Not Too Old
GENRE
Docu-Series / Feel-Good Reality / Human Interest
Sub-Genres: Inspirational, Uplifting, Slice of Life, Lifestyle, Biographical
"Retired? More like rewired."
FORMAT
8 x 30 min or 8 x 60 min episodes
Closed-ended episodic structure (each episode can stand alone)
Single-camera, documentary-style filming
Narration optional, ideally voiceover by a recognizable host
TERRITORIES THIS WOULD WORK IN
Not Too Old -has broad international appeal, especially in aging societies where conversations around purpose, longevity, and retirement are culturally relevant.
Primary Markets:
United States (especially Florida, California, Texas, Arizona)
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Japan
Germany
Scandinavian countries (notably Sweden & Norway)
These markets all have growing senior populations, increasing interest in wellness and late-in-life reinvention, and proven demand for uplifting, real-life content.
Not Too Old is an uplifting 8-part documentary series that follows real Americans aged 65 and up who are shattering age stereotypes and achieving remarkable success in fields as varied as business, sports, the arts, academia, and community leadership. From a 70-year-old ultra-marathoner to an 82-year-old tech founder, this series captures a new narrative of aging—one of growth, adventure, and purpose.
Overview
Set in Florida—a melting pot of reinvention—the series also draws parallels between contemporary dream-chasers and legendary late bloomers in American history, proving that greatness has no expiration date. With humor, heart, and a visually vibrant style, Not Too Old is as entertaining as it is inspiring.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing."
George Bernard Shaw
Target Audience & Demographics
Primary Audience:
Adults aged 45-75+, especially Baby Boomers and Gen X
Women & men interested in human stories, transformation, second acts
Secondary Audience:
Younger viewers inspired by stories of resilience and reinvention
Families and caregivers of older adults
Demographic Appeal:
56 million Americans are over 65 (U.S. Census, 2024)
78% of Americans 55+ say they want media that reflects their lives
High disposable income & brand loyalty in 55+ demographic
Platform Fit:
PBS, Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, Discovery+, OWN, or Magnolia Network
Comparable Shows & Popularity
Shows / Network / Why It's Similar / Avg. Viewership
Home Town Takeover / HGTV / Features older community leaders / 3.6M+ viewers
Young at Heart / PBS / Seniors pursuing music passion / Emmy-nominated
Somebody Feed Phil / Netflix / Travel, joy, personality-driven storytelling / Top 10 Netflix docu-series
The Great British Bake Off / Netflix / Celebrates people of all ages creating / 9.1M (UK) viewers
Chef’s Table / Netflix / Focuses on mastery and reinvention at any age / Cult following
"Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears."
John Lennon
Episode Structure
Episode Structure
Each episode focuses on 1–2 remarkable American's over 65:
Act 1: Introduce the dreamer and their world
Act 2: Dive into the passion, process, and obstacles
Act 3: Link to a historical figure who thrived late in life
Act 4: Celebrate the win, lesson, or transformation
Episode Ideas - Season 1
1. Larry Gagner – NFL Star Turned Acclaimed Artist
After a successful career as an NFL offensive lineman, Larry Gagner transitioned into the arts. Now residing in Tampa, Florida, he is a working artist specializing in painting and sculpture, showcasing his creative talents in the Seminole Heights neighborhood.
2. Mary Kemp – 96-Year-Old Track Star
Mary Kemp began competitive running at the age of 94. By 96, she had won multiple gold medals, including at the 2017 National Senior Games. Training six days a week, she exemplifies that it's never too late to start a new passion.
3. Inez Hudson – 73-Year-Old Entrepreneur
Inez Hudson, a 73-year-old grandmother from Lakeland, Florida, runs a successful baked goods stall outside a local store. Since 2018, her homemade cakes and pies have become a community favorite, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit at any age.
4. Chuck Pula – 76-Year-Old Fitness Enthusiast
At 76, Chuck Pula from Sanford, Florida, is setting fitness records and inspiring older adults to stay active. His dedication to health and fitness serves as a motivating example for seniors nationwide.
5. Burwell "Bumpy" Jones – Champion Swimmer
Burwell "Bumpy" Jones was an accomplished swimmer who continued to compete and set national records well into his senior years. Residing in Sarasota, Florida, his lifelong dedication to swimming is truly inspiring.
6. John Rivers – CEO Tackling Food Insecurity
John Rivers, CEO of 4Roots in Florida, is addressing food insecurity among seniors by creating sustainable food systems. His work exemplifies purposeful leadership and community impact in later life.
7. Rick Barry – NBA Legend Turned Pickleball Champion
Approaching his 80th birthday, former NBA star Rick Barry has taken up pickleball, quickly dominating the sport and winning multiple national and regional titles. His competitive spirit remains undiminished.
8. Jean Cannon – Advocate for Senior Entrepreneurs
Jean Cannon is on a mission to turn Florida retirees into entrepreneurs. By fostering a startup hub in Sarasota, she empowers seniors to pursue new business ventures, proving it's never too late to innovate.
These real-life stories from Florida residents aged 65 and older exemplify the spirit of Not Too Old, showcasing that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind it doesn't matter."
Mark Twain
Why Now?
Not Too Old may be rooted in the sunshine and spirit of Florida, but its heart beats nationwide. While Florida provides a vibrant launchpad with its rich population of reinvention and retirees, the series draws from real stories across the entire United States—coast to coast. From a 96-year-old track star in California to a former steelworker-turned-sculptor in Michigan, and a 70-year-old jazz singer making waves in New Orleans, Not Too Old captures the universal spirit of resilience, purpose, and late-in-life ambition. This is not just a Florida story—it’s an American story, celebrating the boundless potential of people redefining what it means to grow older in every corner of the country.
The aging population is booming—but still underrepresented in media
The rise of “second act” stories and longevity economy (over $8 trillion global market)
Cultural shift: Aging is being rebranded as empowerment, not decline