Proposed TV Series ‘Bullies’ To Focus On Flyers’ Broad Street Bullies

“Bullies,” a proposed new TV series based on the Flyers’ Broad Street Bullies halcyon days of the 1970s, is in the works.

The series is a “labor of love” according to director Jeff Hare and co-creator Sam Carchidi.

“ ‘Rocky’ meets the raucous mayhem of ‘Slap Shot,’ set in the free-wheeling ‘Boogie Nights’ of the 1970s,” Hare said, in describing the series.

The series will be based from 1967-76 — and even look ahead — with a focus on the 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup champion Flyers, whose brawling ways made them villains in other NHL cities and beloved in Philadelphia.

“It’s time to fall in love with the bad guys,” said Hare, who also is the co-creator of the series along with Carchidi, former Philadelphia Inquirer and Philly Hockey Now Flyers writer.

“The common thread in the series is how this team — arguably the most tight-knit group of players in pro sports history — and the city had a love affair with each other,” Carchidi said.

“The Flyers’ success came at a time when the city needed it most. They lifted each other.”

Off-The-Ice Focus

The series is not a documentary. The main focus isn’t on the ice, but rather the personalities of the players and club personnel away from hockey, including wives, families, girlfriends and staff members.

Actors will portray the team’s main characters, including Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Dave Schultz, owner Ed Snider, coach Fred Shero and broadcaster Gene Hart.

An accompanying book, tentatively called “Bullies” will be published by Triumph Books in conjunction with the series.

Delaware native Tony Ciabattoni is the executive producer of the series.

The series is expected to run for two seasons with the fall of 2024 as a targeted starting date — 50 years after the Flyers’ first Stanley Cup.

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