Caffeinated Clint
HBO has confirmed airdates for the premier episodes of their Dwayne Johnson produced drama “Ballers”.
Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO’s “Entourage,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “In Treatment”) and executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino and Denis Biggs, BALLERS explores the whirlwind lifestyle and real-life problems of a group of former and current football players. The show kicks off its ten-episode season SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
Spencer is a retired football superstar who 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.
“Ballers” stars Dwayne Johnson (“San Andreas,” “Furious 7”) as Spencer Strasmore, John David Washington as Ricky Jerret, Omar Miller (“CSI: Miami”) as Charles Greane and Donovan Carter as Vernon Littlefield. Other series regulars include Troy Garity (“Barbershop”), Rob Corddry (“Hot Tub Time Machine”), London Brown (“The Hustle”) and Jazmyn Simon.
June’s episodes:
Episode #1: “Pilot”
Debut date: SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: June 21 (1:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m.), 22 (12:05 a.m.), 23 (11:00 p.m.), 24 (1:00 a.m.), 25 (8:30 p.m.), 26 (1:35 a.m.) and 27 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 22 (7:00 p.m.), 23 (1:45 a.m.), 26 (6:30 p.m.) and 27 (8:00 p.m.), and July 11 (7:30 p.m.)
After the unexpected demise of a friend and former teammate, retired football superstar Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) ramps up his efforts to build a post-football career in Miami, and feels pressure from Joe (Rob Corddry), his boss at a financial firm, to “monetize his friendships.” Meanwhile, recently retired player Charles (Omar Miller), copes with the realities of finding a new job. Talented wide receiver Ricky (John David Washington) is forced to put his pride aside to find a new home. Vernon (Donovan Carter), a player on the rise, finds himself in a tight spot and reaches out to Spencer for help.
Written by Stephen Levinson; directed by Peter Berg.
Episode #2: “Raise Up”
Debut date: SUNDAY, JUNE 28 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: June 28 (1:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m.), 29 (2:15 a.m.) and 30 (10:00 p.m.), and July 1 (12:30 a.m.), 2 (8:30 p.m.), 3 (11:30 p.m.) and 4 (12:45 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 29 (7:00 p.m.) and 30 (2:30 a.m.), and July 3 (6:00 p.m.), 4 (8:30 p.m.) and 11 (8:00 p.m.)
A cash-strapped Spencer struggles to close a deal when Vernon’s best friend, Reggie (London Brown), refuses to step aside, while Jason (Troy Garity) works hard to renegotiate for his client. On his first day of workouts, Ricky finds that not all his new teammates are friendly. At his new job, Charles finds it hard to keep his mind off the game. At a brunch to talk business, Spencer counsels Vernon to learn from his mistakes.
Written by Evan Reilly; directed by Julian Farino.
BALLERS was created by Stephen Levinson; executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, Denis Biggs; co-executive producer, Hiram Garcia.
