June 21, 2015 (2015-06-21) – October 13, 2019 (2019-10-13)
Ballers is an American sportscomedy drama[1] television series created by Stephen Levinson and starring Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player who must navigate his new career of choice as the financial manager of other NFL players. The series premiered on the American cable television network HBO on June 21, 2015, with a pilot episode written by Stephen Levinson and directed by Peter Berg. The fifth and final season premiered on August 25, 2019, and concluded on October 13, 2019.[2]
Omar Miller as Charles Greane, an affable former NFL player who is searching for his next career. He later becomes general manager of the Los Angeles Rams after a stint with the Miami Dolphins[3]
Peter Berg as a fictional version of himself; Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins (seasons 1–3)
Kristopher Lofton as Kisan Teague, a talented NFL Running Back whose off-field antics and entourage keep getting him in trouble (seasons 3–5)
Russell Brand as Lance Klians, CEO of SportsX (season 4–5)
Catherine Haena Kim as Kate, Creative Director of SportsX & Joe's love interest (season 5)
Amanda Rea as Donna, love interest of Jason Antolotti, whom he ends up proposing to (seasons 3-5)
Athlete guest stars
Several of the athletes in the series are fictional. However, multiple real life athletes make appearances as themselves. Additionally, actor John Amos played a retired fictional player. Amos had a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s. Athletes who made appearances include:
Former Miami Dolphins standout Spencer Strasmore and his friend Charles Greane must cope with the realities of life after football. Spencer starts working for a financial advisor, helping sign and mentor his younger friends still in the NFL, while Charles gets a job at a car dealership. Meanwhile, a mistake may cost Green Bay Packerswide receiver Ricky Jerret his roster spot when he's involved in an altercation at a nightclub.
Spencer struggles to sign Vernon Littlefield as a client when he clashes with his childhood friend Reggie who handles all his money. Meanwhile, Jason works to renegotiate a contract extension for Vernon with the Dallas Cowboys, but has difficulties. During practice with his new Dolphins team, Ricky discovers that a teammate is not only unfriendly with him but is wearing his number. Now a struggling car salesman, Charles begins to wonder if he retired too early.
Spencer and Joe ask their boss, Mr. Anderson for permission to use his yacht to host a corporate event to entice potential clients. After a locker room prank goes too far, Ricky discovers the real reason his teammate, Alonzo, has it out for him. Charles grows bored with retirement and remembers his gridiron glory days. Meanwhile, at the party, Spencer and Reggie's rivalry reaches a boiling point when he tries to ruin his hospitality by insulting Spencer's adoptive upbringing.
In the aftermath of the corporate party, Joe struggles with a hangover and attempting to woo new clients on Mr. Anderson's yacht. Spencer is pressured to see a neurologist regarding his recurrent episodes from a TBI, while handling the conflict Reggie generates around Vernon's contract negotiations. Jason's dealings with the Dallas Cowboys bring in impressive figures that aren't enough for Reggie, and Vernon's inflated ego, and this puts Spencer on the line with their business and personal relationships. Also, Charles is bombarded by constant "sexting" from a woman he doesn't remember from the party.
Spencer begrudgingly comes to Vernon's aid when he is targeted by a woman looking to blackmail him with some incriminating photos during the corporate event. However, her lawyer Maximo Gomez tells Joe his client wants a half million dollar pay-off. Meanwhile, Charles' marriage is on the rocks after Julie finds a picture of a nude woman on his cell phone, which he emailed to himself. On the advice of Annabella, Ricky tries to find common ground with Alonzo by taking him and his brothers to a strip club—his treat. But their spending gets out of hand and he comes up with a crazy plan to put a stop to it.
Dealing with his own mental and financial problems, Spencer tries to balance Vernon and Ricky's issues, while Charles goes to Ricky's "funhouse" to escape the stress of his marriage. In order to drive Maximo's client, Angela Lee's price down, Joe negotiates with him on common ground at a horseracing track. Also, Ricky bares it all about the story behind his jersey number and his non-existent father during an interview with TV host Jay Glazer. Later, Spencer finally gives in to Tracy's concerns and gets an MRI.
Spencer decides to take the hit for Vernon by offering up his own money to pay off Angela Lee into not releasing the photos. But when he and Joe meet Maximo to hand him the money, there's a catch. Life without Annabella is hard on Ricky, who flies off the handle in public again. Jason meets his mother's new young golfer boyfriend and thinks he is scamming her in order to represent him as his agent. Later, Spencer and Charles say goodbye to Rodney and spread his ashes onto his high school's football field.
Spencer must face up to his past with Angela Lee in order to save Vernon's future, and agrees to meet with her. Seeing the error of his promiscuous ways, Ricky tries to win back Bella, thinking a $400,000 "I'm sorry" ring will do it. Meanwhile, Charles puts his football skills to work at the car dealership when co-workers and customers bet he can't move an SUV in neutral. Also, Mr. Anderson gets a hold of the corporate event video and suspends Joe, who makes a permanent commitment to start his own financial firm.
As Vernon's scandal gets cleared up, he learns about a negative incident involving Reggie. Joe reaches out to Mr. Anderson in vain and thinks he and Spencer should walk out on him. Spencer wrecks his car to try to make amends with a former player from his past. Ricky has a motivational video made for Charles, causing him to get back into football.
