Netflix Announces “New Era: It’s Time” – A Landmark Documentary on Legendary San Francisco Broadcasters Kruk and Kuip
San Francisco, CA — The world of sports broadcasting is about to step into the spotlight in a way it never has before. Netflix has officially announced the release of New Era: It’s Time, a brand-new multi-part documentary series chronicling the extraordinary journey of two of Major League Baseball’s most beloved voices: Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper—affectionately known by Bay Area fans as “Kruk and Kuip.” The series, which will premiere worldwide on the 25th, promises to deliver an unprecedented look into the life, career, and enduring influence of two of the most recognizable figures in modern sports media.
For decades, Kruk and Kuip have been the soundtrack of San Francisco Giants baseball. Their signature blend of humor, authenticity, and deep knowledge of the game has not only endeared them to generations of fans but has also set a new standard for what sports broadcasting can be. Now, with New Era: It’s Time, audiences will get a chance to go behind the microphone and into the personal stories that shaped these two icons.
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The Voices of a Franchise
Mike Krukow, a former Major League pitcher, and Duane Kuiper, a former infielder, first joined forces in the Giants’ broadcast booth in the early 1990s. From the start, their chemistry was palpable. Where Krukow brought a pitcher’s insight and quick wit, Kuiper offered the perspective of a veteran hitter and a steady, understated style of delivery. Together, they transformed game telecasts into something more than commentary—they became a shared experience, a rolling conversation between two friends that welcomed everyone listening into the fold.
The documentary, produced by Netflix in collaboration with MLB Media, traces this evolution. Early episodes focus on their playing days, showing rare footage of Krukow’s All-Star season with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, and Kuiper’s steady career with the Cleveland Indians and Giants. But the heart of the series lies in what happened after the final out of their playing careers: how these two men reinvented themselves and, in the process, redefined what it meant to be local broadcasters in a major sports market.
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An Unprecedented Look Behind the Scenes
What sets New Era: It’s Time apart from other sports documentaries is its depth and access. According to Netflix, the filmmakers were granted full behind-the-scenes privileges during the 2023 and 2024 MLB seasons. Viewers will see Kruk and Kuip in the broadcast booth preparing for games, interacting with players and staff, and sharing unscripted moments that reveal the bond that has made their partnership so durable.
Interviews with family members, former teammates, Giants front-office executives, and rival broadcasters provide context to their careers and highlight the quiet impact the duo has had on the sport as a whole. From mentoring young broadcasters to serving as community ambassadors, Kruk and Kuip have become more than just voices—they’re pillars of the San Francisco sports community.
The series also addresses the personal challenges they’ve faced. Krukow’s ongoing battle with a degenerative muscle disease and Kuiper’s resilience after personal loss are handled with sensitivity, showing how their friendship has been a source of strength through adversity. These segments underscore the humanity behind the familiar voices fans hear every night.
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The Legacy of Kruk and Kuip
Each episode of New Era: It’s Time is structured around a theme: “Beginnings,” “Chemistry,” “The Call,” “The Community,” and “Legacy.” Together, they form a sweeping narrative not just about two men but about the changing face of baseball broadcasting itself. In an era when national networks often dominate the conversation, Kruk and Kuip have remained local, authentic, and deeply connected to the fanbase. They’ve shown that a broadcast can be informative without being sterile, funny without being forced, and emotional without being sentimental.
The series highlights iconic calls that have become part of Giants lore—Barry Bonds’ 756th home run, Matt Cain’s perfect game, and the team’s three World Series championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Fans will relive those moments not just through archival footage but through the eyes and voices of the men who narrated them. Netflix executives describe it as “a love letter to baseball and to the power of storytelling.”
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Why This Matters Now
The timing of the release is no accident. As baseball continues to evolve—with pitch clocks, rule changes, and streaming broadcasts reshaping the viewer experience—the role of the traditional local broadcaster is changing too. Kruk and Kuip represent a style and an era that many fans fear is fading away. By spotlighting their journey now, New Era: It’s Time preserves their legacy for new generations who may never have listened to a full nine-inning game on cable TV but still appreciate authenticity and connection.
Netflix is positioning the series as both a sports documentary and a human-interest story. In a statement accompanying the announcement, the streaming giant said, “Kruk and Kuip are more than broadcasters—they’re companions to millions. This series is about the joy of friendship, the craft of storytelling, and the way a shared passion for baseball can bring a city together.”
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Fan and Industry Reactions
The news of the series has already ignited excitement among Giants fans and the wider baseball community. Social media lit up with hashtags like #KrukAndKuipDoc and #ItsTimeNetflix within hours of the announcement. Prominent athletes, broadcasters, and even Bay Area politicians posted tributes to the duo, calling the documentary “long overdue” and “a celebration of two living legends.”
Industry insiders are also watching closely. The success of other Netflix sports series like Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Quarterback has demonstrated the power of behind-the-scenes storytelling to grow fan bases. With New Era: It’s Time, Netflix could pioneer a new genre focused on the often-overlooked world of sports broadcasting.
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Looking Ahead to Premiere Day
When New Era: It’s Time drops on the 25th, it will be available globally with multiple language options, ensuring that the story of Kruk and Kuip resonates beyond the Bay Area. For San Francisco fans, the premiere is expected to be a communal event. Local bars, Giants-themed cafes, and even Oracle Park itself are reportedly planning watch parties. For many, it will be a chance not just to revisit their favorite moments but to celebrate the people who made those moments memorable.
As the trailer teases, the documentary ends not with a goodbye but with a promise—Kruk and Kuip still calling games, still laughing together, still embodying the heart of baseball in San Francisco. In that sense, New Era: It’s Time isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a living portrait of two men whos
e voices will echo for years to come.
