The Eubanks: Father & Son Documentary

Get ready for an unfiltered look into the lives of Chris Eubank Sr. and Jr. as a new BBC documentary dives deep into their complex, emotional journey, both inside and outside the ring.

TL;DR

"The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son" offers an intimate portrait of Chris Eubank Sr. and Jr.'s fractured yet resilient relationship.
The documentary explores their intertwined boxing careers, a significant estrangement, and the profound impact of family grief.
Premiering on BBC Three and BBC One from November 11, 2025, it's also available for free streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

When a Four-Year Feud Only Gets Interrupted by "Gogglebox Time"

"The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son" Documentary Unpacks a Boxing Dynasty's Raw Truth image 3

Imagine going four years without really speaking to your dad, only to reconnect briefly while watching Titanic on a celebrity reality show, debating baldness and Smarties. That's the extraordinary, almost surreal, starting point for the new documentary The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son.

Directed by Hassan Ghazi, this one-hour special dives headfirst into the famously complicated bond between boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr. and his son, Chris Eubank Jr. The film, commissioned for BBC Three and iPlayer by Nasfim Haque, peels back the layers on a relationship lived largely in the public eye, revealing moments of raw intimacy, pain, and eventual reconciliation. Source: [The Times, "The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son review — a knockout family portrait", November 11, 2025].

Exploring the Deep Cracks in a Boxing Legacy

The documentary uses a rich archive of footage, tracing Chris Eubank Jr.'s journey from a childhood shaped by his father's towering presence to his own rise as a professional boxer. It doesn't shy away from the tough stuff, showing Junior as a young lad begging his dad to let him box, and moments of playfighting where he pleaded not to be hit.

Eubank Sr. himself admitted to being a "fierce" father, revealing he "brought him up with the cane, I brought him up with the belt" and even grounded Junior for yawning. Junior, for his part, candidly notes the difference of being "smacked when your dad is a world champion fighter." Source: [The Times, "The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son review — a knockout family portrait", November 11, 2025]. This stark honesty sets the tone for the entire film.

"I brought him up with the cane, I brought him up with the belt."

— Chris Eubank Sr. on his parenting style

The Ring, Rivalry, and the Shadow of Loss

A central hook for the film is Chris Eubank Jr.'s headline-making fight against Conor Benn, son of Nigel Benn, who was Chris Sr.'s famous rival from an epic 1990 clash. Eubank Sr. initially didn't want his son to take the fight. Was it pure paternal concern, or a touch of bruised ego?

The documentary explores both possibilities. Eubank Sr. recounted the terrible injury he inflicted on Michael Watson in 1991, expressing a deep-seated fear of the sport's dangers. This fear was tragically amplified by the loss of Junior's brother, Sebastian, who died from a heart attack in 2021 at just 29. The idea of losing "another son" clearly weighs heavily on him. However, the film also subtly hints at Sr.'s "ego and prickled pride," leaving viewers to ponder the complexity of his motives.

In one of the documentary’s most understated yet powerful moments, Junior tells his dad, "You were never a background guy." This line perfectly encapsulates the challenge of forging your own identity under such a legendary shadow. Source: [The Times, "The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son review — a knockout family portrait", November 11, 2025].

Reconciliation and the Deeper Meaning of Manhood

The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son isn't just about boxing; it’s a universal story of resilience, reconciliation, and what it truly means to be a man today. The film offers a poignant moment of father and son coming back together after years apart, revealing how Junior even stepped into a father figure role for his late brother’s son.

This candid exploration of modern masculinity, living with grief, and rebuilding strained relationships makes for a "fascinating programme about human complexity and the difficulty some men have in communicating, as well as the unbreakable power of love and the human spirit." Source: [The Times, "The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son review — a knockout family portrait", November 11, 2025].

A Thoughtful Look at Limited Perspectives

While the documentary is lauded for its raw intimacy, a reviewer did point out that it's largely a "male story with barely any female voices." This observation, though brief, offers a valuable counterpoint, reminding us that even the most intimate portraits can highlight the perspectives that are prioritized. Another limitation is that the film "never definitively answered its many questions," leaving some ambiguity, which for many viewers, adds to its power rather than detracting from it.

Example: Finding Your Own Story in Their Struggle

Imagine sitting down with your own father, trying to navigate years of unspoken tension or a shared, challenging family legacy. Perhaps you’re both passionate about the same field, and the struggle for individual recognition has created friction. This documentary resonates because it speaks to these universal themes. It’s not just about famous boxers; it's about two men trying to understand each other, heal old wounds, and honor their shared, complicated history. Many viewers might find themselves reflecting on their own familial bonds and the unspoken truths that shape them.

Catching "The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son"

Ready to witness this knockout family portrait for yourself? Here’s when and where you can watch:

On BBC iPlayer: Available from 6:00 AM GMT on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
On BBC Three: Broadcast at 9:00 PM GMT on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
On BBC One: Broadcast at 10:40 PM GMT on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The documentary is a one-hour special produced by Workerbee, a Banijay UK company, and features Ben Mitchell and Rick Murray as Executive Producers, with Benjamin Hirsch as the Editor. Source: [UpNext, "The Eubanks: Like Father Like Son (2025)", November 11, 2025].

Watching From Anywhere in the World

If you're in the UK, you can stream The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son for free on BBC iPlayer, provided you have a valid UK TV licence. Just sign in or create a free BBC account with a UK postcode (like SW1A 1AA if you need an example).

For those outside the UK, you can still catch the documentary. Simply use a trusted VPN service (like NordVPN, which is often recommended) and connect to a UK-based server. This bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing you to access BBC iPlayer safely and stream the film in HD quality, just like UK audiences. Remember to always ensure you comply with BBC iPlayer's terms of service, which require a valid UK TV licence for viewing content.

Downloading for Offline Viewing Options

Yes, you absolutely can download The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son for offline viewing! The BBC iPlayer app supports downloading shows to compatible devices, meaning you can watch the documentary without an active internet connection once it’s saved to your device. Perfect for catching up on the go!

FAQs: Your Quick Questions Answered Do I need a BBC account to watch The Eubanks: Like Father Like Son? Yes, you'll need a free BBC account to access BBC iPlayer. Registration is straightforward, requiring an email, password, and a valid UK postal code. How long is The Eubanks: Like Father Like Son? It's a one-hour special documentary, packing a lot of emotional punch into its runtime. Is there any behind-the-scenes access in The Eubanks: Like Father Like Son? Absolutely! The documentary includes previously unseen footage and intimate interviews that delve deep beyond the boxing ring into their personal lives. Practical Takeaways from This Emotional Journey

Beyond the Boxing: This film offers a rare look at the human complexity behind famous figures, showing that even champions grapple with universal family issues.
Grief's Lasting Impact: It powerfully illustrates how personal loss, like the death of Sebastian, can reshape family dynamics and bring unexpected reconciliation.
The Power of Vulnerability: Witnessing Chris Sr. and Jr. open up about their difficult past and strive for understanding is a testament to the strength found in emotional honesty.
Understanding Modern Masculinity: The documentary provides a compelling narrative on what it means for men to navigate complex emotions, public pressure, and family expectations in today's world.