Ballers
{{short description|American comedy-drama series}}
{{About||other uses|Baller (disambiguation){{!}}Baller}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Ballers Title Card.png
| genre = {{Plainlist|
}}
| creator = Stephen Levinson
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Dwayne Johnson
- Rob Corddry
- John David Washington
- Omar Miller
- Donovan W. Carter
- Troy Garity
- London Brown
- Arielle Kebbel
}}
| opentheme = "Right Above It" by Lil Wayne featuring Drake
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 47
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Dwayne Johnson
- Dany Garcia
- Mark Wahlberg
- Peter Berg
- Evan Reilly
- Stephen Levinson
- Rob Weiss
- Denis Biggs
- Julian Farino
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
- Bret Slater
- Peter Sussman
- David Levinson
- Lori Jo Nemhauser
- Karyn McKarthy
- Neena Beber
- Janace Tashjian
}}
| location = {{Plainlist|
}}
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
- Tobias Schliessler
- Jamie Reynoso
- Rodney Taylor
}}
| editor = {{Plainlist|
- Colby Parker Jr.
- Jeffrey M. Werner
| chief baller
- Amy Aldridge
}}
| camera = Single
| runtime = 27 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
- Closest to the Hole Productions
- Leverage Entertainment
- Seven Bucks Entertainment
- Film 44
- HBO Entertainment
}}
| channel = HBO
| first_aired = {{Start date|2015|6|21}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2019|10|13}}
}}
Ballers is an American sports comedy-drama series created by Stephen Levinson that aired for five seasons on HBO from June 21, 2015, to October 13, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://popculture.com/tv-shows/2019/07/28/ballers-season-5-teaser-trailer-premiere-date-revealed-dwayne-the-rock-johnson-hbo-show/|title='Ballers' Season 5: Teaser Trailer, Premiere Date Revealed for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's HBO Show|work=populture.com|first=John Connor|last=Coulston|date=July 28, 2019|access-date=August 22, 2019}} It stars Dwayne Johnson as a retired NFL player who must navigate his new career as the financial manager of other NFL players.{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/ballers/about/index.html|title=About - Ballers|publisher=Starz|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923172616/http://www.hbo.com/ballers/about/index.html|url-status=live}}
Cast
=Main=
- Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, an NFL player who is forced into retirement due to injury and embarks upon a new career as the financial manager of other NFL players{{cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Dwayne Johnson's HBO Half-Hour Pilot 'Ballers' Picked Up To Series|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/dwayne-johnsons-hbo-half-hour-pilot-ballers-picked-up-to-series-683058/|access-date=February 19, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 13, 2014}}
- Rob Corddry as Joe Krutel, a financial advisor at Anderson Financial who helps Spencer navigate his new life at the company
- John David Washington as Ricky Jerret, a highly competitive and spiritual NFL player
- Omar Miller as Charles Greane, an affable former NFL player who is searching for his next career
- Donovan W. Carter as Vernon Littlefield, a deeply family-oriented defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys
- Troy Garity as Jason Antolotti, a top-tier sports agent
- London Brown as Reggie, Vernon's childhood friend who handles his money
- Jazmyn Simon as Julie Greane, Charles' wife
- Arielle Kebbel as Tracy Legette, a sportscaster for a local TV station who is intimately involved with Spencer{{cite web|url=http://decider.com/2015/06/24/woman-crush-wednesday-arielle-kebbel-ballers/|title=Woman Crush Wednesday: Arielle Kebbel Plays A Badass Sportscaster On 'Ballers'|date=24 June 2015|work=Decider - Where To Stream Movies & Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, HBO Go|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026104524/https://decider.com/2015/06/24/woman-crush-wednesday-arielle-kebbel-ballers/|url-status=live}}
- Brittany S. Hall as Amber, Ricky's past fling who later becomes his girlfriend and mother of his child
===Recurring===
- Carl McDowell as TTD, Ricky's friend, confidant, and assistant
- Dulé Hill as Larry Siefert, the GM for the Miami Dolphins
- Christopher McDonald as "Boss Man", an owner of the Dallas Cowboys
- Anabelle Acosta as Annabella Ruiz, Ricky's girlfriend
- Taylor Cole as Stephanie Michaels, an ESPN sideline reporter who is romantically involved with Spencer
- LeToya Luckett as Tina, the widow of one of Spencer's closest friends
- Ella Thomas as Kara Cooley, Alonzo's mother and an interior decorator who is also involved with Ricky
- Emayatzy Corinealdi as Candace Brewer, a high-powered sports executive who goes toe to toe with Spencer
- Antoine Harris as Alonzo Cooley, Ricky's passive-aggressive teammate
- Taylour Paige as Theresa, Julie's sister
- Sanai L. Johnson as Bey, Theresa's daughter
- Richard Schiff as Brett Anderson, the owner of Anderson Financial Management
- Clifton Collins, Jr. as Maximo Gomez, Angela's lawyer
- Angelina Assereto as Angela Lee, Maximo's client who was briefly involved with Spencer
- Robert Wisdom as Dennis Jerret, Ricky's estranged father who was a tight end during the 1985 Chicago Bears season
- Michael Cudlitz as Dan Balsamo, owner of Dan's Auto Collision and former Buffalo Bills running back who was injured by Spencer during a game
- Christine Allocca as Kerri Balsamo, Dan's wife
- Carmelo "Q" Oquendo as an NFL prospect
- Stephanie Sandri as herself
- Robert Crayton as Nick Kovack, a player cut from the team
- Terrell Suggs as himself
- Larry Csonka as himself
