(Credits: Netflix)

Ever since Netflix first began producing original content, documentaries have always been one of the streaming service’s most reliable performers, with subscribers constantly engrossed in true-life stories of triumph and tragedy.

The latest addition to the platform’s ever-expanding roster of documentaries has struck that sweet spot between audience viewership and critical acclaim, with Simone Biles: Rising becoming one of the most-watched episodic originals on Netflix while also basking in the warm glow of universal adulation.

One of the defining sportspeople of her generation, Simone Biles has become an icon and inspiration to millions. With a combined haul of 37 medals from the Olympic Games and World Championships, she’s the single most heavily-decorated gymnast in history who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, and she’s still only 27 years old.

Calling it a documentary-series might be a stretch considering it only runs for two episodes that come in at 55 and 49 minutes respectively, but neither is it a fluff piece celebrating her accomplishments and nothing else. Instead, it picks up after Biles’ underwhelming showing at the 2020 Olympics, where she ultimately withdrew on mental health grounds.

Following Biles from one of the lowest points of her career as she builds herself back up, it’s a comeback story first and foremost that spotlights how and why setbacks and issues can affect even the all-time greats of their chosen profession.

Inevitably, there were questions asked if Biles would ever return to former glories, which she’s set about answering in typical fashion. One of the most powerful statements came when she landed a Yurchenko double pike vault at the international World Gymnastic Championships, a feat that had never been accomplished before.

With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100 per cent, it’s clear the critics have been sufficiently won over by Simone Biles: Rising. However, the audience score is markedly lower at just 43%, hinting there’s a serious disconnect on the part of Netflix’s customer base.

With the Olympics starting on July 26th and carrying through to August 11th, it would be reasonable to assume Biles’ documentary will continue flying high until then. More specifically, the gymnastics unfold between July 27th and August 1st, and with the legendary gymnast ready to compete and round off her comeback in suitably spectacular style, it’s almost certain to be a huge hit on the streamer for at least the next week if not even longer.