NBC’s Young Rock ran from February 2021 to February 2023, following Dwayne Johnson’s life across three periods. The series, created by Johnson himself alongside Jeff Chiang and Nahnatchka Khan, tells his story through flashbacks framed by his 2032 presidential campaign. It stars Johnson as himself, with three young actors playing him at different ages.
Trailer, via The Rock.
The Frame Story
The series opens with Johnson running for president in the early 2030s. Each episode cuts between present-day interviews and memories of his youth. The framing device is simple: Johnson talks about his life, and the show replays the scenes that explain why he became who he is.
The approach works best when the memory matches the moment. It works less well when the framing feels thin. Some episodes lean heavily on nostalgia for its own sake, with little payoff in the present-day conversation.
Three Ages, Three Stories
Johnson is played by three different actors across the show’s run:
- Adrian Groulx plays 10-year-old Johnson in Hawaii.
- Bradley Constant plays 15-year-old Johnson in Pennsylvania.
- Uli Latukefu plays 18–20-year-old Johnson at the University of Miami.
Each actor brings a distinct energy to the role. Groulx’s performance stands out as the most natural of the three, though Constant and Latukefu both hold their own in their respective arcs.
The adult Johnson anchors the show with warmth. He explains that his life has been larger than life, but he remains a down-to-earth guy who still relates to the American people. That pitch is sincere enough to carry the weaker episodes.
What Works Best
The strongest episodes focus on specific moments rather than broad recollections. The show’s best material comes from the relationships between Johnson and his family members, particularly his father Rocky Johnson, played by Joseph Lee Anderson, and his grandmother Lia Maivia, played by Ana Tuisila.
The show also benefits from casting real-life connections. Johnson’s actual father and grandmother appear in recurring roles, giving the series a lived-in quality that scripted drama often lacks.
Schedule and Renewals
| Season | Premiere | Final Episode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 16, 2021 | Last aired February 24, 2023 |
| 2 | March 15, 2022 | Same as Season 1 |
| 3 | November 4, 2022 | Same as Season 1 |
The series was renewed for a second season in April 2021. A holiday special aired on December 15, 2021. A third season was renewed in May 2022 and premiered on November 4, 2022. The show was cancelled in June 2023.
Verdict
Young Rock is uneven but mostly pleasant. Its heart is in the right place, even when the execution falters. The cast chemistry holds up across all three seasons, and the show’s willingness to explore its subject’s family ties gives it a depth that pure biography often lacks.
Score: 6.6 of 10.
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