Former football star Michael Owen is stepping into the spotlight with a new Amazon Prime documentary series, Meet the Owens, aiming to shed his long-held reputation as one of sport’s “most boring men.” The 46-year-old former England, Liverpool, and Real Madrid forward is showcasing a more fun-loving and humorous side of his personality, a stark contrast to his clean-cut image during his playing career. The series, which premiered on August 28, offers an intimate look at Owen’s life post-retirement, blending family dynamics with his passion for horse racing.
A New Persona: Beyond the Pitch
During his illustrious football career, Michael Owen was often perceived as reserved. Now, he appears determined to prove that perception wrong. Meet the Owens delves into his personal life, revealing a man who embraces humor, even if it’s characterized by his signature dad jokes. The documentary captures candid moments, such as a late-night return home where remnants of his previous evening’s meal are being consumed by a family dog, much to his wife Louise’s dismay. This scene, among others, is presented as evidence of Owen’s newfound zest for life.
Owen himself asserts a significant shift in his social habits, claiming to be the “last person on the dancefloor” during nights out, a departure from his past criticisms of family members’ more boisterous behavior. His friend and racehorse trainer, Hugo Palmer, affectionately labels Owen the “minister for fun” during their high-stakes horse auctions, where significant sums are invested in potential champions. Despite the financial risks involved in acquiring expensive horses, Owen’s demeanor in these situations is reportedly jovial and engaging, far from his often-deadpan punditry style.
Family Dynamics and Humorous Exchanges
The documentary features Michael Owen alongside his wife Louise, their eldest daughter Gemma (a participant in the 2022 series of Love Island), two other daughters Emily and Jessica, and their son James. The series is set in the family’s substantial £4 million mansion in North Wales and also highlights Owen’s significant involvement with Manor House Stables, a successful racehorse training facility he established in 2006. The show has been compared to reality programs like The Real Housewives of Cheshire but with a distinct focus on the world of horse racing.
Humor is a recurring theme, often stemming from Owen’s distinctive brand of jokes. He playfully refers to the film crew as “knobs” and makes occasional sexual innuendos, even humorously labeling himself an “orca pervert” due to an unusual interest in killer whale documentaries. His wife Louise has even likened him to the character David Brent from The Office, recalling an instance where Michael was engrossed in the Racing Post while she was in labor, offering a humorous, albeit unsupportive, explanation: “Get lost, I wasn’t not supportive… I offered you a read of it!”
The series doesn’t shy away from more sensitive topics. James, Owen’s son, shares his experience with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition that ended his aspirations of a professional football career. In a moment that highlights the family’s unique dynamic, Michael makes a lighthearted, albeit potentially insensitive, joke about how James manages personal hygiene, which James finds amusing. Michael’s affectionate, if unconventional, nicknames for his son, such as “helmet,” are also explored, with Michael humorously justifying the term by stating, “Because he is one.”
Gemma Owen’s Journey and Family Ventures
Gemma Owen plays a prominent role in the series, showcasing her transition from her Love Island appearance. She is depicted embracing a more sophisticated style, often seen in elegant outfits, influenced by her mother. The documentary follows her preparations for the charity Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood Racecourse, where she competed as an amateur rider. While Gemma pursues her equestrian goals, a humorous contrast is drawn when she and her mother are shown mucking out stables in freezing temperatures, while Michael and James enjoy cocktails and foot massages in Bahrain.
Despite the focus on Gemma’s pursuits, the series also captures the family’s strong bonds and Michael’s deep affection for his children. The documentary underscores Michael’s dedication to Manor House Stables, with a source indicating his significant financial investment and determination to achieve top-tier success in racing. The decision to broadcast the inner workings of the stables is described as a “huge risk,” with Owen hoping the exposure will benefit, rather than hinder, the business. This strategic move aims to showcase the stable’s reputation and attract potential new owners, potentially influencing the content to maintain client satisfaction.
Context: Reality Documentaries in the Sports World
Meet the Owens enters a landscape increasingly populated by reality documentary series featuring high-profile athletes. Similar ventures have been undertaken by figures like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Jamie Vardy. While Vardy’s series faced criticism for glossing over controversies, the Beckham documentary was praised for revealing vulnerability. Rooney’s Amazon series also garnered positive reviews for its candidness, akin to the success of Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm, which documented the challenges of running a farm and propelled farmer Kaleb Cooper to fame.
Michael Owen’s foray into this genre with Meet the Owens represents a calculated effort to redefine his public image. By sharing his family life, his passion for horse racing, and his often-quirky sense of humor, Owen is attempting to move beyond the “boring” label and connect with audiences on a more personal level. The success of this “risky” endeavor, particularly if a second series is commissioned, may depend on his ability to balance authentic family moments with the business demands of his racing enterprise, all while keeping his signature dad jokes in check.
