"Celtic City" promised an in-depth, gritty look at the Boston Celtics' storied history. What viewers received instead was a masterclass in historical inaccuracy and baffling editorial choices. From a montage of blurry, low-resolution footage set to a generic soundtrack, it was clear this wasn't going to be the definitive Celtics documentary.
The series, spanning a bloated nine episodes, seemed determined to rewrite history, often for no discernible reason. Key moments were glossed over, while inconsequential bench warmers received extended, rambling interviews. The editing felt like a fever dream, jumping erratically between decades, often within the same sentence. One moment we're witnessing the intensity of the Bird-Magic rivalry, the next we're subjected to a five-minute segment on a character no one remembers, and frankly, no one should.
The "expert" commentary was equally perplexing. Retired players, whose memories seemed as hazy as the archival footage, offered vague anecdotes and contradictory accounts. The series' narration, delivered in a monotone drone, added to the overall sense of disinterest. It felt as if the creators had simply compiled a random assortment of clips and interviews, stitched them together with duct tape, and called it a documentary.
Perhaps the most egregious offense was the series' treatment of the Celtics' legendary figures. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, among others, had their accomplishments misrepresented. Instead, the series fixated on bizarre tangents, and glossed over year's of rampant racism. "Celtic City" is less a documentary and more a cautionary tale - a testament to how badly a beloved sports franchise's history can be exaggerated and shoved down America's throat. Skip it.
