Rainn Wilson
Narrator
Overview
Explore the quirkiest, most charming, and oddly inspirational competitions you never knew existed, and the determined, passionate, and incredibly skilled competitors who put it all on the line to become heroes in their own extraordinary worlds.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 6 episodes
- First aired
- Nov 17, 2020
Cast
Reviews
4 min readThe Quiet Glory of Being the Best at Something Strange
There’s a moment in We Are the Champions—somewhere in the middle of an episode I can’t quite place—where a man in a sequined leotard stands on a stage, clutching a trophy shaped like a giant cheese wheel. The audience is roaring, his face is slick with sweat and tears, and Rainn Wilson’s narration drops into a rare hush. “This,” he says, “is what winning looks like.” It’s not sarcastic.
It’s not ironic. It’s the kind of earnestness that makes you lean forward, suddenly aware that you’ve been holding your breath.
That’s the trick of this series, isn’t it? It takes the most bizarre, niche, and seemingly trivial competitions in the world—cheese rolling, air guitar, competitive dog grooming—and treats them with the gravitas of an Olympic final. And somehow, against all odds, it works.
Not because it’s mocking these people, but because it’s celebrating them. The camera lingers on their calloused hands, their trembling voices, the way their entire lives have narrowed to this one absurd, beautiful moment. You don’t laugh at them.
You root for them.
The premise is simple: six episodes, six competitions, each one more delightfully unhinged than the last. There’s no grand narrative arc, no manufactured drama—just the quiet, cumulative power of watching people pursue passions that make no sense to anyone but themselves. And yet, the series is sneakily radical in its own way.
In a culture obsessed with viral fame and algorithmic validation, We Are the Champions is a love letter to the people who do things just because they love them. No sponsors, no clout, no expectation of anything beyond the sheer joy of being the best at something no one else cares about.
Rainn Wilson’s narration is key here. He’s not the snarky, detached observer you might expect from a series like this. Instead, he’s warm, curious, and just a little bit awestruck.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.5/10
"A quirky and entertaining docuseries with niche appeal, held back by uneven execution and occasional tonal missteps."
Rainn Wilson’s hosting brings charm and humor to this celebration of unconventional competitions, making it an easy watch for fans of offbeat reality TV. latestnetflix.com's take is that however, some episodes feel repetitive or overly silly, and the series struggles to maintain consistent engagement across its varied subjects.
What viewers praise
- Rainn Wilson’s hosting His wit and enthusiasm add a fun, engaging layer to the series, making even the oddest competitions enjoyable to watch.
- Unique competition concepts The show highlights bizarre and fascinating real-world contests that most viewers wouldn’t know exist, offering fresh and entertaining content.
- Lighthearted tone The series keeps things fun and upbeat, making it a good choice for casual viewing or background entertainment.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some episodes drag or feel repetitive, particularly when the competition itself lacks excitement or stakes.
- Tonal inconsistencies The balance between humor and sincerity can feel off, with some segments coming across as forced or overly silly.
- Niche appeal Not all competitions will resonate with every viewer, and some may find the subject matter too obscure or uninteresting.
Recommended for
Fans of offbeat reality TV Rainn Wilson enthusiasts Casual documentary viewers Competition show lovers Lighthearted entertainment seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsRainn Wilson Champions the Weird and Wonderful in Netflix’s "We Are the Champions"
Netflix’s We Are the Champions (2020) is a love letter to the world’s most bizarre competitions, and Rainn Wilson is the perfect guide to its offbeat charm. The six-episode docuseries, narrated by the The Office star, dives headfirst into niche tournaments that celebrate everything from cheese rolling to extreme ironing. latestnetflix.com's view is that but what’s the story behind the show’s creation—and how did Wilson get roped into this gloriously strange gig?
A Show for the Underdogs (and the Cheese Chasers)
We Are the Champions isn’t your typical sports docuseries. Instead of highlighting mainstream athletics, it shines a spotlight on the passionate, often eccentric communities that compete in events like competitive dog grooming, baby racing, and even the infamous Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling in England 
. The series’ premise is simple: every competition, no matter how absurd, has its own dedicated fanbase—and Wilson’s narration leans into the humor and heart of these subcultures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePFl4iWzVow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Mr2Zvg88o
The show’s tone is equal parts mockumentary and genuine celebration. Wilson’s dry wit, honed during his years as Dwight Schrute, makes him an ideal fit for a series that walks the line between satire and sincerity. While the evidence doesn’t reveal how he was cast, his enthusiasm for the material is palpable in trailers and interviews , .
Behind the Scenes: Wilson’s Take on the "Goofy Sports"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSuQVcT8tBQ
In a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse, Wilson sat down with The Rich Eisen Show to discuss the series, calling the competitions "goofy sports" and admitting they’re "the most fun thing I’ve ever done" . While the snippet doesn’t dive deep into production details, it’s clear Wilson embraced the show’s playful spirit. His narration style—equal parts bemused and admiring—helps sell the series’ blend of humor and genuine respect for its subjects.
Unfortunately, the evidence doesn’t reveal much about the show’s creators, directors, or filming challenges. Rumors about behind-the-scenes drama or production hiccups? Nonexistent in the available snippets. What we do know is that the series was designed to be bingeable, with each episode clocking in at around 30 minutes—perfect for a quick laugh or a dose of feel-good underdog energy .
Critical Reception: A Champion or a Flop?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaY_yKP4a5g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MapPt1R6_9A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPepherPrOY
Reviews for We Are the Champions are mixed but lean positive. Some critics praise its lighthearted approach, calling it a "guilty pleasure" that’s easy to enjoy , . Others argue the series occasionally veers into mockery, though Wilson’s narration keeps it from feeling cruel. One reviewer notes that the show’s biggest strength is its ability to make viewers care about even the most ridiculous competitions .
The series’ biggest drawback? Its short runtime. With only six episodes, some fans were left wanting more. Still, for a show that could’ve easily been a one-note joke, We Are the Champions manages to find heart in the weirdness.
The Verdict: A Quirky Win
We Are the Champions might not be Netflix’s most ambitious project, but it’s undeniably fun. Rainn Wilson’s narration elevates what could’ve been a forgettable novelty, and the competitions themselves are endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re here for the cheese rolling or the competitive baby racing, the series delivers a dose of joy—and that’s a win in anyone’s book.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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