Date Confirmed for Gulf Shores, Alabama Netflix Documentary
April 19, 2025 | Gulf Shores, Alabama — The highly anticipated Netflix documentary centered on the coastal town of Gulf Shores, Alabama, finally has a release date—and locals are buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
Netflix announced on Friday that “Gulf Shores: Tides of Change” will premiere globally on June 14, 2025, offering an unfiltered look into the heart of a small beach community balancing rapid growth, environmental pressures, and a deep-rooted Southern identity.
The six-part docuseries, filmed over the course of 18 months, follows the lives of residents ranging from longtime fishermen and real estate developers to high school students, environmental activists, and even vacation rental owners facing the challenges of rising tourism. According to Netflix, the project aims to capture “the beauty, complexity, and resilience of one of America’s most misunderstood coastal communities.”
Executive producer Dana Lockhart, known for her work on “Outer Banks Uncovered” and “Southern Secrets”, said Gulf Shores offered the perfect backdrop for a story that’s as much about personal identity as it is about place.
“This isn’t just a beach town,” Lockhart said in a press release. “It’s a living, breathing community grappling with change—culturally, economically, and environmentally. What’s happening in Gulf Shores is a microcosm of what’s happening across America’s coasts.”
The documentary dives into critical issues like hurricane recovery, beachfront erosion, land development battles, and the tension between locals and seasonal visitors. One of the more gripping storylines involves a controversial proposal to expand high-rise resorts along the waterfront—sparking fierce debate among community members and city officials.
But it’s not all controversy. The series also celebrates the town’s traditions, highlighting its vibrant seafood industry, high school football culture, and tight-knit families who’ve lived there for generations.
Locals featured in the documentary were given early access to a private screening on Thursday night at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center. Reactions were reportedly emotional, with some brought to tears watching their lives unfold on the screen.
“It’s surreal,” said local business owner Miranda Evans, who appears in the second episode. “I never thought our little town would be on Netflix. But the way they told our story—with honesty and care—it feels like they really got it right.”
City officials have expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming attention, recognizing the potential tourism boom that could follow the documentary’s release.
“We’re proud of our town, and while we know this docuseries will touch on tough issues, we welcome the national conversation,” said Mayor Robert Langston. “At the end of the day, Gulf Shores has a story worth telling.”
“Gulf Shores: Tides of Change” will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting June 14, with all six episodes dropping at once. A trailer is expected to debut in early May.
As the beach town prepares for its moment in the spotlight, residents hope the world sees more than just sandy shores and vacation homes—they hope it sees the soul of Gulf Shores.
