Ballers was a hit American comedy featuring film star and ex-WWE wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Beginning in 2015, Ballers ran for five seasons before coming to an end with its finale in October 2019. The series follows ex-NFL player Spencer Strasmore, played by Johnson, who now works with professional football players on the financial side of the business. Throughout the series, Strasmore must come to grips with life after professional football and a new career. The series not only focused on the life of Strasmore but a number of recurring characters that showcased the interactions between football industry insiders. Ballers was a hit series from its first episode on HBO thanks to its combination of humor and sports. It was often described as an updated, sports version of the channel’s previous hit show Entourage. As Ballers progressed and characters such as Strasmore developed, the interest from fans waned and in 2019, HBO canceled the series. Still, it is a much-loved show amongst fans of both football and Johnson.
The Shelf · TV Series
Ballers
Ballers is an American comedy-drama television series created by Stephen Levinson and starring Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player who must navigate his new career of choice as the financial manager of other NFL players.
...As per HBO.
The Gist
Why it caught our attention
At A Glance
Ballers is an American comedy-drama television series created by Stephen Levinson and starring Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player who must navigate his new career of choice as the financial manager of other NFL players.
...As per HBO.
About This Shelf Item
About Ballers
Ballers was an in your face look at the professional sports industry, in particular, the NFL. Many viewers may initially believe Ballers to be a slight rip off of the 1996 film Jerry Maguire. The film starred Tom Cruise as a sports agent seeking to strike out on his own after leaving a sports representation agency. However, the only thing Ballers and Jerry Maguire have in common is the NFL aspect. Ballers is funny, off the wall and lacks the romantic storyline that Jerry Maguire possessed. In fact, Jerry Maguire was simply a rom-com with aspects of the NFL to entice football fans to watch it. Ballers is all about the sports and the financial side of the business, which makes it a fun watch from series one to five.
Why It Belongs
The Sport Connection
One of the great things about Ballers is it isn’t far off of reality. Whether it is Strasmore borrowing money from his own clients or undergoing surgery to repair his broken body from years of playing in the NFL, the storylines feel real. The show demonstrates the respect Strasmore earned playing in the NFL and how it carries over into the real-world post-football. Ballers belongs on the shelf for more than just its realistic look at the life of an ex-football player. The humor and interactions between characters feel authentic. While viewers may think that professional athletes are smart and take great care of their finances, Ballers re-affirms this is a myth and that is why sports professional are needed to help athletes manage their money. Furthermore, the fast-talking, quick-witted banter that was used throughout Ballers is very similar to what is heard around the sports world. The quotes are memorable and roll off the tongue after watching episode after episode of the hit show.
Our Recommendation
Why Watch Ballers
Although Ballers certainly has aspects that have been dressed up by Hollywood scriptwriters, it is based on the realities of working in sports as both an athlete and financial advisor. Since it first aired on HBO, Ballers was praised for “getting it right” when it comes to portraying the sports world. The show depicts the struggles many athletes go through and how much of an impact the financial side of sports plays on their lives. Not only does Ballers offer audiences a great example of the life of an athlete, but the life of ex-pros too. Financial companies, similar to the fictitious one Strasmore works for in Ballers, have been known to hire ex-NFL players to lure other pro football players and athletes to do business. This has become a common tactic used in the financial and player representation world, according to ex-NFL players.
Photo Gallery
A closer look at Ballers
Final Thoughts
SPMA's Final Thoughts
Ballers is one of Johnson’s best film and/or television works. While a lot of his films seem to tread the same waters, Ballers feels different, fresh and exciting. It feels like something he cared far more about and didn’t just do for the money. The show is perfect for sports fans whether hardcore fanatics or casual viewers. Why? Ballers offers a look into the sports world that no television or film has previously. It is a look some sports organizations may not like, but it is one that offers facts in a funny, easy to digest series. Although Ballers was canceled after five series in 2019, which brought Johnson to tears on Instagram, the show lives on and gives sports fans something different than the typical sports show or film. Although Ballers dipped in later seasons, its entire work is perfect for anyone who loves sports-themed television shows.
Keep Exploring
More On The Shelf
