Boo-Yah! ESPN’s Stuart Scott 30 for 30 is as Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow

ESPN Films has announced the release of Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, the latest installment in its Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 documentary series, presented by Modelo.

What's Happening:

• Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott offers a close look at the life and lasting impact of Stuart Scott, the SportsCenter anchor whose distinct language, sharp wit, and genuine personality revolutionized the narration of sports stories.
• The documentary was produced and directed by Andre Gaines, with executive production handled by ESPN Films, Run & Shoot Filmworks, and Cinemation Studios. It delves beyond Scott's career highlights to reveal the man who not only gave millions of fans, but also an entire generation of broadcasters, a voice and sense of representation.
• It features archival material that has never been seen before, including home videos shot by Scott himself. By documenting his own ascent to prominence, Scott helped create a raw and deeply personal picture of a figure who redefined what it meant to be both a cultural icon and a journalist.

• Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott traces Scott’s history, from working in local North Carolina television to becoming one of the most powerful voices at ESPN.
• Scott merged keen analysis, pop culture references, and unique confidence in a way that resonated with younger sports enthusiasts.
• The movie includes insights and personal stories from an impressive list of friends, colleagues, and fans, including Charles Barkley, Chris Berman, Vince Carter, Linda Cohn, Common, Michael Eric Dyson, Herm Edwards, Rich Eisen, Kevin Frazier, Mike Greenberg, Jay Harris, Ernie Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Shaquille O’Neal, Robin Roberts, Jeremy Schaap, John Skipper, Kenny Smith, and Michael Smith. Additionally, Scott's family—Jacqueline, Kimberly, Sydni, Synthia, Susan, Stephen, and Taelor Scott—share their intimate recollections of his humor, ambition, and compassion.
• Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott will premiere on December 10 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

What They're Saying:

• Andre Gaines, director: “Stuart Scott didn’t just change sports journalism — he changed culture. He made millions of people feel seen at a time when few voices like his were given the mic. What makes his story even more powerful is that Stuart was documenting his own life along the way — the father, the fighter, and the trailblazer who taught us all what authenticity looks like. His voice is woven through every frame, and we wanted to honor his legacy by letting him tell his story in his own words.”

The Legacy:

• Scott's influence was vast, reaching far outside the ESPN newsroom. He connected sports and culture, made SportsCenter essential viewing, and became a symbol of perseverance during his public struggle with cancer. This culminated in his memorable ESPYS address where he offered the powerful reminder, “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.”
• The film's premiere coincides with ESPN’s 19th Annual V Week for Cancer Research, an initiative that raises funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. It also marks the fifth anniversary of Boo-Yah on December 10, a series of fundraising events that support the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which sponsors vital research and aids underrepresented scientists committed to eliminating cancer disparities.
• ESPN also plans to release a merchandise line honoring both Jim Valvano and Stuart Scott at the Jimmy V Classic, with all royalties earned by ESPN from the sales being donated to the V Foundation.

Stuart Scott’s Enduring Catchphrases and Cultural Impact

• Stuart Scott was famous for integrating hip-hop vernacular and pop culture references into his sports commentary, a practice that initially met with some resistance but ultimately became a defining characteristic of his time on SportsCenter.
• This unique style not only made him relatable to a younger and more diverse audience but also permanently shifted the tone of sports broadcasting, paving the way for future anchors to express their own authentic personalities.
• Many of his original phrases became part of the sports lexicon and even entered mainstream culture.
• The documentary title itself references his iconic exclamation “Boo-yah!” which expressed excitement or success.
• Another classic was “As cool as the other side of the pillow,” used to describe a player performing a difficult task with effortless composure.
• His willingness to be himself on air made him a pioneer for Black broadcasters and a beloved figure who transcended sports.