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Dark Side of the Ring Season 7: Premiere, Episodes, Streaming

Benjamin Ethan Parker Cooper • 2026-07-05 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

There’s a reason wrestling fans keep refreshing their feeds whenever a new season of Dark Side of the Ring is announced: the show doesn’t just recap matches — it confronts the uncomfortable truths the industry often sidesteps. With Season 7 officially confirmed to premiere on July 7, 2026 (Variety) the series is doubling down on its deepest investigation yet.

Seasons aired: 6 · Status: Renewed for Season 7 · Original network: Vice TV · First episode: April 10, 2019 · Latest season: 6 (2024) · Season 7 premiere: 2026 (two-episode launch)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Season 7 opens July 7 with two-episode premiere, continues weekly (Variety)
  • UK and Ireland streaming details expected closer to premiere (JustWatch UK shows no Season 7 date yet)
  • Second half of the season covers Necro Butcher vs Samoa Joe, Big Boss Man, Paul Orndorff, Missy Hyatt, Zach Gowen (DKNetwork / DraftKings)

Six seasons, one common thread: each installment peels back the curtain on wrestling’s most controversial figures. Here are the key facts at a glance.

Label Value
Original network Vice TV
First episode date April 10, 2019
Genre Documentary
Executive producers Evan Husney, Jason Eisener
Number of seasons (as of 2024) 6
Narrator Various (e.g., Chris Jericho, Jim Ross)
Bottom line: What this means: The show’s format — documentary, not highlight reel — is why it keeps earning renewals even as it covers stories promoters would rather forget.

Will there be a season 7 of Dark Side of the Ring?

Yes. Vice TV confirmed the renewal in early 2025, and the rollout is set for July 2026. The season will open with a two-episode premiere on July 7, according to Variety (trade publication), followed by a three-part arc exploring Jeff Jarrett’s TNA Wrestling. That arc concludes on July 14 with Part III (Fightful (wrestling news outlet)).

The weekly schedule runs through August 25, 2026 — a standard 7-episode order that matches the length of Season 6. New subjects revealed for Season 7 include Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe, The Big Boss Man, Renegade Rick Wilson, Paul Orndorff, Missy Hyatt, and Zach Gowen (DKNetwork (sports/draft coverage)).

When is the release date for Season 7?

The premiere date for Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 is July 7, 2026. That’s a Tuesday night — a shift from the Thursday slots used in earlier seasons. The first night will air two episodes back-to-back, starting at 9 p.m. ET (though some sources say 10 p.m. ET, as noted in the snapshot above).

How many episodes will Season 7 have?

Season 7 contains 7 episodes. That’s the same count as Season 1 (6 episodes) and Season 6 (also 7). The show’s producers have not explained why they settled on 7, but the number fits the arc-based storytelling format: one three-part opener leaves room for four standalone episodes.

Bottom line: Season 7 is confirmed, dated, and episode-counted. For US viewers, the first two episodes land on July 7 at 9 p.m. ET. UK and Ireland viewers: read on for streaming details.

The implication: If you’re in the US, mark your calendar for July 7; international fans may need patience or a digital purchase.

How can I watch Dark Side of the Ring in the UK?

In the UK, the series is available on ITVX Premium and Sky Go, according to JustWatch UK (streaming aggregator). The free ad-supported ITVX tier carries past seasons, but Season 7 may require the Premium subscription (currently £5.99/month). A prior guide from Tom’s Guide (tech advice site) noted that Season 6 had no confirmed UK air date at launch, suggesting a delay. The same pattern could apply to Season 7.

Where can I watch Dark Side of the Ring in Ireland?

Irish viewers face similar constraints. The series is not listed on Netflix Ireland (JustWatch Ireland). The most reliable option is to purchase episodes from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play — each typically sells a season pass for £10–15. As of now, no Irish broadcaster has announced a live linear slot for Season 7.

The trade-off

UK and Irish viewers: You can watch past seasons through ITVX or Sky Go, but Season 7’s debut may trail the US by weeks or months. Buying a season pass from Amazon or Apple TV gives you access on US premiere day — but at a premium price.

Bottom line: US viewers get Vice TV on cable or the Vice TV app. UK viewers best bet is ITVX Premium. Irish viewers should consider a digital purchase. No confirmed simulcast for either country exists yet.

What this means for international fans: Unless Vice TV secures a same-day deal, UK and Irish audiences will likely face a delay or pay per season.

Where can I watch Dark Side of the Ring in Ireland?

As above, streaming in Ireland is limited. JustWatch Ireland shows no Netflix or Disney+ availability. Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV sell the series on a per-episode or per-season basis. For live viewing, a VPN set to a US server can unlock Vice TV’s own app — but Vice TV’s terms discourage that.

Why does Season 7 have 7 episodes?

The seven-episode count is consistent with the show’s recent output. Season 6 also had 7 episodes (IMDb). Showrunner Evan Husney has said each season is planned around the number of stories they can properly tell without rushing. In an interview with Variety he noted: “We don’t pad episodes. If we have 7 stories, we make 7 episodes.”

How many episodes are there in total across all seasons?

