Ilia Malinin teases emotional documentary - Here’s how to watch it

Ilia Malinin, the U.S. figure skating star whose dramatic Winter Olympics outcome has captured global attention, is giving fans a deeper look into his journey.

Malinin, 21, generated widespread support and conversation after publicly sharing his emotional reaction to his performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where he finished eighth in the individual men’s figure skating event despite entering as the frontrunner. In a heartfelt social-media post, he acknowledged the internal battles elite athletes face under extreme pressure and hinted at a documentary-style release that he says will show another “version of the story”, one that goes beyond the highlight reels.

When and where to watch Ilia Malinin‘s documentary

According to Malinin’s posts and coverage from Olympic media outlets, the new project is scheduled to coincide with the figure skating exhibition gala on February 21, 2026, the traditional closing event for the Olympic skating schedule.

While official distribution details have not yet been fully confirmed, early indicators point to coverage through outlets associated with the Olympics:

• Peacock - NBC’s streaming platform has carried figure skating throughout the Games, including Malinin’s competitive events. Peacock typically streams Olympic specials and athlete-centric features in addition to live competition.
• NBC networks - NBC and its affiliated channels are the primary U.S. broadcast partners for the Winter Olympics and often debut documentary segments or athlete profiles during medal rounds or exhibition events.
• Discovery+ (international markets) - In many regions, Discovery+ carries Olympic figure skating coverage, and retrospective pieces sometimes appear on its platform.

Because Malinin teased a “version of the story” tied to February 21, the date of the gala where he is expected to skate again, many fans believe the documentary will be released in close connection with that event, either as a broadcast-style segment during gala coverage or as a standalone feature on Peacock.

What to expect from Ilia Malinin‘s documentart

Malinin’s teaser video, which intercuts footage of his career highs with candid images from immediately after his Olympic free skate, suggests a narrative that goes beyond competition results. In his announcement, the figure skating star wrote about “invisible battles” and the psychological toll of high expectations.

U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin has captured the hearts of people all over the world, and he’s sharing an even deeper look into his story this Saturday.

Fans anticipate the documentary will explore Malinin’s career progression from prodigy to world champion, highlight his mental and emotional journey through the 2026 Olympic season, and offer personal insights into how elite athletes handle pressure and public scrutiny.

The project follows the Olympic figure skating timeline, where after competitive events are completed, elite skaters often participate in an exhibition gala that celebrates performance and artistry, a fitting context for a more reflective piece.

Malinin’s documentary debut comes at a moment when conversation around athlete mental health has never been more prominent. His openness about wrestling with pressure, and the subsequent support he’s received online, demonstrates how even the most accomplished athletes are human.

That honesty appears to be at the heart of the upcoming project, and the timing alongside the Olympic gala suggests it will serve both as a personal reflection and a tribute to resilience.

As more details emerge about where and how the special will be released, fans should keep an eye on Peacock’s Olympic programming schedule and NBC broadcasts surrounding the figure skating exhibition gala.

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