In sports, dynasties are rare — forged through years of resilience, innovation and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
ESPN’s latest Original Series, The Kingdom, premiering tonight on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+, offers an unprecedented look at the Kansas City Chiefs’ modern-day dominance and the decades of history that shaped it.
Produced by Words + Pictures in association with Skydance Sports, NFL Films, 2PM Productions, and Foolish Club Studios, the series blends the Chiefs’ extraordinary 2024 season — a bid for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title — with the franchise’s rich, 65-year legacy.
Viewers will see not only the pivotal plays and defining moments, but also the people, relationships, and traditions that make the Chiefs a singular organization in the NFL landscape.
Front Row recently spoke with director Kristen Lappas about revealing the human side of one of sports’ most captivating teams.
What made the Chiefs the right subject for this series?
Any time you have the opportunity to embed with a team as they try to make history, you jump at it. But what made the Chiefs especially compelling was that there was this relevant present-day narrative, but also the fascinating origin story of the franchise and its founder Lamar Hunt, who, in large part, is responsible for the modern-day NFL. That blending of past and present along with the interweaving of deeper personal stories of key characters was something that really excited our entire filmmaking team.
What was the most surprising moment you witnessed during filming?
[Chiefs defensive lineman] Chris Jones’ post-game locker room speech after losing to the Eagles in the Super Bowl still gives me chills. Coach [Andy] Reid, who has been notoriously guarded about his personal life, showing vulnerability and getting emotional during his final sit-down interview is a moment I’ll never forget. It was a privilege to get to tell his personal story, and I think it really gives you an understanding of how he got here and who he is.
Which parts of the series do you think will surprise even die-hard Chiefs fans?
We filmed a scene with [quarterback] Patrick Mahomes, [tight end] Travis Kelce, Jones and coach Reid 150 feet beneath Kansas City in a series of caves. The history of the Kansas City Chiefs is stored in this underground world, and no player or coach had ever been brought there. Being able to capture the guys’ genuine reactions of wonder and discovery on this field trip was very memorable. They were like little kids down there.
(L-R) Chiefs coach Andy Reid and players Chris Jones, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes explore underground Kansas City. (Sydney Schneider-Subtropolis/ESPN)
Chiefs coach Andy Reid answers questions in Arrowhead Stadium. (Heather S. Smith_Chargers/ESPN)
The production team interviews Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. (Sydney Schneider _SRS/ESPN)
