The 30 Best Sports TV Series of All Time

Sports have always been a source of incredible stories. These stories are full of passion, drama, and the pursuit of greatness. It’s no wonder that television has embraced sports, creating shows that capture the hearts of fans and non-fans alike. From the locker room to the field, these series give us a look at the lives of athletes, the challenges they face, and the triumphs they achieve. They show us the human side of sports, making us care about more than just the final score.

This list celebrates the best sports TV series ever made. It includes a wide range of shows, from documentaries that tell the real stories behind the games to fictional dramas that create their own legends. You’ll find comedies that make us laugh at the lighter side of competition and series that explore the impact of sports on society. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for a great story, these shows offer something for everyone. They remind us why we love sports and the powerful stories they can tell.

Friday Night Lights (2006)

This drama series follows a high school football team in the small, football-obsessed town of Dillon, Texas. The show focuses on the lives of the players, their families, and their coach, Eric Taylor. It explores the immense pressure on these young athletes to win and the impact that football has on the entire community. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of small-town life and its deep character development.

Friday Night Lights was praised by critics for its authentic storytelling and strong performances. It tackled complex social issues like racism, family values, and the lack of economic opportunity in rural America. Though it never achieved high ratings during its run, the show developed a passionate fanbase and has become a beloved classic. It won several awards, including a Peabody Award and Emmy Awards for writing and acting.

Ted Lasso (2020)

This comedy series follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to manage a British soccer team. Despite having no experience with the sport, he tries to win over the skeptical English community with his relentless optimism and kindness. The show is about more than just sports; it’s a story about leadership, empathy, and human connection.

Ted Lasso quickly became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its heartwarming humor and positive message. The series won numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series. It has been celebrated for its ability to be both funny and emotionally resonant, offering a hopeful perspective during challenging times.

The Last Dance (2020)

This documentary series chronicles the career of basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s. The series focuses on the 1997-98 season, which was Jordan’s final year with the team. It features never-before-seen footage from that season, as well as interviews with Jordan, his teammates, and other key figures from that era.

The Last Dance was a massive success, captivating audiences around the world. It offered an in-depth look at one of the greatest athletes and teams in sports history. The series was praised for its compelling storytelling and for providing a new perspective on Michael Jordan’s competitive drive and complex personality. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.

All American (2018)

This drama series is inspired by the real-life story of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. The show follows Spencer James, a talented high school football player from a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High. The series explores the clash between two very different worlds and the challenges Spencer faces on and off the field.

All American has been praised for its engaging storylines and its exploration of important social issues. The show addresses topics such as race, class, and identity, while also delivering exciting football action. It has gained a large and loyal following for its compelling characters and its ability to blend sports drama with meaningful social commentary.

GLOW (2017)

This comedy-drama is a fictionalized story based on the real-life 1980s women’s professional wrestling circuit, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). The series follows a group of struggling actresses and misfits who find an unlikely path to stardom in the world of wrestling. The show is set in Los Angeles and captures the vibrant and sometimes gaudy style of the 1980s.

GLOW received widespread critical acclaim for its humor, heart, and talented ensemble cast. The series was celebrated for its empowering portrayal of women and its clever writing. It successfully balanced comedy with moments of genuine drama, exploring the personal and professional lives of its diverse characters with depth and sensitivity.

Cobra Kai (2018)

This series is a continuation of The Karate Kid film series, set decades after the original movies. It follows the original characters, Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, as they reignite their old rivalry when Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo. The show explores themes of redemption, rivalry, and the challenges of moving on from the past.

Cobra Kai has been a huge hit with both old fans of the movies and new audiences. It has been praised for its blend of nostalgia, action, and humor, as well as its well-developed characters. The series successfully captures the spirit of the original films while creating a fresh and compelling story for a new generation.

Welcome to Wrexham (2022)

This documentary series follows Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as they purchase and manage Wrexham A.F.C., one of the oldest professional soccer clubs in the world. The show documents their efforts to turn the struggling Welsh team into a success story, both on and off the field. It also highlights the hopes and concerns of the dedicated fans and the local community.

