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As Oakland processes the shock of Thursday’s shooting at Laney College, many are looking for ways to honor legendary football coach John Beam, who was killed.
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Or, you may want to better understand why, after the shooting, Mayor Barbara Lee called Beam “a giant in Oakland” and “a lifeline for thousands of young people.”
Watching Beam’s story unfold in Netflix’s “Last Chance U” is a meaningful way to channel that grief while understanding why he means so much to Oakland.
The show’s fifth and final season, which premiered in July 2020, follows Coach Beam and the Laney Eagles through their 2019 championship defense. Over eight episodes, it captures the heart of what makes Beam legendary: not just his wins, but his dedication to young people who needed far more support and investment than they’d gotten.
You can stream “Last Chance U” on Netflix.
“Our job is to believe in them so they can believe in themselves,” Beam says in the series. Last Chance U lays out how that philosophy has defined his 40-year career coaching Oakland football, sending over 100 players to Division I programs and shaping countless more lives off the field.
Last Chance U also showcases our city’s resilience, the community surrounding Laney College, and the relationships Beam has built across generations.
For those struggling with this week’s violence, the documentary offers both comfort and context. It shows Coach Beam mentoring, teaching, and transforming lives through football and beyond. It shows the best of Oakland in action.
Stream “Last Chance U” on Netflix now.
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