Lasting just one season, 1st and 10 throws recently divorced Diane Barrow into the fire, as she must learn how to run a professional football franchise, having become the owner as a part of the divorce settlement.
One of two shows on this list to come out before the turn of the millennium, Coach tells the story of a college football coach, his staff, his family, and how it all impacts a man who sees the world through the lens of football.
The only active show on this list, All American is inspired by the life of pro football player Spencer Paysinger. This drama showcases what happens when a socioeconomically disadvantaged high school football player joins an elite program laden with privilege.
In the early 2000s, ESPN dabbled in original programming. Playmakers offered an all too realistic fictional look at the dynamics of players and coaches of NFL players. It was canceled after just one season, which many speculated was due to the NFL not being too pleased with its portrayal in the show. It would undoubtedly be higher on this list if it lasted more than one season.
Spanning three seasons from 2010-2011, Blue Mountain State is a fictional college with a football team that expects excellence, despite its penchant for being a wild party school. Darin Brooks stars as backup quarterback Alex Moran, but Alan Ritchson steals the show as linebacker Thad Castle. The cast returned for a crowdfunded movie special in 2016 entitled Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland.
Debuting during the early stages of the fantasy football boom, The League follows a group of adults (who often act like children) through the lens of their long-running fantasy football league. Shenanigans ensue.
One of the most recent shows on this list running from 2015-2019, Dwayne Johnson stars as Spencer Strasmore, a retired football player who is now an up and coming hotshot sports agent. John David Washington also became a star as aging veteran WR Ricky Jerrett.
It’s hard to make an argument against Friday Night Lights for the top spot. Running from 2006-2011, this show tells the story of the fictional Dillon Panthers, one of the nation’s best high school football teams. Kyle Chandler stars as Coach Eric Taylor, but the real stars of the show are the kids of Dillon and, eventually East Dillon, many of whom went on to become big time stars. Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose.
