Netflix has officially announced Through Grit and Glory, a 16-episode original series on the life, career, and enduring legacy of legendary singer-songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen. The series promises a comprehensive, deeply thoughtful portrayal of one of the twentieth century’s most significant cultural leaders, chronicling the intricate interconnections of creativity, faith, love, doubt, and discipline that shaped Cohen’s incredible path.
Through Grit and Glory will trace Cohen’s rise from a young Montreal poet to a global musical legend whose work crossed genres and generations. Rather than providing a traditional biopic, the series is organized as a layered narrative that combines dramatic narration, archive material, rare interviews, and intimate insights from individuals who knew and worked with Cohen. Throughout 16 episodes, viewers will see the emotional challenges and spiritual seeking that developed his distinct voice and lyrical depth.
The series dives at crucial periods in Cohen’s life, such as his early literary ambitions, his late entry into the music industry, and the dogged perfectionism that defined his songwriting. It also looks at his time at the Mount Baldy Zen Center, his struggles with fame, melancholy, and financial loss, and the fortitude that propelled his legendary late-career comeback. Cohen’s unwavering dedication to his profession is central to the story, as is his belief that excellence is gained through patience, discipline, and an honest encounter with hardship.
Netflix execs describe the project as both a celebration and a reckoning, underlining that Through Grit and Glory does not gloss over the paradoxes that made Cohen so intriguing. His reverence for spirituality despite earthly desire, his calm humility amidst towering influence, and his lifelong search for meaning are all examined with nuance and respect.
The series also focuses on Cohen’s global impact, demonstrating how songs such as “Hallelujah,” “Suzanne,” and “Bird on the Wire” became cultural touchstones that are constantly reinvented by new artists and audiences. Musicians, writers, and cultural critics provide analysis, highlighting Cohen’s ongoing relevance in an era still seeking authenticity and depth. Through Grit and Glory is regarded as the definitive picture of Leonard Cohenβan artist who transformed sensitivity into strength and life’s fractures into eternal art. With its ambitious scale and deliberate approach, the series seeks to commemorate not only the mythology, but also the disciplined, yearning human spirit that drives the songs.