As a long-time sports enthusiast and someone who has grown up with HBO’s “Hard Knocks” shaping my perspective of NFL franchises, I can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the impact this show has had on both the sporting world and television as a whole. I still remember the excitement I felt when “Welcome to Wrexham” was announced, knowing that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were taking a similar approach to a fifth-tier Welsh soccer team.
Starting on July 24, the Paris Olympics will determine athletic excellence within specific time frames.
As a gamer, I’d say: I can’t wait to see Noah Lyles break the 10-second barrier in the 100-meter race. It may take Katie Ledecky over a quarter of an hour to swim her 1,500-meter event. And French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama will continue making waves, one 40-minute game at a time.
The NBCU team will present their traditional lineup of former athletes, seasoned reporters, and Snoop Dogg once more to emphasize that sports go beyond the actual competition. Sports provide entertainment, and in 2024, entertainment is primarily delivered through television. This won’t shock anyone with a strong interest in TV; these days, “television” and “sports” are used almost synonymously.
In today’s world of on-demand media, live events hold immense value and appeal for audiences. This is evident in last year’s most viewed TV shows which predominantly featured the Super Bowl and NFL broadcasts. The significance of live events is further underlined by the record-breaking $76 billion valuation of the latest NBA rights deal. Moreover, the excitement surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s impact on the WNBA ratings is a testament to this trend.
Netflix, long known for avoiding “live” content, has recently increased its efforts in this area. Starting from comedy specials and failed reality shows, they even experimented with the Tom Brady roast. By December, subscribers can put their holiday traditions, which previously included NBA games, on hold to watch live football matches streaming on Netflix.
For quite some time now, Netflix has been shaping its users’ perspectives into considering it as a go-to platform for sports documentaries. It has become a comfortable habitat for two of my preferred sports docuseries franchises, or at the very least, two formulas that I enjoy in sports documentaries.
In 2016, Greg Whiteley’s production company, One Potato Productions, debuted with “Last Chance U,” focusing on the coaches and athletes at East Mississippi Community College football team. Over eight years, this formula of troubled yet reflective athletes seeking redemption, flamboyant coaches, and high-stakes games has expanded to include basketball (“Last Chance U: Basketball”), competitive cheerleading (“Cheer”), professional sports cheerleading (“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”), and wrestling (“Wrestlers”). A One Potato Production guarantees an intense viewing experience filled with surprising humor and intricately drawn character studies.
Whiteley and his team face their toughest rival in documentary production from Box to Box Films. This company gained prominence in 2019 with “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” and later expanded into golf (“Full Swing”), tennis (“Break Point”), and track and field (recently, “Sprint”). One Potato may excel at storytelling, but Box to Box Films offer a visually engaging intimacy that can change our perspective on these sports. Their casting is impressive, as they often focus on up-and-coming athletes. If you weren’t previously invested but want to support someone during the Olympics, “Sprint” introduces a dozen potential favorites for you to cheer on.
HBO’s esteemed “Hard Knocks,” which debuted in 2001 as a behind-the-scenes look at one NFL team during preseason, is essential for both franchises to thrive. The show’s popularity grew so much that it expanded from an annual production to two, and later three installments each year.
Building a franchise is more straightforward when there’s already an existing fan base, as demonstrated by FX’s hit show “Welcome to Wrexham” on television. While it may be easy to stir up enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys, transforming a little-known Welsh soccer team into a global sensation is a much greater accomplishment. Bravo to Wrexham A.F.C.’s owners and series executive producers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for achieving this feat.
As a dedicated gamer and fan of “Welcome to Wrexham,” I’ve been hooked on this show for the past three seasons. It’s not just about football or a team; it’s about the deep emotional connection we’ve formed with the people of Wrexham. The series has broadened its storytelling horizons, delving into the lives of the women’s team, exploring the Welsh expat community in Patagonia, and sharing heartfelt stories of local fans. “Welcome to Wrexham” has become my go-to tearjerker on TV, masterfully portraying male vulnerability and bonding. The love and camaraderie among the people in this show is truly inspiring. I can’t wait for Wrexham A.F.C.’s second American tour this year, as we celebrate this beautiful connection. Let’s keep Paul Mullin fit and healthy, shall we? #WrexhamAFC #WelcomeToWrexham
I’ve come to realize that creating a scripted show about sports might be more challenging than one would think. Despite the initial hype, many recent attempts have failed to sustain viewership. Take “Ted Lasso,” for instance, which has managed to strike the right balance and thrive. But, remember “Pitch” on Fox or Amazon’s “A League of Their Own”? They generated interest but didn’t last. HBO’s “Winning Time” was entertaining and sparked debates, but it only made it through two seasons. FX’s “Clipped” took a complex approach to the Clippers scandal, involving Donald Sterling and V. Stiviano, but I couldn’t sense any real buzz around this exploration of scandal and race in sports.
Shrewd readers may have been puzzled as to how I managed to discuss “sports TV” in this article without bringing up ESPN yet. This groundbreaking network has led the way in sports television for years. With the release of their acclaimed “30 for 30” documentary series, ESPN reached new heights in 2016. One of these documentaries, Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America,” stood out as the most remarkable program of the year, regardless of genre.
As a longtime fan of this documentary series, I must admit that I’ve been feeling a tad disappointed with the recent releases. With five documentaries unveiled this summer alone, it’s clear that the production team is still going strong. Yet, the impact of their work seems to have waned for me.
ESPN’s prominent documentary series has evolved into Gotham Chopra’s “In the Arena,” featuring in-depth looks at high-profile athletes like Brady and Serena Williams. Unlike ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentaries, which often explore lesser-known subjects, these shows shine a light on athletes who have already spent their careers under intense public scrutiny. They differ from journalistic or investigative films, instead offering biographical accounts or commercial promotions of the stars. Although they may not provide unfiltered insights into their subjects, they can offer intriguing perspectives into the lives of sports legends, as presented by the stars themselves. However, the overtly positive portrayal of “Arena” subjects sometimes clashes with ESPN’s diverse programming, which includes live sports, commercials for sports betting, and reports on the negative effects of gambling on sports.
The dominant vein of sports storytelling right now is decidedly nostalgic and backward-looking; if you’re a baseball legend or an NBA titan and you haven’t had your own documentary, call your agent. That said, it’s interesting that the recent shows to offer the most insight into sports today may be Peacock’s not-very-good gladiatorial drama Those About to Die and HBO’s very solid four-hour Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose, which capture the uncomfortable collision of competition, fandom and gambling.
In the world of sports media, ESPN holds an unmatched abundance of resources. With dedication and focus, the acclaimed “30 for 30” series could once again reign supreme in its genre. There are countless untold stories yearning for the limelight, making it an intriguing area for those seeking inspiration. Keep an eye on Paris and Peacock for potential ideas.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Hollywood and its intriguing stories behind the scenes. That’s why I eagerly await the arrival of each new issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. I still remember the thrill I felt when I first came across this particular story in the July 22 edition. If you’re not already a subscriber, trust me, you’re missing out on some juicy insider info! So, click here to subscribe and join me on this exciting journey into Tinsel Town.
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2024-07-23 18:25