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Season 1 – The Dark Wizard

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for Season 1 – The Dark Wizard Apr 2026 Documentary Action Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Tracing the jaw-dropping feats that made Dean Potter a legend, as well as the personal turmoil that defined his life.

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The Dark Wizard — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Benji Wilson Daily Telegraph (UK) Apr 15
3/5
Death-defying feats make great footage, but it’s almost always the same story, which is that death can only be defied for so long. Go to Full Review Johnny Loftus Decider Apr 24
The Dark Wizard profiles an interesting, somewhat mysterious character in rock climber and thrill-seeker Dean Potter. Go to Full Review Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media Apr 21
4/5
The Dark Wizard immediately moves away from Potter's idealized image in the climbing world, presenting him instead as a gifted but troubled man who used extreme high-altitude sports to find joy and escape his psychological pain. Go to Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex Apr 18
10/10
From beginning to end, The Dark Wizard is captivating. It tells a human story, one that is fraught with danger and depression. Go to Full Review Sam Haysom Mashable Apr 16
Yes, there's breath-taking footage of the many awe-inspiring acts that made Potter famous. But rather than purely mythologising him, the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to give insight into his personal struggles and motivations. Go to Full Review Peter Martin ScreenAnarchy Apr 13
4/5
By diving very deeply into the personality of one individual, The Dark Wizard also comments on the personality traits that may have contributed to incredible feats that no one had ever done before. ... Spectacular climbing enlightenment and entertainment. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Fyrst S @Fyrst 19h Having featured Sender Films' "The Alpinist" at our festival, I knew Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen would deliver something profound, but "The Dark Wizard" is a masterclass in documentary storytelling. This series does not just chronicle Dean Potter’s gravity-defying feats. It dives deep into the journals and inner turmoil of a man who viewed the mountains as his canvas. The Boulder-based team has crafted an unflinching, intimate portrait that avoids simple glorification, opting instead for a raw look at the cost of obsession. It is a haunting and beautiful tribute to a complex soul. See more Lars N @movie_douche 1d This was absolutely amazing and strenuous work to sit through. First time in years that something I saw right before going to bed had an effect on my sleep. It's just so intense. You marvel and shake your head in exasperation at the same time throughout the whole ting. See more Sheri C. @RT35407310 2d This was so so intense I had to fast forward one part of it because I couldn't stand to watch. This guy had a dark place that was not healthy but accomplished some amazing feats. See more Thomas F @Tferrarone 2d One of the best docuseries I have ever seen. The final shot has stuck with me long after the credits finished rolling. See more merance A @MoonMare 2d I couldn't look away! I put this on without any serious commitment to see whole thing, and I could not stop watching it. Really well done. Even though I knew how it turned out, I still was on the edge of my seat for every death defying feat Dean did. A remarkable story about a remarkable and complicated man and an unforgettable behind the scenes look at extreme sports and the people that participate in them. See more Robert C @Cratchit 6d As usual, toooooooo long and drawn out. See more Read all reviews
The Dark Wizard — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Dean Potter

Self

Jay Epstein

Self

Jen Rapp

Actor

Alex Honnold

Self

Brad Lynch

Actor

Dean Fidelman

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 14, 2026 The Death Consequence Dean Potter finds joy and escape through his early success at extreme climbing, where he connects with a community of like-minded people seeking the sport's freedom and adrenaline; Dean's restless energy compels him to pioneer new ascents and forge new world records, even while at times falling afoul of the establishment and struggling with personal relationships. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 21, 2026 Dying to Flying Dean struggles with his inner demons but seems to find relief through death-defying feats from free-soloing, to highlining, to BASE jumping, cultivating a devoted following drawn to his rebellious antihero image; but soon, a new climber named Alex Honnold emerges and threatens to eclipse Dean's dominance. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 28, 2026 This is Art, This is Spirituality The rivalry between Dean and Alex Honnold intensifies as both climbers vie to be the first to free solo a route on the 3000-foot El Capitan; as Dean's mental state deteriorates, he alienates his inner circle and accepts a dangerous career opportunity in China. Details Episode 4 Aired May 5, 2026 Transcending Human Limitations With a new relationship grounding him, Dean regains emotional stability and his long-held dream of flight comes to fruition when he immerses himself in the cutting-edge world of wingsuit flying. Details
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The Dark Wizard — Season 1

The Dark Wizard: Documentary Series Trailer The Dark Wizard: Documentary Series Trailer 2:25 View more videos
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The Dark Wizard — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Peter Mortimer
Network
HBO
Genre
Documentary, Action, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 14, 2026