary.
The series imagines Johnson attempting to reclaim his reputation decades later by self-funding a documentary to “set the record straight.”
As the story unfolds, viewers are pulled into a surreal world filled with:
Secretive training methods
Questionable coaching tactics
Performance-enhancing coverups
And Johnson’s chaotic attempts at redemption
The result is a narrative that intentionally blurs the line between fact and fiction, offering a satirical look at one of the most debated moments in Olympic history.
A Star-Studded Cast
Leading the series is actor Shamier Anderson, who takes on the challenging role of Ben Johnson.
Joining him is Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, portraying Johnson’s American rival Carl Lewis, the sprinter who ultimately inherited the Olympic gold medal after Johnson’s disqualification.
The ensemble cast also includes several notable names from Canadian television and film, including:
Karen Robinson (Schitt’s Creek)
Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall, Superstore)
Ennis Esmer (Blindspot)
Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black, The Recruit)
Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience)
The series even features cameo appearances from well-known figures including:
WWE star Chelsea Green
Canadian NASCAR driver Amber Balcaen
Olympic figure skating champion Elvis Stojko
Creative Team Behind the Project
The show comes from Anthony Q. Farrell, the creative mind behind Shelved and Run the Burbs.
Directing duties are handled by R.T. Thorne (The Porter) and Cory Bowles (Trailer Park Boys).
Production is led by New Metric Media, the team behind hit Canadian comedy series Letterkenny and Shoresy, in collaboration with Bay Mills Studios, founded by Anderson and actor Stephan James.
The project first gained attention at MIPCOM, where New Metric began presenting the series to international buyers.
A Trailer That Immediately Grabs Attention
The newly released trailer gives viewers a taste of the show’s chaotic tone.
It opens with Johnson screaming as he receives an injection of an unknown substance, immediately setting the stage for the series’ wild mix of satire and controversy.
Moments later, commentators appear during the legendary 100-meter race.
“Ben Johnson has delivered!” one commentator shouts.
His colleague responds with confusion:
“Who the f* is Ben Johnson?**”
The scene captures the show’s central theme—how quickly fame, scandal, and history collide.
Revisiting a Defining Moment in Sports
The 1988 Olympic 100-meter final remains one of the most controversial events in athletics history.
Johnson’s stunning victory and rapid downfall sparked worldwide debates about doping, fairness, and the pressures athletes face at the highest levels of competition.
Now, nearly 40 years later, “Hate The Player: The Ben Johnson Story” aims to revisit that moment through a lens that is part comedy, part critique, and entirely unpredictable.
For viewers, it promises to be a wild sprint through one of sports’ most unforgettable stories.
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