‘Ballers’ Is The Next Great HBO Series
In the past few years, HBO has been killing it with original content. In 2014, HBO introduced True Detective, which led new a new wave of Internet speculation after each new episode aired, and Game of Thrones is one of the most watch shows on any network. On June 21st, we’re introduced to a new series about a former football player played by Dwayne Johnson as he deals with his retirement, new job, and all that comes with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15lfITfxMDI
Social Underground had the opportunity to preview the first four episodes of Ballers, and I have to admit, I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. The previews gave off the vibe of the show being like Entourage, but in the sports world. I really hesitated before watching this because I wasn’t a big fan of Entourage, but Johnson is so damn likeable, and Berg’s reputation for putting out quality television gave me the push forward to check this show out. It was worth it.
How can players making millions of dollars a year end up blowing all their cash after they retire or even during their time in the NFL? It’s confusing, but it just shows what happens when someone gets an abundance of money in a short period of time. Ballers shows that certain members allow themselves to be taken advantage of by their family, friends, members of the community, and their feelings of having to help others. You begin to see the frustration of having to deal with people who don’t listen to associates trying to look out for their best interests because of certain voices in their ear. Ballers shows you the inside look at what probably happens with athletes sudden rise to fame and fortune and what they may not expect to come with it.
Ballers also takes a look at the fallout from playing football. Head injuries, insomnia, and drug abuse are all covered in the show to display the difficulties that comes with being hit by a 300-pound brick at full speed every Sunday. When your job is to be a tough guy for a living, you may not want to open up to a physician about your trouble sleeping at night, abusing pills, and waking up in a cold sweat because of bad dreams.
I look forward to checking out the rest of the season, and will tune in when it premieres. The 10-episode first season of Ballers will premiere on Sunday, June 21st right after the season premiere of True Detective.
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Jeff Sorensen is an author, writer and occasional comedian living in Detroit, Michigan. You can look for more of his work on The Huffington Post, UPROXX, BGR and by just looking up his name.
Contact: jeff@socialunderground.com