Watch The Golden Boy

The Golden Boy is a new drama series that premiered on HBO in 2022. Set in present-day Los Angeles, the show follows Julian Walsh, a young boxer on the rise known as "The Golden Boy" for his undefeated record and charismatic personality. Though Julian seems to have it all - talent, fame, wealth - his life outside the ring is far more complicated.

Julian was born and raised in South Central LA by his mother Gloria, a struggling single mom. Boxing became Julian's ticket out of poverty and he soon attracts the attention of trainer Hector Campos, a former boxer himself looking for redemption in the sport. Under Hector's guidance, Julian's career takes off and it seems he is destined for boxing greatness. However, Julian struggles to stay grounded as the money and acclaim build.

A key relationship in Julian's life is with his best friend and manager Danny Rivera. Danny grew up with Julian and has always looked out for him. But as Julian's star rises, cracks begin to form in their brotherly bond. Danny worries about Julian getting too caught up in the lifestyle and not keeping his eye on the prize inside the ring. This tension simmers as Danny tries to keep Julian's reckless behavior in check while Julian chafes at Danny's attempts to manage his life.

Romantic entanglements also complicate Julian's path. He has an on-again, off-again relationship with Marissa, his beauty queen girlfriend dealing with her own ambitions and insecurities. Julian also feels drawn to Izzy, a fiery activist and student he meets who could care less about his fame and helps keep him grounded. As Julian struggles to balance these two women along with his demanding career, he realizes just how difficult it is to have it all.

In the ring itself, Julian must contend with a host of rivals gunning to dethrone him. Chief among them is Andre Pope, a young boxing phenom whose own meteoric rise collides with Julian's. Andre issues a challenge to Julian, as the boxing world buzzes with anticipation for their inevitable showdown. All the while, Julian's trainer Hector deals with demons of his own as he sees shadows of his failed dreams in his young protégé.

The Golden Boy paints a layered portrait of an ambitious young athlete navigating sports stardom. With nuanced characters, family drama, romance and riveting boxing sequences, the show reveals the grit behind the glamorous facade. While boxing fans are drawn into Julian's fights, the show transcends the sport to tell a universally resonant story of one talented but troubled young man shouldering the weight of others' expectations. With its blend of athletic feats and human foibles, The Golden Boy ultimately explores the cost of greatness.

The Golden Boy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between July 24, 2023 and on HBO