5 Best Football TV Shows Of All Time, Ranked

1. All American: This CW series follows the story of a Black high school football player named Spencer James, as he navigates the challenges of fitting in at his new, affluent high school. The show focuses on Spencer's relationships, including his connections to his coach's family, his Southern Los Angeles heritage, and his new teammates. Despite its football focus, the series has been praised as one of the best sports shows of all time.

2. Hard Knocks: This HBO series provides unprecedented access to an NFL team during the off-season, showcasing the behind-the-scenes life of professional football. Originally premiering in 2001, the show's popularity grew so much that teams were forced to participate due to the NFL's rule allowing them to do so under certain guidelines. While the show is technically about football, its unique perspective on the sport has contributed to its success.

3. The League: An FX comedy series, The League revolves around a fantasy football league with an all-too-real group of dedicated players who will do anything to win the coveted league trophy. The show uses professional football as the glue that binds this group of characters together, while also showcasing comedic actors with strong improv backgrounds. The series has gained a reputation for being one of the most improvised shows ever made.

4. Coach: A long-running sitcom starring Craig T. Nelson as the tough yet fair coach of a fictional Minnesota State football team, Coach featured a dimwitted coaching staff and his wife. The show ran for nine seasons and was consistently in the top 20, with its popularity spiking in Season 6 when the writers introduced the team's quest for a national championship. The show's final two seasons saw Nelson's character leaving his school for a better-paying professional job, leading to a decline in ratings.

5. Friday Night Lights: Based on the movie of the same name, this TV series follows the lives of the players, coaches, and families of a high school football team in the fictional Texas town of Dillon. The show accurately portrays teen drama, tackling issues like racism, class warfare, and small-town politics, while also featuring breakout performances from stars like Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons, Taylor Kitsch, and Minka Kelly. With only five seasons, Friday Night Lights has become the gold standard for sports television.