QB1: Beyond the Lights

It could probably be shorted a couple of episodes, but the editing, camera work and insights into high-profile high school athletes are really strong.

This is a real-life version of Friday Night Lights in my opinion. You get to see how revered high school quarterbacks are in the US, and a hint of the involvement of the families. I realize this would be hard if not impossible to do as the profiled players are 18 or younger, but I wish the show probed a bit more into the realistic (and perhaps sometimes negative) aspects of being a highly touted football prospect in the US : the politics, the balance between football and family life, the sacrifices that both the players and the families make for a football dream that may or may not happen.

I'm now almost finished season 2 and I have to say I've enjoyed it a bit more than season one because a bit more of the realism described above is shown, specifically how it showcased some of the struggles experienced by these players. By the end of season 1 I found myself starting to almost resent a couple of the players (who happened to be in what was portrayed as living rather privileged lifestyles) because they only ever showed them succeeding not only on the field but in life in general.

I love the football stuff. Gives you a glimpse of what it's like being a big time high school quarterback. But they start beating you over the head with all the prayers and even showing some church services. It's ok if they believe but it's like the writers are trying to push Christianity on the audience.

A great insight into the minds of aspiring young athletes as they try to pursue their dreams.

Stick with the series, gets better as you start to identify with the three young quarter backs and their family and support networks.

I now understand what "binge worthy" means. Both seasons of QB1 have been just that. Each episode adds to the intensity. You start to feel like part of the community of each team. You hurt when they hurt. You cheer when they cheer. Well worth watching.