The new Hulu documentary explores Rucker’s rise to fame, country music success, and personal struggles.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 9, 2026
Darius Rucker is sharing his story in a new feature-length documentary that explores his rise to fame, his successful transition to country music, and the personal challenges he's faced along the way.
Executive produced by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts and directed by Emmy Award winner Jason Bergh, Darius Rucker: They Called Me Hootie follows the singer's journey from his childhood in Charleston, South Carolina, to international success with Hootie & the Blowfish and his award-winning solo career in country music.
How to Watch Darius Rucker: They Called Me Hootie
Darius Rucker: They Called Me Hootie premieres Monday, November 16, 2026, on Hulu.
The documentary will be available to stream on Hulu in the United States, through Hulu on Disney+ for eligible bundle subscribers, and on Disney+ in select international markets.
The feature-length film is produced by ITV America Nashville for ABC News Studios.
Darius Rucker Opens Up About His Personal Struggles
The documentary goes beyond Rucker's musical achievements to explore some of the most difficult periods of his life.
Rucker speaks candidly about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, the breakdown of his marriage, and several brushes with death. The film also examines the pressures of fame and the decisions that helped shape his career.
“When I look back on my life and career, I never could have imagined the road I’d take or where it would lead me,” Rucker shared. “I’ve had opportunities beyond anything I dreamed of, but there have also been times when I had to take a chance, bet on myself and trust that I could do things my own way.”
The documentary includes never-before-seen footage dating back to the early days of Hootie & the Blowfish, along with new footage of Rucker on tour and in the recording studio as he works on his forthcoming album.
Brad Paisley, Lady A, and Hootie & the Blowfish Members Share Their Stories
Several of Rucker's longtime friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians appear in the documentary, offering their perspectives on his life and career.
Among those featured are:
Brad Paisley
Lady A
Woody Harrelson
Hootie & the Blowfish members Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Mark Bryan, and Dean Felber
Former manager Doc McGhee
Producer Frank Rogers
Roberts, who serves as an executive producer, first met Rucker approximately 30 years ago while working at ESPN, when Hootie & the Blowfish appeared on College GameDay.
“I’ve enjoyed following and covering his career ever since, but I’ve never seen Darius quite like this,” Roberts said. “This documentary reveals a side of Darius that is raw, vulnerable and unexpected. It’s a deeply personal story, and I think audiences will be surprised by what they discover about this exceptionally talented man.”
From Hootie & the Blowfish to Country Music Stardom
Rucker first achieved international success as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, whose debut album, Cracked Rear View, became one of the best-selling albums in music history. The Grammy-winning band has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.
In 2008, Rucker launched his country music career, eventually earning four No. 1 albums on Billboard's country chart and 10 No. 1 singles at country radio.
He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2012 and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance in 2014 for his recording of “Wagon Wheel.”
His career has also included his 2023 album Carolyn's Boy and his 2024 memoir, Life's Too Short, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Now, with new music in development, Rucker is giving audiences a closer look at the experiences and relationships that have shaped his life both on and off the stage.
Darius Rucker: They Called Me Hootie begins streaming November 16, 2026, on Hulu.