The Raw Story Is Now The Number One Documentary In The US
In a remarkable leap, The Raw Story, the new documentary chronicling the rise of six-time Olympia champion Chris Bumstead and his team, has climbed to the #1 spot in the documentary charts on digital. After earlier launching to a #1 debut in the sports documentary category on Apple TV, The Raw Story now sits atop the entire documentary genre on digital charts, signaling a new high point in the crossover appeal of bodybuilding.
This success isn’t just a win for The Raw Story’s stars—Bumstead, his coach Matt Jansen, and entrepreneur Dom Iacovone—but for the entire sport of bodybuilding. In a field historically dominated by mainstream sports narratives, bodybuilding is now reaching a broader audience than ever. The Raw Story is not only proof of the sport’s universal appeal but also a testament to the values of dedication, resilience, and ambition that drive it.
You can be a part of the excitement by watching The Raw Story on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. Buy or rent your digital copy today right here.
Bodybuilding’s Breakout Moment in Documentary Film
While bodybuilding documentaries have long enjoyed niche popularity, The Raw Story has transcended expectations to become a mainstream hit. This achievement reflects both the popularity of Chris Bumstead—widely considered one of the most influential modern bodybuilders—and the allure of an industry known for extreme discipline and dedication. The Raw Story dives deep into the world of bodybuilding, taking fans and newcomers alike on a journey through Bumstead’s relentless pursuit of excellence, from his early days to his reign as a multi-time Olympia champion.
By climbing the charts in all documentary categories, The Raw Story has established itself as a genre-defining work, not just in bodybuilding but across documentary film. Directed by Vlad Yudin and produced by Edwin Mejia Jr. in collaboration with Bumstead, Jansen, and Iacovone, the film delves into what it truly means to succeed at the highest level—not only on stage but also in business and life.
For Bumstead, who has often been compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger for his mainstream appeal, The Raw Story is a personal milestone. The film captures his journey in a way no other documentary has before, combining emotional depth with a raw look at his intense training routines, mental battles, and the personal support that has helped him rise to fame.
The Rise of RAW: More than Just a Bodybuilding Brand
The documentary’s story extends far beyond Bumstead’s individual journey. The Raw Story also follows Matt Jansen and Dom Iacovone as they work alongside Bumstead to build their brand, RAW Nutrition. Together, these three have constructed an empire that has disrupted the fitness industry with premium supplements and innovative marketing.
As executive producer Edwin Mejia Jr. noted, “The Raw Story isn’t just about bodybuilding—it’s a universal story of perseverance and brotherhood. Chris, Matt, and Dom’s journey is inspiring people far beyond the bodybuilding community.”
This wider appeal is evident not only in the film’s all-category #1 ranking but also in the unprecedented success of RAW Nutrition. With partnerships like the recent deal with Orange Theory, which distributes RAW’s Relive products across gyms nationwide, Bumstead and his team are transforming what it means to be athlete-entrepreneurs in the modern era. The Raw Story captures the strategic thinking, long hours, and unwavering commitment behind this venture, showing that success in bodybuilding today is as much about brand-building and business as it is about physical achievement.
Broadening the Reach: Bodybuilding’s Expanding Influence
The Raw Story’s record-breaking debut has drawn attention from audiences outside of the usual bodybuilding fan base. This expansion speaks to a shift in how viewers perceive bodybuilding. Once confined to hardcore fans and gym-goers, the sport is now seen as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life.
The documentary’s appeal lies in its relatability. While the subject matter is bodybuilding, the themes are universal. The Raw Story explores the values of dedication, resilience, and camaraderie that resonate with anyone chasing their dreams. This connection to broader audiences is partly why The Raw Story rose beyond the sports documentary category to dominate the overall documentary charts.
Bumstead, known for his genuine connection with fans, has championed this message throughout his career. His social media presence, combined with the raw honesty in the documentary, has allowed viewers to connect with him on a personal level, making The Raw Story a source of both motivation and entertainment.
A Documentary with an All-Star Cast
In addition to Bumstead, Jansen, and Iacovone, The Raw Story features appearances from some of bodybuilding’s most respected figures. Athletes such as Nick Walker, Men’s 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida, Urs Kalecinski, and coach Hany Rambod share their insights, adding layers to the film that deepen viewers’ understanding of the sport’s unique culture. These appearances provide a well-rounded view of the sport, highlighting not only the competition but the mutual respect and camaraderie that define bodybuilding at its highest levels.
By including these elite athletes, The Raw Story offers audiences an authentic view of what it takes to compete on the Olympia stage and beyond. This focus on the broader bodybuilding community has helped expand the film’s reach, showcasing a dynamic and supportive network that extends beyond individual pursuits to foster collective growth and shared ambition.
The Raw Story: Setting a New Standard for Bodybuilding Content
The digital success of The Raw Story is a testament to both Generation Iron’s commitment to high-quality bodybuilding content and the sport’s growing cultural relevance. As the film continues to top documentary charts, it sets a new benchmark for bodybuilding media, demonstrating that the stories of dedication, friendship, and personal growth in this field resonate far beyond the sport’s traditional audience.
For Generation Iron, this #1 ranking solidifies their position as a leader in creating impactful and inspiring bodybuilding content. With the popularity of The Raw Story, Generation Iron has not only introduced new fans to the sport but also pushed the boundaries of what bodybuilding media can achieve in mainstream culture.
A Win for Bodybuilding’s Global Legacy
With its all-category #1 ranking, The Raw Story has broken down barriers for bodybuilding in a way that few expected. What began as a film for bodybuilding enthusiasts has become a powerful narrative that appeals to anyone with a passion for personal excellence. The documentary encapsulates the journey of three individuals who are not only athletes but entrepreneurs, visionaries, and role models for millions of fans worldwide.
Now available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play, The Raw Story is setting the stage for a new era of bodybuilding content that captures the sport’s essence and reaches audiences everywhere. By topping the charts in every documentary category, The Raw Story has shown that bodybuilding’s legacy is only growing stronger, inspiring a new generation of fans and athletes alike.
