The popularity of sports seemingly has no bounds and in a bid to capitalise on its enduring appeal, TV production companies have recorded and released numerous sports-related titles to the masses over the years.
The innate drama that’s built into sports is what makes following your favourite players and teams so captivating, though the ups and downs that follow the same sporting adventures have also provided almost limitless inspiration for plotline and script writers.
Ted Lasso has taken the genre in a fresh, new direction recently, but if you’ve already binged your way through that one, we’ve got some suggested viewing for you below in our rundown of the 10 best sports tv shows of all time.
10. The League (FX, 2009–2015)
The Fantasy Football subculture in the USA takes centre stage in this often raunchy ensemble comedy, which follows a group of Chicago friends as they duke it out in their hyper-competitive league.
Characters like the oblivious Taco (Jon Lajoie), constantly scheming Ruxin (Nick Kroll) and a formidable supporting cast add real depth when delivering the episodes’ hilarious misadventures, while satirising the obsession many have with the NFL draft and Fantasy Football in general.
There is an improvisational feel and celebrity guest spots from real-life NFL players to enjoy, adding authenticity to the laughs. Though the show is based in the USA and is rooted in the NFL, the takes on friendship, rivalry and obsessive behaviour are universal and are relatable for UK and Irish audiences.
9. Cobra Kai (Netflix, 2018–present)
The Karate Kid and its sequel were seminal movies for anyone of a certain vintage in the 1980s, so when the story was picked up again, it generated plenty of nostalgic buzz.
In the 2018 Netflix series, the blonde-haired bully from the original movies, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, which was the base of the original “baddies” back in the day, reigniting his rivalry with hero Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).
We don’t want to give too much away, but what follows is a multi-generational story of mentorship, toxic masculinity and redemption, with nods to the original movies and new perspectives given to old stories.
Cobra Kai is a beautifully balanced series and while it stays true to its origins, it also builds brilliantly on the source material to take the plot in new directions.
8. GLOW (Netflix, 2017–2019)
Another series that buys into the 80s culture revival, GLOW, which stands for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, follows a ragtag group of women during the formation stage of their pro-wrestling troupe.
Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin shine as unlikely allies in this one as they navigate personal dramas and sexism against the backdrop, glitz and glamour of campy in-ring performances.
Beyond the spandex, body slams, emotion, wit and action, GLOW offers a sharp commentary on female empowerment and friendship. The 1980s-style training montages and soundtrack are awesome, and complement the athleticism and spectacle that the wrestling showcases.
In fact, GLOW won an award for Outstanding Action Performance By A Stunt Ensemble In A Comedy Or Drama Series in 2019 by the Screen Actors Guild.
7. Sports Night (ABC, 1998–2000)
Aaron Sorkin’s fast-talking workplace dramedy concerns a cable sports show, with anchors Dan and Casey (Josh Charles and Peter Krause) navigating deadlines, personal crises, ethical dilemmas and more with signature Sorkin wit and idealism.
The show still has a considerable cult following today despite having a short run and wrapping 26 years ago. Its blend of humour, romance and behind-the-scenes insight into the inner workings of sports media means this series remains influential and timeless.
Unfortunately for Sports Night, the show seemed to find its audience after it was cancelled. During its two-year stint with ABC, viewing figures were low, and creator Sorkin jumped ship shortly after to work on the West Wing.
6. Eastbound & Down (HBO, 2009–2013)
This baseball-themed sports drama centres around anti-hero Kenny Powers (Danny McBride), a foul-mouthed protagonist and washed-up pitcher clawing around for a comeback.
The series mixes crude humour with some pretty solid reflections on fame, failure and redemption, which become more poignant when positioned amid the laughs.
This is McBride at his very best and his cutting insults, off-beat humour and eccentricity are the driving forces of this laugh-a-minute romp. Unusual and hilarious, Steve Little (Stevie Janowski) is a superb sidekick for Powers and a very easy character to root for throughout.
There are heavyweight comedy cameos littered throughout this series to look out for too, including recurring appearances by Will Ferrell, Jason Sudeikis, Michael Pena, Craig Robinson, Adam Scott and Matthew McConaughey.
5. Dream Team (SKY 1997-2007)
Dream Team aimed to grab onto the coattails of the Premier League boom in England and its first season in 1997 had a mammoth 64 episodes, each one delivered in a British soap style that allowed it to gain plenty of popularity.
The premise of the show, which ran for 419 episodes over ten seasons, was straightforward enough and followed a fabricated team, Harchester United, as they played in the Premier League.
It had a revolving cast through the years, though there was something especially magical about the first series, which followed the trials and tribulations of some youth team players (remember Conor and Warren’s burger van!) alongside the first-team stuff.
4. The Last Dance (ESPN/Netflix, 2020)
We’re drifting into documentary territory here, but this groundbreaking series deserves a mention and gets a major recommendation for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.
The Last Dance chronicles the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan’s epic 1997-98 season, giving viewers unprecedented access to footage and interviews from one of basketball’s golden dynasty eras. If this Bulls outfit were around today, they would be odds on favourites with the best betting sites in the UK to canter to NBA titles
Really, this is much more than another sports doc, it’s a reflective deep dive into the burden of greatness, leadership and legacy. The show has been captivating audiences around the globe since its release in 2020 and it was a big favourite during the pandemic thanks to the immense storytelling that envelops each episode.
3. Friday Night Lights (NBC, 2006–2011)
Adapted from the 1990 book Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H. G. Bissinger, this series follows a Texas high school football team in Dillon, a town where the sport permeates every aspect of life.
Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is the lead who struggles to maintain integrity amid community pressure, personal struggles and a hefty dollop of teenage drama.
This is an authentic portrayal of what life can really be like in small-town America, and looks at race issues, class tensions and the pressures of youth. The series, which ran for 76 episodes, can make for gripping viewing, even now.
2. Welcome to Wrexham (FX, 2022–present)
A standout for UK audiences, this football documentary follows Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they take over Wrexham AFC, a historic but underperforming Welsh club in England’s lower leagues.
The show is all about community, friendship, the harsh realities of ownership, overcoming obstacles and the emotional impact felt by anyone who loves a football club.
This heartwarming series is both insightful and uplifting, and it has struck a chord with British fans and indeed, supporters elsewhere too. Naturally, with Reynolds and McElhenney on board, there is no shortage of humour either.
The series is already on its fourth season and is close to 50 episodes in, so there is plenty to sink your teeth into if you fancy tuning in.
1. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+, 2020–2023)
Ranking at number one in our list of the 10 best sports TV shows of all time is Ted Lasso. The series earns its berth at the summit for revolutionising sports comedy.
Ted’s unwavering optimism in the face of adversity unites a sceptical locker room and divided fanbase at fictional Premier League team AFC Richmond, and we get to follow the journey.
Themes of mental health struggles, forgiveness, positivity and believe that resonate beyond soccer and sports, are common throughout, while Jason Sudeikis’s performances as the lead have been strong enough to win an Emmy.
Sudeikis is aided by a sensational supporting cast in Ted Lasso, including Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple. Expect genuine laughs and moments where it’s a struggle to hold back the tears. Ted Lasso continues to be a cultural phenomenon with tons of rewatchability.
