7.6 / 10 (based on 15 reviews)
Nash Brooks, son of an NBA legend, moves to an elite LA high school. The court isn’t the only competition he faces.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Dallas Liu, Brighton Sharbino, Micah Tarver, Stella Hudgens
Creators: K. Asher Levin
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1 season, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like Players (2020)
The Shadow Diaries (2020)
8.7 / 10 (based on 29 reviews)
THE SHADOW DIARIES is a thrilling new podcast that uncovers the terrifying reality behind the glitz and glamour of the world’s number one popstar. Kara Hayward (MOONRISE KINGDOM) and Madelaine Petsch (RIVERDALE) star in this brand new genre bending series, which follows wide-eyed journalist Shana Secco (Hayward) as she gets her first assignment, to shadow her childhood musical idol, the elusive pop star Eliza Gold (Petsch). As she sets out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a global pop sensation, Shana soon finds that Eliza Gold’s surprise comeback may actually be the sinister workings of a mysterious group known as “The Divinity.” But while Shana settles into her new life amongst the rich and famous, she is forced to question her own sanity and wellbeing as demonic forces begin to creep into every aspect of her life. Will Shana be able to look past the celeb parties, exclusive clubs and five-star treatment as Eliza Gold’s new best friend, or will they both succumb to the Hellish forces of The Divinity?
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Kara Hayward, Madelaine Petsch, Constance Zimmer, Carter Jenkins
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1 season, 12 episodes
Players (2022)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1342 reviews)
Follows a League of Legends team looking to win its first championship after years. In order to make it to the top, their prodigy, a 17-year-old rookie, and their 27-year-old veteran must put aside their egos and work together.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ely Henry, Luke Tennie, Misha Brooks, Holly Chou
Creators: Dan Perrault, Tony Yacenda
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1 season, 10 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Save Me (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 14 reviews)
Jason does online school and everything is normal until one of his classmates go missing, Grace (Daniela Nieves). He figures out that Grace has been doing some shady stuff with this organization called Children of the Future. They trick you into thinking that you need to be in their cult so they can kidnap you. Jason sets out looking for Children of the Future base and finds Grace, but she is being watched and is clearly being forced there. Jason needs to save Grace before the harvest. Jason attempts to escape, but get caught. Jason’s and uncle starts to worry about Jason’s whereabouts and starts looking for him. Will Jason and his friends ever escape? Will Jason’s uncle ever find him? You will have to watch to find out!
Genre: Thriller
Main Cast: William Mapother, Matthew Sato, Daniela Nieves, Kevin Kempis
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1 season, 10 episodes
Smoky Knights (2016)
No reviews
Smoky Knights is a fictional account of the real life band in Los Angeles. Well, Burbank really. We follow the stoner-musicians in their every day lives, living in a two bedroom apartment with Andy’s type-A girlfriend, Kim. The series incorporates the real music of the band. Also the band is called the Smoky Knights, if you didn’t get that.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Adam Brooks, Jesse Cross, Kimberly Daugherty, Andy Fischer-Price
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1 season, 3 episodes, 5.0-minute runtime
Duels (2017)
3.8 / 10 (based on 100 reviews)
Malcolm, an American student, challenges a Comrade to a real dual. The video become so popular on the net that people organize duels to settle a score with their enemies. In this outburst of violence, will Malcolm escape to this vicious circle?
Genre: Action
Main Cast: Aaron Dalla Villa, Christy St. John, Alex J. Moreno, Michael J. Sanchez
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1 season, 10 episodes
Mr. Hollywood (2015)
No reviews
A dark comedy about a smart mouthed agent who represents Professional Hitmen.
Genre: Action, Comedy
Main Cast: Jordan Belfi, Joseph Gatt, Natalie Gal, Keeley Hazell
Creators: Jason Inouye
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1 season, 1 episode, 30.0-minute runtime
When it comes to television shows that capture the essence of competitive gaming, “Players” (2020) stands out. This documentary-style series dives deep into the world of esports, focusing on a fictional League of Legends team as they navigate the highs and lows of the competitive scene. The show offers a unique blend of humor, drama, and the thrill of competition, making it a must-watch for both esports enthusiasts and those new to the world of competitive gaming.
The Premise
At its core, “Players” is about a professional League of Legends team striving to win their first championship. The series doesn’t just focus on in-game battles but also delves into the personal lives and dynamics of the team members. It’s this mix of professional and personal storytelling that gives “Players” its edge.
The Team Dynamics
The show does an excellent job of portraying the diverse personalities found in a typical esports team. From the seasoned veteran to the rookie sensation, each character brings something unique to the table. This diversity is not just for show; it reflects the real-world dynamics of esports teams, where players from different backgrounds come together with a common goal.
The Veteran
One of the standout characters is the team’s veteran, who has been in the esports scene for years. His experience and wisdom are invaluable, but his struggle to keep up with the younger players’ skills and adapt to the ever-evolving game meta adds a compelling layer to the narrative.
The Rookie
On the other end of the spectrum is the rookie, whose raw talent and potential are undeniable. However, his journey is not without challenges, as he learns to navigate the pressures of professional play and the complexities of team dynamics.
These characters, among others, showcase the range of experiences and growth opportunities within the esports industry.
The Competition
“Players” shines when it comes to depicting the intensity and excitement of esports competitions. The show manages to convey the adrenaline rush of a close match and the heartbreak of a loss, all while maintaining a level of authenticity that resonates with viewers familiar with the scene.
The series also does a commendable job of explaining the strategic depth of League of Legends to those who might not be familiar with the game. This not only makes the show accessible to a broader audience but also highlights the skill and intelligence required to compete at the highest levels.
The Humor and Drama
What sets “Players” apart from other shows about competitive gaming is its ability to balance humor with drama. The series doesn’t shy away from the challenges and conflicts that arise within the team, but it also finds moments of levity and camaraderie that lighten the mood. This balance keeps the show engaging and relatable, ensuring that viewers are invested in the characters’ journeys both on and off the screen.
Real-Life Parallels
For those familiar with the esports scene, “Players” offers numerous nods to real-life events and personalities. From the portrayal of passionate fans and rival teams to the depiction of high-stakes tournaments, the show feels grounded in reality. These parallels add an extra layer of enjoyment for esports fans, while still being accessible to those less familiar with the scene.
The Impact on Viewers
“Players” has the potential to change perceptions about esports. For those unfamiliar with competitive gaming, the show offers a window into a world that is often misunderstood. It highlights the dedication, skill, and teamwork required to succeed, challenging the stereotype of gaming as a solitary and trivial pursuit.
For esports fans, “Players” is a celebration of the culture and community that they love. It’s a nod to the passion, drama, and excitement that make esports such a compelling field, both for the players and for the audience.
Conclusion
“Players” is more than just a show about a video game team trying to win a championship. It’s a deep dive into the world of esports, offering insights into the personal and professional challenges faced by players. With its mix of humor, drama, and authentic portrayal of competitive gaming, the series is a standout addition to the growing genre of esports entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned esports fan or someone curious about the world of competitive gaming, “Players” is worth your time.