Welcome to Wrexham
WELCOME TO WREXHAM begins with a bold spark: two Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, step into the shoes of football club owners and acquire Wrexham AFC, one of the world’s oldest professional football clubs.
At the time of the 2021 takeover, the north Wales club played in the National League – the fifth tier of English football – and was teetering on the edge of extinction despite its historic roots.
The series captures the excitement, uncertainties, and genuine learning curve both on and off the pitch. Itwas born from a moment of inspiration during the Covid-19 lockdown: Rob McElhenney, moved by series like Chef’s Table, Last Chance U, and Cheer – all produced by Boardwalk Pictures – saw the potential for a similar narrative in football. He reached out to Boardwalk, who partnered with his company, Maximum Effort (co-founded by Ryan Reynolds), as well as 3 Arts Entertainment and FXP, to create the series.
Co-produced by Boardwalk Pictures, Maximum Effort, DN2 Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, and FXP, the series was commissioned by FX, with seasons premiering on FX in the US and streaming on Hulu and Disney+ worldwide. As FX Entertainment programming president Nick Grad put it: this isn’t just about football—it’s “about the relationship between a town and its team”.
Humphrey Ker – actor and executive director – played a key role in bringing the Hollywood duo into Welsh football. He built a shortlist that highlighted Wrexham’s passionate fan base and history. McElhenney later joked that he initially only had “TV money” and needed “superhero, movie‑star money” before investing.
Season 1 of Welcome to Wrexham (premiered August 2022) immerses viewers in the early days of the takeover. We witness Reynolds and McElhenney grappling with unfamiliar football culture, learning as they go, while rallying investment and support to resurrect the club and its community.
Despite a spirited season culminating in reaching the FA Trophy Final at Wembley and a near-successful play-off run, promotion to League Two narrowly eludes them. It’s a powerful underdog tale rooted in heart, connection, and the undeniable pull of Wrexham’s heritage.
Season 2 brings redemption. The club rallies with increased momentum, a growing fan base, and intensified promotional hopes. The narrative deftly weaves the men’s team’s resurgence, the poignant stories of fans and staff, and the rise of the Wrexham Women’s team as they gain promotion in Wales. Key episodes – like “The Quiet Zone,” “Nott Yet,” and “Hand of Foz” – demonstrate the high stakes, emotional investment, and raw tension in every match and decision. Ultimately, Wrexham clinches the National League title in dramatic style, signaling a triumphant return to the English Football League after 15 years.
Season 3 takes place in EFL League Two, and escalates expectations yet again. Despite rocky moments early on, resilience pays off: a five-game winning streak cements automatic promotion to League One – significant progress for the club and for the narrative’s momentum. Alongside the football drama, the series enriches its storytelling with themes of community pride, long-time supporters, infrastructure development, and the growing cultural identity of Wrexham.
Season 4, released in May 2025, sets the stage for the club’s most daring challenge yet: securing a third promotion in three years to reach the Championship. The show captures the emotional and financial dilemmas facing the owners – whether to consolidate or gamble on continued ascent. The appointment of Michael Williamson (a former Inter Milan executive) as CEO reflects the club’s balancing act between business savvy and local authenticity. Pre=season tours in North America, continued spotlight on both men’s and women’s teams, and subtle tensions over cultural change and community inclusion enrich the narrative. In a historic feat, Wrexham achieves that third promotion, setting a record in the English game.
Across its seasons, Welcome to Wrexham isn’t just football documentary – it’s a saga of place, belonging, and unexpected transformation. The show educates viewers about the sport in clear, engaging terms, introduces Welsh culture sensitively, and builds deep emotional connections through tales of struggle, hope, and triumph. It’s as much about Wrexham town, its people, and their red thread of community pride as it is about goals scored or promotions earned.
Welcome to Wrexham Episode Guide – Season by Season
Season 1 (2022)
Captures the takeover from conception to emotional highs and lows.
- Episode 1: McElhenney, nudged by Humphrey Ker, decides to buy Wrexham, inviting Reynolds on board. The takeover is approved by fans with over 90% support.
- Episode 2: They hire Shaun Harvey as advisor and Ker as executive director. Fan skepticism rises while players worry about changes. The team faces a make-or-break match against Dagenham & Redbridge.
- Middle episodes: Highlight pitch problems, bureaucratic hurdles in regaining stadium control, blockbuster sponsorships (TikTok, Expedia), and a touching goal – Mullin plays for family, not money.
- A standout episode: John Green breaks down Welsh identity; Maxine Hughes teaches Reynolds and McElhenney Welsh cakes; stars do sketches like their own SportsCenter and late-night show.
- Late season: Their first live match in Wrexham, fan encounters, an FA Trophy semi-final heartbreak, and Reynolds’ emotional realization that this is no longer a “philanthropic project” – it’s personal.
- Notable highlight: McElhenney and Reynolds explore male friendship (“bromance”) through a cultural lens, aided by author Liz Plank.
Season 2 (2023)
Focuses on redemption, promotion, and broader community stories.
- The club recruits new players (Elliot Lee, Mark Howard), yet worries about financial sustainability. A royal visit by King Charles III brings fanfare—and a failed renovation bid.
- The story broadens: Millie, a young autistic fan, finds confidence through football; Mullin’s controversial boot Instagram post sparks PR chaos.
- Voices like Susan Lucci and immigrant player Jacob Mendy share resilience stories; the women’s team, led by Rosie Hughes and Lili Jones, pushes for promotion, touching on personal grief and legacy.
- Emotional depth – McElhenney visits a mining memorial tied to local tragedy, reconnecting club and community heritage.
- A record-breaking women’s match at the Racecourse draws nearly 9,511 fans, with stories of anxiety, artistry, and mental health interwoven.
Season 3 (2024)
Covers Wrexham’s push through League Two toward League One, with global reach and heartfelt glimpses of fans everywhere.
- Notable scenes: A crushing Leipzig defeat, Arthur Okonkwo joining on loan, deep dives into fan communities like Welsh Patagonia, and the steady rise of the women’s semi-pro team.
Season 4 (2025)
A high-stakes season as Wrexham chases a third consecutive promotion.
- The new CEO Michael Williamson replaces a departing finance chief; pre-season tours in the US involve both triumphs (men’s team) and tough losses (women’s team).
- Reynolds and McElhenney debate whether to go for promotion or play safe -ultimately they gamble.
- Transfer window brings new signings and tough squad decisions; emotional arcs include Mullin supporting a young fan with cancer.
- The story continues…