Plot Synopsis

BALLERS is a half-hour comedy series that explores the whirlwind lifestyle and real-life problems of a group of former and current football players, as retired superstar Spencer Strasmore gets his life on track while mentoring others through the daily grind of the business of football. Spencer is trying to reinvent himself as a financial manager for current players in sunsoaked Miami. His inner circle includes Ricky, a talented but volatile wide receiver who seeks to balance his off-field antics with his passion for the game; Charles, a reluctantly retired lineman who's finding it hard to adjust to civilian life; and Vernon, a player with a rookie contract, whose promise never to forget "where he came from" brings scores of hangers-on into his life, and lands him in big financial trouble. Though they're pros when it comes to playing the game, each one has a harder time navigating life off the field. Several real-life athletes appear as guest stars in this series, including Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick, safety Will Davis and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe; former NFL players Jeremy Shockey and Rashard Mendenhal; Oakland Raiders defensive end LaMarr Woodley; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer; and more. BALLERS is executive produced by Steve Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Peter Berg, Dany Garcia, Julian Farino, Evan Reilly and Rob Weiss.

The sophomore season of BALLERS premiered on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at 10pm ET/PT on HBO. Things are getting more competitive and complicated for retired football star turned financial manager Spencer Strasmore. As the lines between professional and personal blur in his pursuit of lasting success and glory, Spencer must face demons from the past when he goes head-to-head with the biggest business manager on the scene. Meanwhile, Spencer's closest friends and clients struggle to find their footing. A humbled Ricky explores his options as a free agent, while getting to know the father who left him behind; Charles tries to balance a new baby and his future in the game; and Vernon deals with the consequences of his life off the field. Returning to help Spencer juggle lucrative deals and big personalities are his outrageous business partner, Joe; level-headed agent, Jason; and girlfriend/sports reporter, Tracy. In a business where it's go big or go home, Spencer and his crew are about to learn that having it all means being ready to fight for more dollars, deals and respect. In the season opener, "Face of the Franchise," Spencer is convinced to appear on a talk show and 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.

Season 3 of BALLERS premiered on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on HBO. After baring his soul at the rookie symposium and undergoing hip surgery, Spencer Strasmore returns with a new outlook and fresh goals, hoping to forge bonds with new players across the country while improving his relationships with existing clients. With league certification in hand, Joe Krutel and Spencer go after a jackpot deal. Ricky Jerret's newfound discoveries affect his personal and professional life; Vernon Littlefield and Reggie accept a risky endorsement deal; ex-player Charles Greane learns that working in the front office is as rough as playing on the gridiron; and Jason Antolotti continues to orchestrate deals to satisfy both players' bank accounts and their oversized egos. In an ever-changing business where the shelf life for stardom and multi-million-dollar contracts are short, Spencer is intent on proving that the key to successful sports management isn't just about making money and having fun -- it's about delivering on the promises you make. Season 3 guest stars include Richard Schiff, Steve Guttenberg, Steven Weber, Emayatzy Corinealdi and Serinda Swan.

The fourth season of BALLERS premiered on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on HBO. This season, having refused to compromise his principles by joining an alliance with the filthy-rich Anderson brothers to move a football franchise to Las Vegas, Spencer and his partner Joe Krutel set their sights on expanding their firm's foothold in the client-management business. Meanwhile, Ricky eyes a comeback while chafing at his new life as a father; Charles faces the challenges of being a general manager; Vernon continues his profligate ways, to the chagrin of his sidekick, Reggie; and Jason tries to set Spencer up with a high-school prodigy, Quincy Crawford, and his equally impressive mother, Jayda. Other returning cast regulars include John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown and Brittany S. Hall. Returning guest stars include Carl McDowell, Jazmyn Simon, Robert Wisdom, Richard Schiff and Steven Weber. New guest stars for Season 4 include Russell Brand, Joy Bryant, Ernie Hudson and Grace Zabriskie.

The fifth and final season of BALLERS premiered on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 10:35pm ET/PT on HBO. This season finds Spencer settling into retirement and reflecting on his past, when an offer that's too good to refuse comes his way and sends him back into the lion's den, this time as a team owner. In the wake of his split with Spencer, an ambitious Joe gambles aggressively to make Sports X greater than ever with the help of his new partner, Lance. Meanwhile, Ricky has a startling setback that forces him to consider a new kind of future and tests his physical, mental and emotional resolve; Charles learns that being a general manager means getting your hands dirty; Vernon shifts his focus to his love of professional gaming despite Reggie's wariness; and Jason decides to take his career to the next level. Returning guest stars include Russell Brand, Carl McDowell, Jazmyn Simon, Jay Glazer, Mark Schlereth, Robert Wisdom, Richard Schiff, Steven Weber and Emayatzy Corinealdi. New guest stars for season five include Catherine Haena Kim, Odell Beckham Jr., Melvin Gordon, Rick Fox, Mikey Alfred, Randy Couture, DeAndre Hopkins, Derwin James, Von Miller, Malcolm Jenkins and Dante Fowler Jr.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the DVD I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.

On January 28, 2020 Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released BALLERS THE COMPLETE SEREIES on DVD and Blu-ray and BALLERS: THE COMPLETE FIFTH/FINAL SEASON. Season 5 finds Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) settling into retirement and reflecting on his past, when an offer that's too good to refuse comes his way and sends him back into the lion's den, this time as a team owner. In the wake of his split with Spencer, an ambitious Joe (Rob Corddry) gambles aggressively to make Sports X greater than ever with the help of his new partner, Lance (Russell Brand). Meanwhile, Ricky (John David Washington) has a startling setback that forces him to consider a new kind of future and tests his physical, mental and emotional resolve; Charles (Omar Miller) learns that being a general manager means getting your hands dirty; Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) shifts his focus to his love of professional gaming despite Reggie's (London Brown) wariness; and Jason (Troy Garity) decides to take his career to the next level. Throughout Season 5, BALLERS continued to feature guest appearances from a host of sports stars and celebrities, including: Odell Beckham Jr., Alvin Kamara, DeAndre Hopkins, Von Miller, Jay Glazer, Quavo, Mark Schlereth, Melvin Gordon, Rick Fox, Randy Couture, Dante Fowler Jr., Derwin James, Malcom Jenkins and others. BALLERS THE COMPLETE SEREIES comes in a 7-disc set that features more than 1, 300 minutes of action with every episode from Seasons 1-5. This is must own for BALLERS fans. Dwayne Johnson Rocks it! Buy and binge now! (Click the red "Buy DVDs" button on this page)