The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the launch of a four-part documentary series, “Always an Original,” to commemorate the franchise’s centennial season. The series will highlight key moments in the team’s history and its influence on both hockey and the city of Chicago.
Each episode is set to premiere alongside its respective Centennial Chapter, with the first installment, “The Originals,” debuting at noon on October 16. All episodes will be available exclusively on the Blackhawks’ official YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to access them on demand.
“'Always An Original' is more than a retrospective – it's the narrative backbone of our Centennial celebration,” said Jerry Ferugson, Blackhawks Executive Vice President of Brand & Marketing. “By aligning each episode with our Centennial Chapters, we're giving fans the context and depth to truly understand not just what the Blackhawks achieved, but why it mattered to hockey, to Chicago, and to the evolution of modern sports organizations."
The series is produced in partnership with local Chicago studios and directors who bring different perspectives to stories about one of hockey’s most recognized teams.
The first episode explores how the Blackhawks influenced both Chicago sports culture and professional hockey. Hosted by urban historian Sherman "Dilla" Thomas, it features commentary from well-known Chicago figures such as Jeff Garlin, Jim Belushi, and Billy Corgan. Daily Planet, an Emmy Award-winning studio based in Chicago, produced this opening segment.
Later episodes will cover various aspects of team history:
- “The Madhouse” (late November) focuses on how Chicago Stadium became a defining venue for both players and fans. Sergio Lozano, a long-time United Center employee and scoreboard operator for both major sports teams in Chicago, serves as producer.
- “The Banner Years” (early January 2026) documents championship victories spanning from 1934 through 2015. Banner Studios is responsible for this episode.
- “The Next Originals” (March 2026) looks ahead at ongoing efforts by the franchise to innovate within hockey culture and foster new generations of athletes and supporters. This final chapter is also produced by Daily Planet.
Release dates for future episodes and details about public watch parties will be shared later via Blackhawks social media channels.