Spencer has to make an important decision for himself when Joe offers him a fresh start. Charles gets a second chance at getting back into the game. Jason and Spencer try to talk some sense into a confused Vernon.
Convinced to appear on a talk show, Spencer ends up facing off with an old adversary, which puts his company and reputation in jeopardy. A reformed Ricky gets bad news in advance of his 30th birthday party. Charles relishes his new status as a fan favorite, but may face changes on the field.
Spencer makes a play to poach a big client from Andre, his business rival, while struggling to find a quick fix for his physical ailments. Ricky considers where to head to next. Reggie fights for what he believes Vernon owes him. Feeling underpaid and undervalued, Tracy takes a stand with her boss. Charles gets insights from his coach.
Spencer advises a reluctant Vernon to stay quiet when the truth behind his injury threatens his career. Trying to stave off Andre's attacks on their business, Spencer and Joe butt heads over how best to advise a client. Charles worries whether he's up for a challenge. A hard-to-impress Ricky takes a trip to tour a potential new home.
Spencer and Joe search for Andre's weakness; Vernon anxiously awaits news; Jason woos a client; Ricky attempts to understand his father; Charles gets the truth from Siefert.
Spencer tries to mentor Travis while dodging unwelcome medical news; Reggie and Joe buy a wild gift in an attempt to cheer up Vernon; Ricky encourages Charles to stand up for himself.
Spencer tries to broker peace between Travis and a critic; Charles is forced to deliver bad news; Joe attends a party at Andre's; Ricky is thrown for a loop by his dad.
Andre's surprise visit to the office sends Spencer scrambling to stay one step ahead of his rival. Meanwhile, Joe learns some unsavory secrets about his partner; Ricky tries to make up with his dad; and Charles schemes to keep a friend nearby.
As Spencer tries to move forward, Joe works to keep things together. Charles and Ricky clash. Travis faces tough questions and worries about his prospects. At his Draft Day party, Spencer asks for help while trying to keep ASM's latest developments quiet.
Spencer gets a surprising offer from Andre and asks Vernon for 5 million dollars; Ricky mulls where to put down roots; Vernon works overtime to return to the field; Charles and Julie clash over his busy schedule.
Spencer makes a last-ditch effort to get back what he's lost. Ricky awaits a call that could define his future. Vernon takes a road trip. Siefert offers Charles a big opportunity, but it comes at a cost.
Spencer and Joe weigh the pros and cons of acquiring an extreme-sport agency. Ricky sets down roots in LA with Amber and their daughter, but finds himself yearning for something else. Charles rallies a group of disgruntled employees as he begins his new tenure with the Rams.
Spencer becomes immersed in a marketing controversy. Still smarting from their feud in Miami, Charles agrees to give Ricky a chance despite his better instincts.
Spencer looks to elevate the Sports X TV brand, while Joe weighs a new offer. At Jayda's insistence, Spencer meets Quincy. Ricky tries to prove to Kisan he's still got the goods, while Charles is encouraged by Julie to bring more flair to his job.
Spencer recruits Q to help him leverage a deal. With Reggie in tow, Joe talks business with some extreme skateboarders, collectively known as Illegal Civilization. Charles hosts a pre-free-agent reception.
Spencer calls on the Anderson brothers for help. Joe pitches Illegal Civilization to a major shoe brand. Ricky loses his cool at a neighbor's pool party. Julie accuses an overworked Charles of being afraid to succeed.
Spencer takes a big risk with the potential to blow the deal. After a heart-to-heart with Ricky, Charles spells out his vision for the team. Joe and Reggie enlist Vernon and Terrell Suggs to persuade Illegal Civilization.
The second season premiered on July 17, 2016 and a third on July 23, 2017.[58][59] On August 8, 2017, HBO picked up Ballers for a fourth season, which premiered on August 12, 2018.[60] On September 6, 2018, HBO renewed the series for a fifth season.[61]
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has an approval rating of 81% based on 47 reviews, with an average rating of 6.43/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Ballers may not be a game-changer, but it scores points with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who brings charm and depth to the NFL version of Entourage."[62] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 65 out of 100, based on 35 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[63]
On Rotten Tomatoes season 2 has a rating of 70% based on 10 reviews, with an average rating of 6.65/10.[64] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 63 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[65]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season has a rating of 67%, based on 6 reviews, with an average rating of 5/10.[66]
Home media
The series has been released on Blu-ray and DVD; season 1 on June 14, 2016, Season 2 on January 31, 2017, Season 3 on April 3, 2018, and Season 4 on January 29, 2019.[67] Season 5's DVD and manufacture on demand Blu-ray was released on January 28, 2020 by Warner Home Entertainment and Warner Archive Collection respectively.[68][69] In addition, the complete series box set was released on DVD the same day.[70] In the United States, the series was added on August 15, 2023 on Netflix.[71][72]
^For the first season, see "Ballers: Season One Ratings". TV Series Finale. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
For the second season, see "Ballers: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
For the third season, see "Ballers: Season Three Ratings". TV Series Finale. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
For the fourth season, see "Ballers: Season Four Ratings". TV Series Finale. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
For the fifth season, see "Ballers: Season Five Ratings". TV Series Finale. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
