Ballers

Ballers traces the aftermath of a pro football career through Spencer Strasmore, a one-time superstar who shifts into a role advising current and former players. Now working in Miami, he leverages his contacts and hard-won street smarts to manage contracts, endorsements and personal crises, while trying to build a stable life off the field. The show mixes comedy with drama as Spencer handles client emergencies, business deals and reputation management, and his relationships, rivalries and private struggles reveal how money and fame complicate everyday choices. Scenes swing between locker-room heat and boardroom pressure without spoiling later turns.

Premiering on HBO in 2015, Ballers was created by Stephen Levinson and led by Dwayne Johnson as star and executive producer, supported by Rob Corddry and John David Washington, and expanded casting across later seasons.

The series drew modest awards attention across cable and industry circles but didn't rack up major Emmy or Golden Globe wins. Performances, particularly Johnson's, earned praise and occasional nominations at genre and network awards, where supporting actors and guest turns were highlighted. Critics also pointed to the show's tone and Johnson's charisma.

Ballers helped cement Dwayne Johnson's status on television and made the behind-the-scenes business of professional sports more visible to mainstream audiences. Its glossy Miami setting, focus on athlete lifestyle and locker-room politics influenced later TV dramas and helped shape popular perceptions of player off-field lives.

Critical response was mixed to positive, reflected in a 6.78/10 average from viewers, with many praising the ensemble and slick production while others criticized uneven plotting. Recurring themes include identity after retirement, the commodification of athletes, loyalty and ethical gray areas around sports money, and later seasons sometimes felt repetitive to some viewers.