Toujours Canadiens – Season 1 (2025)
The series offers an unprecedented look into the lives of three Montreal Canadiens legends—Stéphane Richer, Chris Nilan, and Claude Lemieux. Beyond the Stanley Cups and statistics, it explores their hidden personal battles with mental health, addiction, and the intense pressures faced by professional athletes, revealing the true cost of their dedication.
Length: 0h47m (3 episodes)
Genre: Documentary, Sports
This Title is: A raw and intimate look at hockey legends’ struggles.
Cast
Stéphane Richer (Self), Chris Nilan (Self), Claude Lemieux (Self), Patrice Brisebois (Self), Guy Carbonneau (Self)
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG – Mental Health Themes, Substance Abuse, Intense Sports Content
FAQ
- Is Toujours Canadiens – Season 1 (2025) Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is a factual documentary series covering the true life stories and careers of former Montreal Canadiens players.
- Where was Toujours Canadiens – Season 1 (2025) filmed?: Filmed primarily in Montreal, Quebec, and associated locations relevant to the former players’ post-hockey lives across Canada and the US.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: N/A
Filmmaker Profile
The series is helmed by director Kenny Bodanis, who crafts a raw, intimate look at the athletes’ personal struggles. His approach moves beyond simple sports statistics, bringing an emotional depth to the franchise’s legendary figures by focusing on human stories of sacrifice and resilience.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production is essential viewing for its deep commitment to revealing the authentic, often painful experiences of sports stardom. It offers an emotional and human perspective on Montreal hockey icons, trading glossy highlights for candid accounts of addiction and mental health battles. The series is expertly structured to celebrate their greatness while acknowledging their difficult journeys.
Main Character Deep Dive
Stéphane Richer’s journey is central, highlighting the crushing weight of expectation when he was heralded as the next Guy Lafleur. His performance is exceptional because he openly shares his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, offering a powerful, vulnerable contrast to his on-ice success. His honesty makes the central emotional conflict deeply memorable and impactful for viewers.
Unforgettable Quote
“There’s more to life than hockey.”
Trivia
- The docuseries premiered in September 2025, just after the start of the NHL season, generating significant buzz among fans.
- Each of the three episodes is dedicated entirely to one of the main subjects: Stéphane Richer, Chris Nilan, and Claude Lemieux.
- The series highlights that Stéphane Richer, a two-time 50-goal scorer, publicly fought depression and suicidal thoughts during his career.
Trailer
Stream Toujours Canadiens – Season 1 (2025) on:
Our Review
- Quality:
- Acting:
- Storyline:
- Visuals:
- Entertainment:
I found this docuseries to be an absolutely essential watch, offering a level of access and honesty rarely seen in sports programming. I was immediately drawn into the personal histories of these Montreal Canadiens greats. The direction is exceptionally tight, focusing on raw interviews that make the viewing experience feel incredibly intimate. Hearing Chris Nilan speak about addiction and Stéphane Richer discuss his mental health struggles provides a powerful layer of humanity that elevates the entire project. It’s a genuine testament to the spirit of sacrifice and dedication, showing that true greatness is often forged through immense personal pain. The way the series frames their lives—from Stanley Cup triumphs to quiet, difficult moments off the ice—is masterfully done. This production is a triumphant look at legacy, proving that these players are, truly, heroes.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you want a raw, emotional look at the personal sacrifices and mental health battles faced by legendary Montreal Canadiens hockey heroes, featuring remarkable candidness.