Welcome to Wrexham has been praised for its heartfelt and inspiring story. The series goes beyond the typical sports documentary by focusing on the deep connection between the club and its town. It shows the genuine passion of the owners and their commitment to making a difference, creating a feel-good story about community and the power of sports.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019)

This documentary series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. Each season follows the drivers, team principals, and races of the F1 World Championship. The show highlights the intense rivalries, the personal struggles of the drivers, and the dramatic moments that unfold throughout the season.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive has been credited with dramatically increasing the global popularity of Formula 1, especially in the United States. The series has made the sport more accessible to a new and younger audience by focusing on the human stories behind the races. Its dramatic storytelling and exclusive access have made it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to the sport.

Coach (1989)

This classic sitcom stars Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox, the head coach of the fictional Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles football team. The series follows his professional life as a coach and his personal life, including his relationships with his assistant coaches, his daughter, and his girlfriend-turned-wife. The show is known for its lighthearted humor and relatable characters.

Coach was a popular and long-running series that won multiple Emmy Awards. It was praised for its comedic writing and the charming performance of Craig T. Nelson. The show offered a humorous look at the world of college football and became a beloved sitcom of the 1990s.

The White Shadow (1978)

This groundbreaking drama series tells the story of Ken Reeves, a white former professional basketball player who takes a job as the head coach at a predominantly Black and Hispanic inner-city high school. The show was one of the first television series to feature a predominantly minority cast. It dealt with many serious social issues, including racism, drug abuse, and poverty.

The White Shadow was highly praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects. It was a pioneering series that used the setting of a high school basketball team to explore important social themes. The show was a critical success and is remembered for its significant contribution to television history.

Sports Night (1998)

Created by Aaron Sorkin, this sitcom is set behind the scenes of a fictional sports news show. The series focuses on the personal and professional lives of the show’s anchors, producers, and crew. It is known for Sorkin’s signature fast-paced, witty dialogue and its blend of comedy and drama.

Sports Night was a critical darling, praised for its sharp writing and talented ensemble cast. Although it only ran for two seasons, it developed a dedicated cult following and is considered a classic of the genre. The show offered a smart and funny look at the world of sports broadcasting.

Eastbound & Down (2009)

This comedy series stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a washed-up former professional baseball pitcher with a huge ego. After his career collapses, he is forced to return to his hometown and work as a substitute gym teacher at his old middle school. The show follows his hilarious and often cringeworthy attempts to make a comeback and reclaim his former glory.

Eastbound & Down is known for its dark humor and the unforgettable character of Kenny Powers. The show pushes the boundaries of comedy with its profane and outrageous situations. It has become a cult classic, praised for its sharp writing and McBride’s fearless performance.

Ballers (2015)

This comedy-drama stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL superstar trying to find a new career as a financial manager for current football players. The series offers a glimpse into the lavish and often chaotic lives of professional athletes in Miami. It explores the business side of sports and the challenges players face off the field.

Ballers was a popular series for HBO, thanks in large part to the charisma of its star, Dwayne Johnson. The show was praised for its entertaining mix of comedy and drama, as well as its look at the high-stakes world of professional football. It provided an inside look at the lives of modern athletes and the pressures they face.

Blue Mountain State (2010)

This sitcom centers on the football team at the fictional Blue Mountain State university. The show is a wild and over-the-top comedy that focuses on the team’s outrageous off-the-field antics, including parties, hazing, and wild social lives. It follows a trio of incoming freshmen as they navigate the chaotic world of college football.

Blue Mountain State is known for its raunchy humor and satirical take on college life. While not a critical darling, the show developed a significant cult following for its non-stop gags and memorable characters. It has been compared to classic college comedies like Animal House and remains popular with its dedicated fanbase.

A League of Their Own (2022)

This series is a new adaptation of the classic film of the same name. It follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. The show explores the lives of the female athletes who fought to play professional baseball, while also tackling important themes of race, gender, and sexuality that were not as prominent in the original film.

This version of A League of Their Own has been praised for its fresh perspective and its deeper exploration of social issues. It has been celebrated for its diverse cast of characters and its ability to be both funny and emotionally resonant. The series offers a new generation a chance to fall in love with the story of these pioneering female athletes.

