Hey there, fellow basketball fans! If you’re looking to mix things up and watch some of the best basketball-themed TV shows out there, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got drama, comedy, documentaries, and even some anime to get you pumped for the game. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 shows about basketball that you should definitely add to your watchlist!
1. The Last Dance (2020)
A 10-part documentary series called The Last Dance follows Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls on their journey during their final championship campaign in 1997–1998. Since it is the story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, a team that won six NBA titles in the 1990s, that may seem like a given. But keep in mind that basketball is the real focus. It differs from O.J.: Made In America, which focused mainly on issues of race, policing, and the media. It’s not like some of the ESPN’s 30 For 30 series documentaries, to which this feels like a spiritual cousin, use sports to discuss other topics. No, NBA basketball is really, seriously, intensely the subject of The Last Dance. It deals with the reasons behind Michael Jordan’s dominance and notoriety, as well as how to create a team capable of winning that many games. It also discusses how even Jordan was unable to secure championships on his own and how such a dominant player changed the dynamics of the team. It has to do with NBA business, as well as the whims and egos of owners and general managers. This series is a slam dunk for any basketball fan because it is packed with never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews. Get ready to be astounded by one of the best players in the game’s commitment and talent.
2. One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
This teen drama is not just about basketball, but it plays a significant role throughout the series. It follows the lives of half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, who bond over their shared love for the sport. The show is full of emotional twists and turns, but the basketball action is always there to keep things exciting.
3. Hang Time (1995-2000)
Hang Time is a classic ’90s sitcom about a high school basketball team, the Deering Tornadoes. The show deals with different problems that teenagers face, but the main focus is on the team’s journey on and off the court. It’s a perfect blend of laughs, life lessons, and basketball action that’ll keep you entertained.
4. Slam Dunk (1993-1996) Slam Dunk Movie (2023)
This legendary basketball anime is based on the well-known manga by Takehiko Inoue. It is about a high school bully named Hanamichi Sakuragi who grows to love basketball. Slam Dunk is roughly based on a true story of a real Japanese teenager names Hanamichi Sakuragi. The show features a lot of fun games, hilarious moments, and fascinating character developments. I’ve never before seen these well-known manga characters in action, as in “The First Slam Dunk,” until now. I’ve known about them since the 1990s, but I’ve never seen any of their anime or read any of their manga.
This prompts me to question whether I will feel lost after watching this new anime film. The creator of “Slam Dunk,” Takehiko Inoue, who also wrote and directed “The First Slam Dunk,” thankfully ensures that even newcomers like me can enjoy the manga/anime series as much as the fans without the confusion? The anime movie, which had its world premiere in Japan last December and quickly became a big hit there, was welcomed with a lot of fanfare. After the movie expanded its international rollouts in several Asian countries so far in early 2023, the success of “The First Slam Dunk” piqued my interest and curiosity to finally see what all the fuss is about.
It makes sense that “The First Slam Dunk” struck a chord with many fans and audiences in Japan in the first place after experiencing a 124-minute cinematic ride of exhilaratingly staged basketball court action, the poignancy of the characters, and its heartfelt yet engrossing story covering topics like determination and never-give-up-attitude. Even if you are not a fan of basketball, there was a sense of familiarity that made it easy for most of us to identify with and cheer for the characters. Every sports-obsessed anime fan must watch it.
It’s a must-watch for any anime fan who loves sports.
1. Coach Carter (2005)
Although this is technically a movie, it is simply too good to leave off the list. In the movie Coach Carter, which is based on a true story, Samuel L. Jackson plays a high school basketball coach whose goal is to instill in his players the value of education and teamwork. Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Ken Carter, is a store manager when he decides to take on a new job as the coach of the Richmond High Oliers, a ragtag basketball team that has been losing for years, in exchange for a pitiful salary. It’s 1998, and some of the records he set there as a star athlete are displayed on the walls of the school. Carter, a rigid and principled man, is convinced that he can improve the lot of the team’s primarily underprivileged African-American players. He makes the players sign a contract promising to maintain a minimum grade average, attend all classes, sit in the front row, and wear a suit and tie on the day of each game. He also demands that everyone address him as “sir” as a mark of respect. When someone is late or violates any of the strict rules intended to prepare them for competition, this strict disciplinarian assigns them onerous physical exercises. Basketball fans will love this motivational movie, which also serves as a potent reminder of what it means to work as a team.