- Jay Glazer as himself
- Mark Schlereth as himself
- Serinda Swan as Chloe Day, a smart hotel management executive{{cite web|last1=Petski|first1=Denise|title='Ballers': Serinda Swan Set To Recur On Dwayne Johnson HBO Comedy|url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/ballers-serinda-swan-recur-dwayne-johnson-hbo-comedy-1201897821/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=30 January 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024833/https://deadline.com/2017/01/ballers-serinda-swan-recur-dwayne-johnson-hbo-comedy-1201897821/|url-status=live}}
- Andy García as Andre Allen, a high-ranking money manager who has a feud with Spencer
- Steve Guttenberg as Wayne Hastings Jr.
- Lisa Arturo as Nancy{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0037970/|title=Lisa Arturo|website=IMDb|access-date=2019-01-27|archive-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024819/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0037970/|url-status=live}}
- Peter Berg as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins
- Kristopher Lofton as Kisan Teague, a talented NFL running back whose off-field antics and entourage keep getting him in trouble
- Russell Brand as Lance Klians, the CEO of SportsX
- Catherine Haena Kim as Kate, the creative director of SportsX and Joe's love interest
- Amanda Rea as Donna, Jason's love interest and later fiancee
=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:
{{div col |colwidth=23em}}
- Stephen Curry
- Antonio Brown
- Alvin Kamara
- Von Miller
- Julian Edelman
- DeSean Jackson
- Jarvis Landry
- Jason Taylor
- Ndamukong Suh
- Eddie George
- Giancarlo Stanton
- Caroline Wozniacki
- Khalil Mack
- Danny Amendola
- Jared Goff
- Wes Welker
- Jeremy Shockey
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Kelly Slater
- Tony Hawk
- Randy Couture
- Melvin Gordon
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Steven Jackson
- Dannell Ellerbe
- Rashard Mendenhall (also wrote 3 episodes)
- Jared Odrick
- Jon Beason
- Eric Hosmer
- LaMarr Woodley
- Victor Cruz
- Jason Pierre-Paul
- Chris Long
- Duke Johnson
- NaVorro Bowman
- Laquon Treadwell
- Vonn Bell
- Cris Carter
- Tim Brown
- Kemba Walker
- Nick Diaz
- Marcellus Wiley
- Calais Campbell
- Rodney Peete
- Rick Fox
- Dante Fowler
- Derwin James
- Malcolm Jenkins
{{div col end}}
Episodes
{{Series overview
| color1 = #D9DDDD
| link1 = #Season 1 (2015)
| episodes1 = 10
| start1 = {{Start date|2015|6|21}}
| end1 = {{End date|2015|8|23}}
| color2 = #323E3A
| link2 = #Season 2 (2016)
| episodes2 = 10
| start2 = {{Start date|2016|7|17}}
| end2 = {{End date|2016|9|25}}
| color3 = #F2CE7E
| link3 = #Season 3 (2017)
| episodes3 = 10
| start3 = {{Start date|2017|7|23}}
| end3 = {{End date|2017|9|24}}
| color4 = #0257AC
| link4 = #Season 4 (2018)
| episodes4 = 9
| start4 = {{Start date|2018|8|12}}
| end4 = {{End date|2018|10|7}}
| color5 = #00AF89
| link5 = #Season 5 (2019)
| episodes5 = 8
| start5 = {{Start date|2019|8|25}}
| end5 = {{End date|2019|10|13}}
}}
=Season 1 (2015)=
{{Episode table |background=#D9DDDD |overall=5 |season=5 |title=19 |director=17 |writer=23 |airdate=19 |viewers=12 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Pilot
| DirectedBy = Peter Berg
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|6|21}}
| ShortSummary = 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 Packers wide receiver Ricky Jerret his roster spot when he's involved in an altercation at a nightclub.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Raise Up
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|6|28}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = Move the Chains
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|7|5}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = Heads Will Roll
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|7|12}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Machete Charge
| DirectedBy = Seith Mann
| WrittenBy = Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|7|19}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Everything Is Everything
| DirectedBy = John Fortenberry
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|7|26}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Ends
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|8|2}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Gaslighting
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|8|9}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = Head-On
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|8|16}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| Title = Flamingos
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|8|23}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = D9DDDD
}}
}}
=Season 2 (2016)=
{{Episode table |background=#323E3A |overall=5 |season=5 |title=19 |director=17 |writer=23 |airdate=19 |viewers=12 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Face of the Franchise
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|7|17}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Enter the Temple
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|7|24}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = Elidee
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|7|31}}
| Viewers = 1.27{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-31-2016.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805163444/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-31-2016.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-08-05|title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.31.2016 - Showbuzz Daily|website=Showbuzzdaily.com }}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 14
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = World of Hurt
