7.3 / 10 (based on 670 reviews)
The lives of the Chinle High School boys’ basketball team based on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
Shows Most Like Basketball or Nothing (2019)
Last Chance U: Basketball (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 3163 reviews)
Explore an honest and gritty look inside the world of community college basketball.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes
Last Chance U (2016)
8.4 / 10 (based on 7182 reviews)
Intense look inside the world of junior college football, chronicling the stories of players and coaches in the classroom and on the field.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: Ron Ollie, Brittany Wagner, Buddy Stephens, John III Franklin
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 40 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
QB1: Beyond the Lights (2017)
7.7 / 10 (based on 935 reviews)
Follows three high school quarterbacks from different backgrounds, playing in different environments as they face immense pressure and similar challenges in trying to be successful high school quarterbacks.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: Jake Fromm, Tayvon Bowers, Tate Martell, Lance LeGendre
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 30 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Titletown High (2021)
5.7 / 10 (based on 379 reviews)
Titletown High follows the nation’s winningest high school football team as they tackle age-old rivalries, teenage romance and real-life drama while vying for a championship title under infamous head coach Rush Propst.
Genre: Reality-TV, Sport
Main Cast: Jake Garcia, Zoey Watson, Lenley Gross, Malia Spells
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes
The Playbook (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 1558 reviews)
The Playbook profiles legendary coaches as they share the rules they live by to achieve success in sports and in life.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: José Mourinho, Glenn ‘Doc’ Rivers, Dawn Staley, Patrick Mouratoglou
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes
Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 8655 reviews)
Highlights the unfailing passion Sunderland residents have for their beloved football club, taking viewers through the highs and lows of SAFC’s 2017-18 season in the Championship following its relegation the previous year.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: Aiden McGeady, Nick Barnes, George Honeyman, Peter Farrer
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes, 39.0-minute runtime
Basketball or Nothing is a docuseries that takes you to the heart of Arizona, where the Chinle High School basketball team is on a quest for glory. This series isn’t just about the game; it’s a deep dive into the lives, dreams, and challenges faced by these young athletes and their community. Here’s why this show is more than just a sports documentary and why it matters.
The Setting
Chinle, Arizona, is located in the Navajo Nation reservation. This is a place where basketball is not just a game; it’s a lifeline. For many of the young people here, the sport offers a way out of poverty and a path to something bigger than themselves. The series does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the town and its inhabitants, setting the stage for a story that’s as much about community and culture as it is about sports.
The Team
At the heart of the series is the Chinle High School Wildcats basketball team. These aren’t your typical high school athletes. Each player brings his own story of resilience, hope, and struggle, making the team’s journey to the state championships more than just a quest for a title. It’s about proving something to themselves and their community.
The Coach
Raul Mendoza, the team’s coach, is a figure of immense respect and complexity. With decades of coaching under his belt, Mendoza is more than just a coach; he’s a mentor, a father figure, and sometimes, a lifeline. His dedication to the team and his understanding of the game’s importance to the community are evident throughout the series.
The Struggles
The series doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by the team and the broader community. From personal tragedies and academic challenges to the socioeconomic issues that plague the reservation, Basketball or Nothing presents a raw and unfiltered look at the obstacles these young athletes must overcome. These struggles add depth to the series, transforming it from a simple sports documentary into a compelling narrative about perseverance and resilience.
The Games
Of course, at the center of it all is basketball. The series captures the highs and lows of the Wildcats’ season with a palpable intensity. From nail-biting finishes to devastating losses, the games are a microcosm of the team’s broader journey. The action on the court is filmed with a keen eye for drama, making each game as thrilling as any scripted showdown.
The Impact
What sets Basketball or Nothing apart is its impact, both on and off the court. For the players and many in Chinle, the team’s success is a source of pride and a beacon of hope. The series highlights how sports can bring a community together, offering a sense of identity and purpose. Beyond the reservation, the show has brought attention to the challenges faced by indigenous communities, sparking conversations about inequality, resilience, and the power of sports as a unifying force.
Why It Matters
In a world where sports documentaries can often feel formulaic, Basketball or Nothing stands out. It’s not just about the thrill of the game or the pursuit of a championship. It’s a poignant exploration of culture, community, and the human spirit. This series matters because it tells a story that’s rarely heard, shining a light on a community that’s often overlooked. It’s a reminder of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and transform lives.
Final Thoughts
Basketball or Nothing is more than a series about a high school basketball team’s quest for a championship. It’s a window into the lives of young athletes who carry the hopes and dreams of their community on their shoulders. It’s about the challenges they face, the battles they fight, and the spirit that keeps them going. This show is a testament to the power of sports to change lives, making it a must-watch for not just sports fans, but anyone who believes in the power of perseverance, community, and hope.