2. Inside the NBA (1989-Present)
This long-running sports talk show is hosted by Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. It has just the right amount of basketball analysis, humor, and discussion. Ernie Johnson (“The Traffic Cop”), Kenny Smith (“The Role Player”), Charles Barkley (“The Entertainer”), and Shaquille O’Neal (“The Entertainer”) are the central characters in each episode, which has a different theme each time (“The Little Brother”). The names are appropriate, since most studio shows that have tried to copy this formula of media personalities have mostly failed. The Inside Story always talked about how important the group’s chemistry was, even when Johnson, Smith, and Barkley were the only members of the quartet. But The Inside Story often uses comments from players, celebrity fans like Common and Snoop Dogg, and many sports commentators from competing media companies to prove that the show is entertaining, which is what makes it stand out from the rest. The documentary series makes it clear that watching a recap of the games you just watched – even the bad ones – is not the reason why viewers choose to stay up way past their bedtime. Examples include Shaqtin’ A Fool, EJ’s Neato Stat of the Night, and the hilariously famous “Chariots of Backfire” races. Inside the NBA is a must-watch for anyone who wants to stay up to date on the latest news and highlights in the world of basketball because the hosts’ chemistry keeps the show entertaining.
3. Basketball or Nothing (2019)
The Navajo Nation’s Chinle High School basketball team from Arizona pursues its goal of taking home a state championship in this Netflix documentary series. Docuseries on Netflix Similar to Last Chance U, Basketball or Nothing follows sports teams made up of young people who experience personal adversity and place their faith in their ability to succeed on the fields and courts. The new show centers on the Chinle Wildcats, a small-town Arizona team that plays on a Navajo reservation where the population is only 4,500 but the high school basketball arena has 6,000 seats. A heartfelt and motivational look into these young athletes’ lives and the struggles they deal with both on and off the field is provided by Basketball or Nothing.
4. Ballers (2015-2019)
Ballers is a comedy-drama show where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a former NFL player who now helps other athletes manage their money. While it’s not strictly about basketball, the show does feature guest appearances from NBA stars like Steph Curry and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of professional athletes.
4. Kuroko’s Basketball (2012-2015)
Another popular basketball anime, Kuroko’s Basketball, focuses on the high school team Se
irin High and their quest to become Japan’s best. The show features an interesting twist, as one of the main characters, Kuroko, has a unique talent for blending in and making his teammates shine. Filled with exciting gameplay and memorable characters, this anime is a great watch for fans who enjoy a mix of sports and supernatural elements.
5. Playmakers (2003)
This short-lived ESPN drama series offers a gritty and realistic look at what it’s like to play professional basketball despite the fact that it didn’t last long. This places it in the same peculiar category as Gold Eagle, the only male reader-friendly action-adventure series published by Harlequin Enterprises. (Normal titles run the gamut from “Cold Death” to “Death Deal”). Men’s romance books are non-romantic books at Harlequin. According to ESPN, a women’s sports soap opera is a soap opera without sports. Playmakers follows the lives of NBA players as they deal with issues at work and in their personal lives. With its compelling character arcs and compelling storylines, the show provides an enthralling glimpse into the world of professional basketball.
So, there you have it – our top 10 basketball TV shows that are sure to get you in the mood for some hoops action. Whether you’re looking for drama, comedy, or documentaries, these shows offer a diverse range of entertainment options for basketball fans. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and start binge-watching your way through the world of basketball-themed television. Enjoy! If you’re a sports fan and want to expose sports outside of basketball, then why not football? Check out LordPing.co.uk for the latest of UK Football.