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|7}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 15
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Most Guys
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Neena Beber & Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|14}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 16
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Saturdaze
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|21}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 17
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Everybody Knows
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Rashard Mendenhall & Zach Robbins
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|28}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 18
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Laying in the Weeds
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|11}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 19
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = Million Bucks in a Bag
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly & Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|18}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 20
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| Title = Game Day
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly & Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|25}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 323E3A
}}
}}
=Season 3 (2017)=
{{Episode table |background=#F2CE7E |overall=5 |season=5 |title=19 |director=17 |writer=23 |airdate=19 |viewers=12 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 21
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Seeds of Expansion
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|7|23}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer and Mr. Anderson cozy up to a Las Vegas bigwig; Ricky ponders fatherhood.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 22
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Bull Rush
| DirectedBy = David Katzenberg
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|7|30}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer pitches expansion in Las Vegas; Ricky rolls the dice; Vernon makes a risky endorsement deal.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 23
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = In the Teeth
| DirectedBy = David Katzenberg
| WrittenBy = Carter Harris
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|8|6}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer takes his pitch on the road; Charles bristles over a slight; Ricky jumps to conclusions.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 24
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = Ride and Die
| DirectedBy = David Katzenberg
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|8|13}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer looks to score a key owner's blessing for a Las Vegas team; tensions rise between Charles and Larry.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 25
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Make Believe
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|8|20}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer faces new worries over his expansion dream; Julie looks to end a feud with a home-cooked meal.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 26
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = I Hate New York
| DirectedBy = Millicent Shelton
| WrittenBy = Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|8|27}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer, Joe and Mr. Anderson take a trip; Larry tests Charles' loyalty; Ricky presses Jason to close a deal.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 27
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Ricky-leaks
| DirectedBy = Rob Weiss
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|9|3}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer tries to limit the damage from Ricky's latest transgression and finds himself at odds with Anderson.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 28
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Alley-Oops
| DirectedBy = David Katzenberg
| WrittenBy = Rashard Mendenhall
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|9|10}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer reassesses his priorities; Charles takes matters into his own hands.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 29
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = Crackback
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly & Steve Sharlet
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|9|17}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer's Las Vegas dream is jeopardized; Ricky arrives at a crossroads; Charles gets his wish.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 30
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| Title = Yay Area
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Evan Reilly
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|9|24}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer makes his pitch; Ricky maps out his future; Charles gets one more crack at a top job.
| LineColor = F2CE7E
}}
}}
=Season 4 (2018)=
{{Episode table |background=#0257AC |overall=5 |season=5 |title=19 |director=17 |writer=23 |airdate=19 |viewers=12 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 31
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Rough Ride
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|12}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 32
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Don't You Wanna Be Obama?
