Sports Night
When Sports Night was still on the air, I kept seeing TV critics having fits trying to make everyone watch it because it was SO GOOD. And I’d finally think, “Oh, okay, FINE, I’ll watch it!” but then I couldn’t FIND it: I kept ending up accidentally watching ESPN, thinking, “THIS can’t be it. They said it was NOT about sports.”
It’s NOT about sports, and the title is probably what made the show fail: it’s a show about character development and relationships, and people who are interested in that kind of show are usually not the same people who are interested in sports.
The first few episodes, I disliked so much I only kept watching because I had the DVD from Netflix and couldn’t send it back until the next day anyway, and because I couldn’t believe any reviewer would have fought to save a show like this one. I thought it was cheesy, and trying too hard to be hip and fast and funny. I also thought the laugh track was distracting and stupid.
I don’t remember how many episodes it took for me to get into the show (and for them to stop using the laugh track, which thank goodness they did), but pretty soon I was laughing AND crying during EVERY episode, and DREADING the end of the series. I actually SOBBED when the last episode ended and I knew there would Never Be Another Episode Ever Again—but then again, I was pregnant at the time and may have been Emotionally Unstable to start with.
TWO of my children are named after either a character or an actor on this show. I really, really liked it. And I see they have a 10th anniversary edition, so I know what Santa is bringing me. —Swistle
Link: Sports Night: The Complete Series on Amazon.com
Ballpark price: listed for $70, currently at $52, but DVD sets tend to go up and down
Posted: October 15th, 2008 under Movies/Television, Personally recommended by Swistle.
Comments: 10
Comments
Comment from Nowheymama
Time: October 15, 2008, 5:46 am
Oh, ALL RIGHT. I will try to persevere and get through the first few episodes, which I did not like.
Comment from Shelly
Time: October 15, 2008, 6:00 am
I LOVED this show. Yes, the laugh track in the beginning was hideous, but it was such an amazing show. I’m still sad it’s over, but the 10th anniversary edition might be calling my name.
Comment from HollowSquirrel
Time: October 15, 2008, 6:54 am
I’ve been told I neeeed to rent these DVDs…and now you’ve confirmed that. Add them to my Netflix…
Comment from Deanna
Time: October 15, 2008, 7:41 am
The writing is great! The dialogue was so fast paced. Wonder what those writers went on to do??
Comment from Janice
Time: October 15, 2008, 7:56 am
I think it should be noted, that the laugh track was only added on the DVD’s The original series aired with no laugh track and it made it so, so, so, much better.
This is one of my ALL TIME favorite shows, and I’ve watched a lot of TV in my day.
Comment from PJ
Time: October 15, 2008, 7:59 am
Oh God, when Casey and Dana broke up? And was it Casey or Dan who spelled it out why for her? BROKE MY HEART. It’s been on my Amazon wish list forever, today might be the day I finally order it!
Comment from PJ
Time: October 15, 2008, 8:14 am
Oops, sorry about the spoiler! Delete that if you want.
Comment from Elizabeth
Time: October 15, 2008, 10:42 am
Oh, Sports Night. How I loved it. Dan remains one of my favorite tv characters of all time.
Comment from claire
Time: October 17, 2008, 11:12 am
Oh i LOVED Sports Night. LOOVVEEDD. You’re right, the laugh track was awful and it needed to go, but the writing was amazing. Another brilliant Aaron Sorkin project that just didn’t make it. If you haven’t tried The West Wing yet, try it out - you’ll probably love that, too.
Comment from Blythe
Time: October 23, 2008, 9:40 pm
This is perhaps my favorite TV show ever in the history of television. Certainly in the history of scripted comedy. I weep when I watch the last episode too. And now I’m weeping because TEN YEARS? I am so old.
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