New Mockumentary Series Revisits Ben Johnson’s Olympic Scandal
Canada Wire | 27 March 2026
The creators behind the hit Canadian series Letterkenny and Shoresy are turning their attention to one of the most infamous moments in the nation’s sporting history. A new mockumentary limited series, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story, is set to explore the dramatic rise and fall of the disgraced Canadian sprinter.
The series, which has generated significant buzz, was announced on 26 March 2026. It is described as a satirical take that follows “the journey of one of the most scandalous athletes in sports history.” Actor Shamier Anderson (Invasion, Goliath) is attached to the project, both starring and serving as an executive producer.
“Ben Johnson doesn’t mind being made fun of,” Anderson told Toronto Life in a recent interview, highlighting the comedic approach of the series. The project also features talent from Nova Scotia, with a local actor-director playing a key creative role, according to a report from Halifax CityNews on 27 March 2026.
The Man Behind the Headlines
The series delves into the complex story of Benjamin Sinclair Johnson, CM OOnt (born 30 December 1961). A Jamaican native, Johnson immigrated to Canada at age 14 and rose to become the world’s fastest man.
His athletic peak came at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where he won the 100-meter sprint in a world record time of 9.79 seconds. The victory was short-lived. Days later, Johnson tested positive for steroid use, was stripped of his gold medal and world record, and became the centre of a global doping scandal that forever changed sports.
Prior to Seoul, Johnson was a decorated Olympian for Canada, winning two bronze medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games in the 100m and the 4x100m relay.
Legacy and Reclamation
For decades, Johnson’s story has been a cautionary tale about cheating in sport. This new series aims to reframe the narrative. As noted in promotional material, it seeks to explore themes of “identity, erasure, and Black Canadian resilience,” with Anderson stating the project is about “reclaiming Ben Johnson’s story.”
The series enters production as interest in Johnson’s legacy continues. A 2024 book, World’s Fastest Man*: The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson by Mary Ormsby, also argued for a re-examination of his case, suggesting he should have kept his Seoul medal.
Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story does not yet have a confirmed release date. A trailer for the series is currently available online.