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|19}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 33
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = This Is Not Our World
| DirectedBy = Julian Farino
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|26}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer looks to rein in Lance's excesses. Vernon gets carried away at a ceremony retiring his number at his LA high school, to Reggie's dismay.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 34
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = Forgiving Is Living
| DirectedBy = Rob Weiss
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|2}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer and Joe find themselves in a crisis at Sports X. Ricky considers his motivations in ending his retirement. Jason turns to Donna for help.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 35
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Doink
| DirectedBy = Rob Weiss
| WrittenBy = Chloe Domont & Zach Robbins
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|9}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 36
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = No Small Talk
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Rashard Mendenhall
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|16}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 37
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = The Kids Are Aight
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Jason Lew
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|23}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 38
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = The Devil You Know
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Jason Lew
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|30}}
| ShortSummary = 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.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 39
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = There's No Place Like Home, Baby
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|10|7}}
| ShortSummary = Spencer takes his fight to the next level. Ricky jeopardizes his comeback.
| LineColor = 0257AC
}}
}}
=Season 5 (2019)=
{{Episode table |background=#00AF89 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=19 |director=17 |writer=23 |airdate=19 |viewers=12 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 40
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Protocol Is for Losers
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|8|25}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 41
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Must Be the Shoes
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|8|30}} {{small|(online)}}
{{Start date|2019|9|1}} {{small|(HBO)}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 42
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = Copernicursed
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|9|8}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 43
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = Municipal
| DirectedBy = Rob Weiss
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|9|15}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 44
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Crumbs
| DirectedBy = Rob Weiss
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|9|22}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 45
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Edutainment
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Jason Lew
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|9|29}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 46
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Who Wants a Lollipop
| DirectedBy = Simon Cellan Jones
| WrittenBy = Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|10|6}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 47
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Players Only
| DirectedBy = Chloe Domont
| WrittenBy = Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|10|13}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 00AF89
}}
}}
Ratings
{{Television ratings graph
| title = Ballers
| country = U.S.
| color1 = #D9DDDD
| color2 = #323E3A
| color3 = #F2CE7E
| color4 = #0257AC
| color5 = #00AF89
| x_intervals = 5
| y_intervals = 200
| bar_width = 13
| average = y
----
For the second season, see {{cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-two-ratings/|title=Ballers: Season Two Ratings|work=TV Series Finale|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024834/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-two-ratings/|url-status=live}}
----
For the third season, see {{cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-three-ratings/|title=Ballers: Season Three Ratings|work=TV Series Finale|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024822/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-three-ratings/|url-status=live}}
----
For the fourth season, see {{cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-four-ratings/|title=Ballers: Season Four Ratings|work=TV Series Finale|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024824/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-four-ratings/|url-status=live}}
----
For the fifth season, see {{cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-five-ratings/|title=Ballers: Season Five Ratings|work=TV Series Finale|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024823/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ballers-season-five-ratings/|url-status=live}}
| -
| 2.16
| 1.85
| 1.70
| 1.59
| 1.64
| 1.81
| 1.56
| 1.71
| 1.57
| 1.40
|1.70
| -
| 1.59
| 1.28
| 1.27
| 1.14
| 1.21
| 1.32
| 1.01
| 0.87
| 1.00
| 1.10
| 1.18
| -
| 2.48
| 2.58
| 2.28
| 2.48
| 2.36
| 2.85
| 0.99
| 0.93
| 0.93
| 0.99
| 1.89
| -
| 1.05
| 0.91
| 0.99
| 0.87
| 0.73
| 0.87
| 0.72
| 0.77
| 0.60
| 0.84
| -
| 0.59
| 0.54
| 0.53
| 0.41
| 0.45
| 0.46
| 0.46
| 0.50
| 0.49
}}
Broadcast
