Two of the most iconic names in sports-LeBron James and Naomi Osaka-are teaming up for a project that shifts the spotlight from athletic greatness to personal depth.
Their new unscripted series, Off Day, promises a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of elite athletes beyond the court and field.
Rather than showcasing game highlights or championship glory, Off Day focuses on what happens when the pressure is off-how athletes recharge, reconnect with their roots, and experience the cities they call home. Produced through a collaboration between Osaka‘s Hana Kuma, LeBron‘s Uninterrupted, and UltraBoom Media (best known for Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown), the series aims to humanize athletes through culture-rich storytelling and candid moments.
A Deeper Look Beyond the Spotlight
The premiere episode follows Osaka in Tokyo, where she reflects on her journey, revisits favorite local restaurants, and shares moments with close friends. It’s an exploration of who she is off the tennis court, designed to showcase the emotional and cultural layers of her identity.
“This show is important to me because it reveals the human being behind the athlete,” Osaka explained.
“We created Hana Kuma to share stories that go beyond what fans see during the game-and Off Day does exactly that.”
Future episodes will travel the world with other top athletes. Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will offer a tour of his city; Houston Rockets center Alperen engün will provide insight into his life in Istanbul; and Aryna Sabalenka, currently the No. 1 women’s tennis player, will share what New York means to her.
Each episode, released biweekly on Uninterrupted’s YouTube channel, is meant to feel like a travelogue with soul-rich with local flavor and emotional authenticity.
But Off Day is more than just a video series. It’s the foundation of a larger media movement.
Spin-offs are already in development. Titles like Off Mic, Off Stage, Off Script, and Off Menu will highlight the quieter sides of comedians, musicians, actors, and chefs respectively-each focused on personal moments away from the public eye.
According to Elyse Kellogg, VP at Uninterrupted, the goal is simple.
“We want to create space for real, creative storytelling through the lens of athletes and artists as people-not just performers.”
In a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to authenticity, Off Day hits a cultural sweet spot. It strips away the glitz and offers a more grounded view of the people we idolize-not just as professionals, but as humans navigating daily life.
As both James and Osaka continue to lead in their sports and media ventures, this project reminds us that greatness isn’t only about what happens during the game-it’s also about who these athletes are when the world isn’t watching.
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