As of Season 6, the series has broadcast 33 episodes (Seasons 1–6). Add Season 7’s 7 episodes, and the total becomes 40 episodes — a rich library for binge-watchers.

Is Dark Side of the Ring on Netflix?

No. Dark Side of the Ring is a Vice TV original. It does not stream on Netflix in any region (Netflix does not list it). The same applies to Disney+ and HBO Max. In the US, Vice TV’s own app (free with cable login) is the primary streaming home. In the UK, ITVX holds rights.

Where else can I stream Dark Side of the Ring?

  • Vice TV app — free with US cable subscription
  • Philo — live and on-demand, starting at $25/month
  • Sling TV — add Vice TV to the “News Extra” pack
  • Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play — purchase per episode or season
  • ITVX Premium (UK) — £5.99/month
  • Sky Go (UK) — if you have a Sky subscription
Bottom line: Netflix is not an option. The only all-in-one US streaming solution is Vice TV’s app. UK and Irish users need ITVX Premium or digital store purchases.

The catch: Without a Netflix or mainstream streaming deal, viewers must choose between cable, dedicated apps, or paid downloads.

The upshot

Wrestling fans outside the US: The gap between US premiere and international availability remains the show’s biggest friction point. If Vice TV doesn’t strike a same-day deal with a UK/Ireland broadcaster, the only way to watch on July 7 is through a digital purchase — a $12–15 investment per season.

Timeline: Dark Side of the Ring milestones

  • April 10, 2019 — Season 1 premieres (IMDb)
  • 2020–2023 — Seasons 2 through 5 air
  • 2024 — Season 6 airs
  • Early 2025 — Season 7 officially announced (Variety)
  • June 3, 2026 — Season 7 trailer released
  • July 7, 2026 — Season 7 premiere (two-episode launch)
  • August 25, 2026 — Season 7 finale

The pattern: The show typically announces a season 4–6 months before it airs. The gap between announcement and premiere keeps speculation alive — and drives fan forums wild.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Season 7 premiere date: July 7, 2026 (Variety)
  • Two-episode launch night
  • Three-part Jeff Jarrett / TNA arc to open the season (Fightful)
  • 7 episodes total (DKNetwork)
  • Subjects include Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe, Big Boss Man, Renegade Rick Wilson, Paul Orndorff, Missy Hyatt, Zach Gowen

What’s unclear

  • Exact air time (9 p.m. vs 10 p.m. ET discrepancy)
  • Full list of episode titles (only the Jarrett arc is named)
  • Narrator for Season 7 (past seasons used Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, others)
  • UK and Ireland same-day simulcast plans

The catch: Even with a firm premiere date, the show’s international distribution remains a patchwork. Fans who want episode-by-episode access will likely need to navigate different platforms and pay for each.

What the creators and fans are saying

“We are thrilled to continue exploring the untold stories of professional wrestling with new subjects in Season 7.”

— Vice TV press release, via Dark Side of the Ring (Facebook)

“Finally, they are covering the real dark side of the business. The Jeff Jarrett TNA story has been whispered for years.”

— Reddit user r/wreddit (popular wrestling community)

Fan reaction to the Season 7 announcement has been largely positive, with many noting that the Jarrett/TNA arc addresses a topic that previous documentaries have avoided. The series description from Apple TV (streaming platform) puts it plainly: “An examination of the intersection of fantasy and reality in professional wrestling.”

Summary: What Season 7 means for wrestling fans

Dark Side of the Ring has evolved from a niche Vice show into a cultural touchstone for anyone who follows wrestling’s darker corners. Season 7 doubles down on that mission: a deep arc on a company that changed the industry (TNA), paired with standalone episodes on figures who never received a proper documentary. For the casual fan, the season offers a 7-week window into the trade-offs the wrestlers made — fame vs. health, spectacle vs. reality. For UK and Irish viewers, the choice between ITVX Premium, digital purchase, or waiting remains the defining obstacle.

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, imdb.com

Fans who enjoyed the previous season of the series will find Season 7 continues the same unflinching look at wrestling’s most tragic stories.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Dark Side of the Ring air?

Reports vary: Variety says 9 p.m. ET, Fightful says 10 p.m. ET. Check your local Vice TV listings closer to the premiere.

Who are the new subjects in Season 7?

The Jeff Jarrett/TNA arc opens the season. Later episodes focus on Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe, Big Boss Man, Renegade Rick Wilson, Paul Orndorff, Missy Hyatt, and Zach Gowen.

How long is each episode?

Episodes typically run 42–47 minutes, consistent with the documentary format.

Will there be a Season 8?

No official announcement yet. Given the show’s renewal track record (6 seasons so far), a Season 8 is likely but not confirmed.

Is Dark Side of the Ring available on Disney+?

No. It streams on Vice TV, ITVX, and purchase platforms only.

Can I watch Dark Side of the Ring on YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV includes Vice TV in its base lineup — so past seasons and live episodes are accessible.

What is the TV rating of Dark Side of the Ring?

TV-MA (Mature Audience) for graphic content, language, and disturbing subject matter.

In short: The FAQ covers the most common queries, but check local listings for the exact airtime and platform availability.



Benjamin Ethan Parker Cooper

About the author

Benjamin Ethan Parker Cooper

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