AMC Releases 'Rise of the 49ers' Docuseries Ahead of Super Bowl LX

The four-part series chronicles the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty from 1981 to 1995, featuring new interviews with legends like Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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AMC is releasing a new four-part docuseries called 'The Rise of the 49ers' on Sunday, February 1st, ahead of Super Bowl LX. The series will look back at the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s, when they won five Super Bowl championships. The directors, Ryan Kelly and Nick Mascolo, discuss the process of making the series and working with narrator and executive producer Tom Brady, a lifelong 49ers fan.

Why it matters

The 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s is considered one of the greatest runs in NFL history, and this docuseries provides an in-depth look at that era through new interviews with the key players and coaches. As the 49ers prepare to potentially make another Super Bowl run, this series will give fans a deeper appreciation for the team's storied past.

The details

The four-part docuseries features interviews with 49ers legends such as Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Randy Cross, Ronnie Lott, and former team owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. It also includes commentary from longtime 49ers fan Tom Brady, who serves as the narrator and executive producer. The series focuses on the 49ers' head coach during their dynasty, Bill Walsh, and his career path from being an assistant with the Cincinnati Bengals to leading San Francisco to three Super Bowl titles.

  • The first two episodes of 'Rise of the 49ers' will air on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, February 1st at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
  • The final two episodes of the series will air on Monday, February 2nd at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The players

Ryan Kelly

One of the directors of 'The Rise of the 49ers' docuseries, who worked at NFL Films and is a huge football fan.

Nick Mascolo

One of the directors of 'The Rise of the 49ers' docuseries, who enjoyed the process of immersing themselves in the research and creating an entertaining and informative show about the 49ers' legendary run.

Tom Brady

The narrator and executive producer of 'The Rise of the 49ers' docuseries, who is a longtime 49ers fan growing up in San Mateo, California.

Bill Walsh

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1988, leading the team to three Super Bowl wins before resigning after the third title.

Joe Montana

A 49ers legend and Hall of Fame quarterback who was featured in new interviews for the docuseries.

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What they’re saying

“Working at NFL Films, you kind of have to be a football fan, but I'm a huge football fan, and I'm a huge fan of history. And the 49ers' history in the '80s and '90s during their dynasty is some of the best storytelling you can sink your teeth into from the perspective of a director or a producer.”

— Ryan Kelly, Director, 'The Rise of the 49ers' (on3.com)

“They were great. I mean, they were a team full of Hall of Famers, but beyond that, they were probably one of the most human teams, like just the interpersonal conflicts and the drama, but also the love that these players have for each other and still have to this day. It's a fantastic story.”

— Nick Mascolo, Director, 'The Rise of the 49ers' (on3.com)

“Tom is great. I mean, I think people are seeing it more and more on his FOX broadcasts every Sunday. His love for the game shines through, and it was great to be able to work with him and let him tell the story of the origin of that love. And I think that's going to surprise a lot of people because people are going to be like, 'Well, Tom Brady didn't play for the 49ers,' and you're going to learn that. He grew up in San Mateo, California, a few miles away from Candlestick Park, where the 49ers played.”

— Ryan Kelly, Director, 'The Rise of the 49ers' (on3.com)

What’s next

The first two episodes of 'Rise of the 49ers' will air on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, February 1st at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with the final two episodes airing the following night, Monday, February 2nd at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The takeaway

This docuseries provides a comprehensive look back at one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history, the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s and 1990s. By featuring new interviews with the key players and coaches, as well as insights from lifelong 49ers fan Tom Brady, the series offers a fresh perspective on this iconic team and their lasting impact on the sport.