Alex Rodriguez’s eagerly awaited HBO docuseries, “Alex vs ARod,” is notable not for its content but for its omissions. The series, which debuted in November 2025, details the former baseball star’s career and personal challenges, excluding any mention of his over four-year relationship with actress Jennifer Lopez.
Directors Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew explained that their intent was to concentrate on Rodriguez’s baseball exploits and his performance-enhancing drug use rather than providing a comprehensive biography.
A source informed Closer that Lopez had anticipated being included in the documentary, as it was discussed over several months. Thus, her absence in the final cut was unexpected and unsettling for her.
The source added that Rodriguez’s choice to exclude Lopez from the narrative and his life story felt disrespectful to her.
Rodriguez and Lopez began their relationship in early 2017 after reconnecting in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. They first met at a Yankees game in 2005 when Lopez was married to Marc Anthony. The couple got engaged in March 2019 during a trip to the Bahamas, with Rodriguez presenting J.Lo with an estimated 15-16 carat emerald-cut diamond ring.
Throughout their relationship, the couple was frequently seen at events and on social media, merging their families and supporting each other’s business endeavors. In April 2020, they attempted to purchase the New York Mets, intending to invest approximately $300 million of their personal funds.
The couple’s relationship faced challenges in early 2021 amid rumors of Rodriguez’s alleged interactions with “Southern Charm” reality star Madison LeCroy. LeCroy confirmed phone communication with Rodriguez but denied any physical meeting. In April 2021, Lopez and Rodriguez announced their separation, stating, “We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so.”
Although Lopez is absent from “Alex vs ARod,” Rodriguez’s ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis features prominently. She discussed their marriage from 2002 to 2008, describing Rodriguez as “so stunted when it came to the natural development of a person” and “so entrenched in baseball.”
The series includes interviews with Rodriguez’s brother, former manager Lou Piniella, former teammates Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr., Scurtis, Yankees announcer Michael Kay, and sportswriter Mike Francesa.
The documentary’s release coincided with a difficult period for Lopez. Her divorce from Ben Affleck was finalized in February 2025 after she filed in August 2024. The couple had rekindled their romance in 2021, after her split from Rodriguez, and married in 2022.
Lopez also parted ways with record label BMG in 2025 following disappointing sales of her 2024 album “This Is Me… Now.” Furthermore, her 2024 North American tour “THIS IS ME… LIVE” was canceled, with her representatives stating she needed to spend time with family.
Lopez released her own documentary titled “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” in February 2024, which explored her journey to self-love and her renewed relationship with Affleck. Similar to Rodriguez’s documentary, Lopez’s project did not address her past high-profile relationships, including her engagement to Rodriguez.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rodriguez stated, “I’ve never been big about sharing my private life,” and noted, “one of the things that has served me well is having a little bit more low profile of a life.”
The documentary focuses on Rodriguez’s baseball accomplishments, including his three MVP awards, 14 All-Star appearances, and 2009 World Series championship, along with controversies such as his suspension for performance-enhancing drug use.
“Alex vs ARod” is available on HBO Max, providing an in-depth examination of one of baseball’s most controversial figures, concentrating on his professional achievements rather than the personal relationships that have often captured public attention.