Heels (2021)

This drama series is set in the world of independent professional wrestling in small-town Georgia. It follows two brothers and rivals, one a “heel” (a villain in the wrestling world) and the other a “face” (a hero), as they compete over their late father’s wrestling promotion. The show explores family dynamics, small-town life, and the passion and dedication required to succeed in the world of indie wrestling.

Heels has received positive reviews for its compelling story and strong performances, particularly from its leads, Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig. The series offers a realistic and respectful look at the world of professional wrestling, showing the hard work and artistry that goes into creating the spectacle in the ring.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022)

This drama series chronicles the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most dominant and iconic dynasties in sports history. The show follows the arrival of Magic Johnson and the implementation of the “Showtime” era, which revolutionized the game of basketball. It portrays the key figures of the team, including owner Jerry Buss, coach Pat Riley, and star players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Winning Time has been noted for its fast-paced, energetic style and its engaging portrayal of a legendary sports era. The show captures the glitz and glamour of 1980s Los Angeles and the larger-than-life personalities of the Lakers team. While it has faced some controversy for its historical dramatizations, it has been praised for its entertainment value and compelling storytelling.

Last Chance U (2016)

This documentary series follows the lives of young men who are playing football at junior colleges. These athletes often have immense talent but have faced academic or personal challenges that have derailed their dreams of playing at a major university. The series shows their last chance to get back on track and earn a spot at a Division I program.

Last Chance U is a powerful and emotional series that provides a raw and unfiltered look at the high-stakes world of junior college football. It has been praised for its compelling human stories and its ability to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of these young athletes. The series shows the immense pressure they are under to succeed, both on and off the field.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018)

This documentary series follows the English soccer club Sunderland A.F.C. during their tumultuous seasons in the second and third tiers of English football. The show provides an intimate look at the club’s struggles, the passion of its fanbase, and the deep connection between the team and the city of Sunderland. It captures the highs and lows of a football season from the perspective of the players, management, and the loyal supporters.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die is considered one of the most authentic and moving sports documentaries ever made. It stands out for its focus on the fans and the community, showing how much the success of the local club means to the people of a working-class city. The series is a powerful testament to the unwavering loyalty of sports fans, even in the face of constant disappointment.

Cheer (2020)

This documentary series takes viewers inside the world of competitive college cheerleading, following the highly successful Navarro College cheer team from Corsicana, Texas. The show documents the incredible athleticism, intense training, and personal stories of the team members as they prepare to compete for a national championship. It highlights the physical and emotional demands of the sport.

Cheer became a surprise hit and a cultural sensation, bringing mainstream attention to the world of competitive cheerleading. The series was praised for its thrilling routines and for showcasing the dedication and resilience of the athletes. It also delved into the personal backgrounds of the cheerleaders, creating compelling human stories that resonated with audiences.

Icarus (2017)

This documentary begins as a personal experiment by filmmaker Bryan Fogel to investigate the world of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he connects with Grigory Rodchenkov, the head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory. Rodchenkov reveals the details of a massive state-sponsored doping program in Russia, turning the film into a gripping geopolitical thriller.

Icarus is a shocking and important film that had a major real-world impact. It exposed one of the biggest scandals in sports history and led to significant consequences for Russia’s participation in international sports. The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for its brave and compelling investigation.

O.J.: Made in America (2016)

This epic five-part documentary series examines the life of O.J. Simpson, from his rise to fame as a football hero to his controversial acquittal for murder. The series goes beyond the famous trial to explore the complex issues of race, celebrity, and justice in America. It places Simpson’s story within the larger context of the history of Los Angeles and the country’s racial tensions.

O.J.: Made in America is a monumental work of documentary filmmaking that received universal acclaim. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and is considered one of the most important documentaries of its time. The series provides a deep and thought-provoking look at a story that captivated and divided the nation.

Kingdom (2014)

This drama series is set in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) in Venice, California. It centers on Alvey Kulina, a retired MMA legend who runs a gym where he trains fighters, including his two sons. The show explores the gritty and intense lives of these fighters as they deal with addiction, family conflicts, and the brutal physical and mental challenges of the sport.

