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2d ago

HBO Debuts ‘The Shuffle,’ an NFL Films Look at the 1985 Bears’ ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’

The 40-minute film launches a new HBO–NFL Films collaboration.

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Mayor Harold Washington, second from left, does his version of the "Super Bowl Shuffle" at City Hall on Dec. 16, 1985, with Richard Dent, left, Otis Wilson and Willie Gault, right, of the Bears. The players appeared with the mayor to announce that a portion of proceeds from the players' new record will be donated to the Sharing-It program. (José More/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • The Shuffle premiered Nov. 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and is streaming on HBO Max.
  • Directed by Jeff Cameron, the documentary features new interviews with Mike Singletary, Willie Gault, Jim McMahon, and Gary Fencik alongside rare behind-the-scenes footage.
  • The film reconstructs the 1985 production: vocals were recorded Nov. 21, the Park West video shoot followed the Dec. 2 loss to Miami, and Walter Payton and McMahon were later composited in after separate shoots at Halas Hall.
  • It details the single’s pop triumph, including a No. 41 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, RIAA gold certification, a Grammy nomination, and a video that ranks among the best-selling music videos.
  • The documentary revisits charity claims tied to proceeds, subsequent scrutiny and lawsuits over revenue transparency, and players’ recollections of the project as a bonding reset during the title run.