The series premiered in the U.S. on HBO on June 21, 2015,{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/06/23/sunday-cable-ratings-true-detective-wins-night-ballers-naked-and-afraid-the-last-ship-more/420864/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623231226/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/06/23/sunday-cable-ratings-true-detective-wins-night-ballers-naked-and-afraid-the-last-ship-more/420864/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'True Detective' Wins Night, 'Ballers', 'Naked and Afraid', 'The Last Ship' & More |work=TV by the Numbers |first=Sara |last=Bibel |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015}} in Canada on June 21, 2015 on HBO Canada, in India on June 22, 2015 on HBO Defined,{{cite web |title=HBO Defined brings two new comedy series |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/english-entertainment/hbo-defined-brings-two-new-comedy-series-150618 |website=Indian Television Dot Com |access-date=22 April 2021 |language=en |date=18 June 2015}} in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2015 on Sky Atlantic,{{cite web |url=http://www.sky.com/tv/show/ballers/article/coming-soon |title=About Ballers |access-date=2015-09-05 }} and in Australia on September 15, 2015 on Showcase.{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/08/airdate-ballers.html|title=Airdate: Ballers |date=27 August 2015|access-date=27 August 2015}}
The second season premiered on July 17, 2016 and a third on July 23, 2017.{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Matt|title=Ballers Renewed for Season 2|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/10/ballers-renewed-for-season-2|access-date=July 10, 2015|publisher=IGN|date=July 10, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Roots|first=Kimberly|title=Ballers Renewed for Season 3 at HBO|url=http://tvline.com/2016/07/28/ballers-renewed-season-3-hbo-dwayne-johnson/|access-date=August 1, 2016|publisher=TVLine|date=July 28, 2016}} On August 8, 2017, HBO picked up Ballers for a fourth season, which premiered on August 12, 2018.{{cite news|last=Petski|first=Denise|title='Insecure' & 'Ballers' Renewed By HBO|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/insecure-ballers-renewed-hbo-1202144879/|access-date=August 9, 2017 |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=August 8, 2017}} On September 6, 2018, HBO renewed the series for a fifth season.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/09/06/insecure-renewed-season-4-hbo-ballers-season-5/|title=Insecure Renewed for Season 4 at HBO|last=Schwartz|first=Ryan|work=TVLine|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=September 6, 2018}}
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."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ballers/s01/ |title=Ballers (2015) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 30, 2015}} On Metacritic, the season has a score of 65 out of 100, based on 35 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/ballers-2015 |title=Ballers: Season 1 reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=May 2, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024850/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/ballers-2015 |url-status=live }}
On Rotten Tomatoes season 2 has a rating of 70% based on 10 reviews, with an average rating of 6.65/10.{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ballers/s02/ |title=Ballers (2015) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=September 18, 2016}} On Metacritic, the season has a score of 63 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/ballers-2015/season-2 |title=Ballers: Season 2 reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 27, 2016}}
On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season has a rating of 67%, based on 6 reviews, with an average rating of 5/10.{{Citation|title=Ballers: Season 3 - Rotten Tomatoes|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ballers/s03|language=en|access-date=2023-09-22|archive-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024844/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ballers/s03|url-status=live}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/7505/ballers|title=Ballers DVD Release Date|website=DVDs Release Dates|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-28|archive-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024852/https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/7505/ballers|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.deepdiscount.com/ballers-the-complete-fifth-season/883929703166|author=DeepDiscount.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|title=Ballers: The Complete Fifth Season|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024852/https://www.deepdiscount.com/ballers-the-complete-fifth-season/883929703166|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=26167|website=Blu-ray.com|date=December 17, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019|title=Warner Archive Announces January Releases|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024854/https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=26167|url-status=live}} In addition, the complete series box set was released on DVD the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.deepdiscount.com/ballers-the-complete-series/883929705870|author=DeepDiscount.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|title=Ballers: The Complete Series (DVD)|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024855/https://www.deepdiscount.com/ballers-the-complete-series/883929705870|url-status=live}} In the United States, the series was added on August 15, 2023 on Netflix.{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Hilary|title=Netflix's New Releases Coming in August 2023|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/netflix-august-2023-new-releases-movies-tv-1235549836/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 14, 2023|access-date=October 1, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Rivera|first=Joshua|title=Ballers is on Netflix, it is time for you to become one with Ballers|url=https://www.polygon.com/23833595/ballers-netflix-tv-comedy-watch-new-rock-dwayne-johnson|website=Polygon|date=August 17, 2023|access-date=October 1, 2023}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.hbo.com/ballers}}
- {{IMDb title|2891574}}
- {{TV Guide|795630}}
{{HBONetwork Shows}}
{{Miami Dolphins}}{{Dwayne Johnson}}
Category:2010s American comedy-drama television series
Category:2010s American sports television series
Category:2015 American television series debuts
Category:2019 American television series endings
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:HBO television dramas
Category:Serial drama television series
Category:Television shows filmed in Miami
Category:Television shows set in Miami
Category:American sports comedy television series
Category:American sports drama television series