Kingdom was praised by critics for its raw and realistic portrayal of the MMA world. The series was noted for its strong performances, complex characters, and powerful storytelling. It offered a compelling look at the sacrifices and struggles of those who dedicate their lives to the demanding sport of mixed martial arts.

Brockmire (2017)

This comedy series stars Hank Azaria as Jim Brockmire, a famous Major League Baseball announcer who has a public meltdown on air after discovering his wife’s infidelity. A decade later, he tries to resurrect his career by calling games for a minor league team in a small, struggling town. The show follows his hilarious and often poignant journey of redemption.

Brockmire received critical acclaim for its sharp, witty writing and for Hank Azaria’s brilliant performance in the title role. The series is known for its clever and often profane humor, but it also has a surprising amount of heart. It evolved from a simple comedy into a thoughtful exploration of addiction, recovery, and finding a second chance.

The League (2009)

This semi-improvised sitcom focuses on a group of old friends who are in a fantasy football league. The show uses the league as a backdrop for the characters’ hilarious and often immature rivalries and interactions. It explores how their obsession with fantasy football affects their relationships, jobs, and daily lives.

The League was a popular and long-running comedy that appealed to both fantasy sports fans and general audiences. Its improvised style gave it a natural and spontaneous feel, and it was known for its clever and often inappropriate humor. The show successfully captured the camaraderie and friendly competition that define many fantasy sports leagues.

Playmakers (2003)

This drama series from ESPN offered a fictionalized look at the lives of a professional football team. The show was notable for its gritty and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of professional sports, tackling controversial issues such as drug use, domestic violence, and the immense physical toll of the game. It depicted the players’ lives both on and off the field.

Playmakers was a highly-rated and critically acclaimed series, but it was also very controversial. The National Football League (NFL) was reportedly unhappy with the show’s negative portrayal of the sport and pressured ESPN to cancel it. Despite its short run of only one season, Playmakers is remembered as a bold and groundbreaking series that wasn’t afraid to show the unglamorous side of professional football.

Shoresy (2022)

This comedy series is a spin-off of the popular Canadian show Letterkenny. It follows the character of Shoresy, a foul-mouthed and relentless hockey player, as he joins a struggling senior AAA hockey team in Sudbury, Ontario. He makes a bet that the team will never lose again and dedicates himself to whipping his new teammates into shape.

Shoresy has been a hit with fans of Letterkenny and has also found a new audience. The show is praised for its rapid-fire, witty dialogue and its unique brand of humor. It successfully expands on a fan-favorite character while creating its own distinct and hilarious world centered on the rough-and-tumble culture of senior league hockey.

30 for 30 (2009)

This documentary series, created by ESPN, consists of individual films that explore a wide range of stories from the world of sports. Each episode is directed by a different filmmaker and covers a different topic, from famous athletes and teams to memorable games and controversial events. The series has produced a vast and diverse collection of sports stories.

30 for 30 is widely regarded as one of the best documentary series ever made. It has been praised for its high-quality filmmaking, its in-depth storytelling, and its ability to find the human drama in sports. The series has won numerous awards, including a Peabody Award, and has set a new standard for sports documentaries.

The English Game (2020)

This historical drama miniseries, created by Julian Fellowes, explores the origins of modern soccer in 19th-century England. The story focuses on the class divisions between the wealthy amateurs who created the sport and the working-class factory workers who began to play it professionally. It follows two real-life figures, Arthur Kinnaird and Fergus Suter, who were instrumental in transforming the game.

The English Game offers a fascinating look at the early days of one of the world’s most popular sports. The series is praised for its historical detail, its beautiful production design, and its compelling story about the fight to make soccer a game for everyone. It highlights the social changes that were taking place in England at the time and how they were reflected in the world of sports.

The Game (2006)

This comedy-drama series offers a look into the lives of the wives and girlfriends of professional football players. It follows the stories of a group of women who are connected to a fictional NFL team in San Diego. The show explores the challenges and drama that come with being in a relationship with a high-profile athlete, from dealing with fame and infidelity to navigating the competitive world of professional sports.

The Game developed a very loyal and passionate fanbase during its run. The show was praised for its blend of humor and drama, and for its engaging characters. It offered a unique perspective on the world of professional football by focusing on the women who are often in the background, providing a glimpse into their lives and relationships.