Playmakers

Playmakers was a short-lived TV series on ESPN that provided a gritty depiction of the life of the players of the Cougars, a fictional professional football team. The show, which ran eleven original episodes from August 26, 2003 to November 11, 2003, was the first original drama series created by ESPN. Though it had slick production values and a critically acclaimed cast, it was criticized for predictable and often sensationalist storylines, while simultaneously praised by publications such as TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly. The show dealt with controversial issues plaguing professional leagues, including steroids, domestic abuse, and rumors of homosexuality. The NFL was unhappy with the way the show portrayed professional football players, which prompted ESPN (a sister network of Monday Night Football broadcaster ABC), to cancel the show. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/columnists/sfl-tvtjcolfeb12,0,1129513.column

Related Topics:
TV series - ESPN - Professional - Football - August 26 - 2003 - November 11 - Drama - Steroids - Domestic abuse - Homosexuality - NFL - Monday Night Football - ABC

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