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Donovan W. Carter in Ballers (2015)

News

Donovan W. Carter

Dwayne Johnson’s 72% Rotten Tomatoes Comedy Dubbed the NFL's Replacement for ‘Entourage’ Leaves Streaming Soon
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Dwayne Johnson, often referred to as The Rock, is no stranger to the sports industry, having been a professional wrestler since 1996. The WWE icon has also been involved in several sports-related productions over the years, one of which is the HBO comedy drama Ballers, in which he portrayed Spencer Strasmore, an NFL player forced into retirement who embarks on a new career path as the financial manager of other NFL players.

Ballers debuted on HBO on June 21, 2015, and concluded after a five-season run on October 13, 2019. Nearly four years later, the fan-favorite series found a new home on Netflix, where it has been streaming since August 2023. Sadly, its time on the platform is about to come to an end, as What’s on Netflix lists it as one of the titles leaving Netflix on August 15.

Season 1 of Ballers was the most successful of all five seasons, earning a Certified Fresh score of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes.
See full article at Collider.com
  • 7/27/2025
  • by Lade Omotade
  • Collider.com
10 Best Shows Like ‘Shoresy’ To Watch If You Love the Series
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Shoresy is a Canadian sports comedy series created by Jared Keeso. The Hulu series is a spin-off of the popular series Letterkenny, and it follows Shoresy as he moves to Sudbury to join the struggling senior hockey team, the Sudbury Bulldogs. Shoresy stars Jared Keeso, Tasya Teles, Blair Lamora, Keilani Elizabeth Rose, Ryan McDonell, Camille Sullivan, Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, Terry Ryan, and Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat. So, if you loved the camaraderie, hilarious comedy, and memorable characters in Shoresy, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Letterkenny (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Hulu

Letterkenny is a Canadian comedy series created by Jared Keeso. The Crave series is set in the fictional town of Letterkenny, and it follows the hilarious misadventures of its residents. Letterkenny stars Jared Keeso, Nathan Daniels, Michelle Mylett, K. Trevor Wilson, Dylan Playfair,...
See full article at Cinema Blind
  • 3/4/2025
  • by Kulwant Singh
  • Cinema Blind
10 Best Shows Like ‘Running Point’ To Watch If You Love the Series
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Running Point is a sports comedy series created by Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen. The Netflix series follows Isla Gordon, a former party girl who is suddenly appointed as the head of the family business, which is the pro basketball team Los Angeles Waves. She takes this opportunity to reform her image and put the flailing team back on the map. Running Point stars Kate Hudson, Drew Tarver, Scott McArthur, Brenda Song, Fabrizio Guido, Chet Hanks, and Tony Sandeman. So, if you loved the camaraderie, hilarious comedy, and compelling characters in Running Point, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Ted Lasso (Apple TV+ & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Apple TV+

Ted Lasso is a sports comedy-drama series created by Stephen Levinson. Based on the promotional media for NBC Sports’s coverage of England’s Premier League,...
See full article at Cinema Blind
  • 3/2/2025
  • by Kulwant Singh
  • Cinema Blind
10 Best Shows Like ‘Suits LA’ To Watch If You Love the Series
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Suits LA is a legal drama series created by Aaron Korsh. The NBC series is a spin-off to the USA Network series Suits, and it follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York who is now running his own firm in Los Angeles with a group of highly qualified and charming lawyers. Suits LA stars Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenberg, and Victoria Justice. So, if you loved thrilling legal drama, interpersonal relationships, and compelling characters in Suits LA, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Suits Credit – USA Network

Suits is a legal comedy-drama series created by Aaron Korsh. The USA Network series is set in New York City, and it follows Mike Ross, a college dropout, as he is hired as a lawyer by Harvey Specter, a charismatic attorney.
See full article at Cinema Blind
  • 2/24/2025
  • by Kulwant Singh
  • Cinema Blind
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Ryan Getzlaf Returns to the Links for the 11th Annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout
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CureDuchenne, a leading global nonprofit focused on finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, will partner with NHL All-Star and retired Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf for the 11th Annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout at Monarch Beach Golf Links on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Hosted by Ryan Getzlaf and his wife Paige, the Annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout brings together professional athletes, celebrities, and community leaders for a two-day experience including an Mvp Dinner reception followed by an action-packed day of activities and golf at the beautiful Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California.

“Duchenne is a devastating disease that cuts short the lives of thousands worldwide,” said Ryan Getzlaf. “Paige and I joined the cause to help find a cure 11 years ago, but we never imagined what this tournament could become. CureDuchenne has made a tremendous impact, investing into promising science that moves the needle closer and...
See full article at Look to the Stars
  • 7/20/2022
  • Look to the Stars
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Emmys 2020 exclusive: HBO categories for ‘Succession,’ ‘Watchmen,’ ‘Westworld’ and more
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In a Gold Derby exclusive, we have learned the category placements of the key Emmy Awards contenders for HBO. For this season, the premium cable network has returning hits such as “Big Little Lies”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Larry David), “Succession” and “Westworld” (Evan Rachel Wood). Newcomers include “Avenue 5” (Hugh Laurie), “Euphoria” (Zendaya) and “The Outsider” (Ben Mendelsohn). They also have limited series and movie contenders “Bad Education” (Hugh Jackman), “I Know This Much Is True” (Mark Ruffalo) and “Watchmen” (Regina King) among their large slate.

Below, the list of HBO lead, supporting and guest submissions for their comedies, dramas, limited series, TV movies and other genres. More names might be added by the network on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.

SEEJosh Gad Interview: ‘Avenue 5’

“Avenue 5”

Comedy Series

Comedy Actor – Hugh Laurie

Comedy Supporting Actor – Josh Gad,...
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 5/18/2020
  • by Chris Beachum
  • Gold Derby
Ballers
Network: HBO

Episodes: 47 (half-hour)

Seasons: Five

TV show dates: June 21, 2015 -- October 13, 2019

Series status: Ended

Performers include: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan W. Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, London Brown, and Arielle Kebbel.

TV show description:

This comedy series looks at the lives of former and current football players. It follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement.

Spencer has re-invented himself as a financial advisor in Miami, taking on young phenoms and veteran superstars alike. But Spencer's role in his clients' lives far exceeds money management as he struggles to help them navigate the many pitfalls that come hand-in-hand with life in the spotlight.

Read More…...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 10/14/2019
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
‘Ballers’ Finale: Dwayne Johnson’s Good-Time NFL Show Leaves a Strange Legacy
[Editor’s Note: The following review includes spoilers for “Ballers,” including Season 5, but not the series finale.]

“Ballers” never felt like a serious show. Offering a glammed-up look inside the life of ex-nfl star Spencer Strasmore (played by a besuited Dwayne Johnson), Stephen Levinson’s HBO pseudo-comedy kept the stakes pretty low, even in its final season. Big spending led to big paychecks, which led to bigger spending and bigger paychecks, until Spencer had accumulated enough wealth to be a viable option for NFL ownership. Audiences never needed to worry if ol’ Spence was gonna be okay, just if he was going to be able to afford the expensive things — his own agency, acquiring other agencies, an NFL team — he craved.

And yet serious issues still popped up, like a tag-along tax on all that big money being thrown around. As Levinson and his team of writers searched for appropriate challenges for their uber-rich characters, the real-world weaved its way into “Ballers.” But rather than engage with such relevant matters as Cte,...
See full article at Indiewire
  • 10/13/2019
  • by Ben Travers
  • Indiewire
Henry "Hank" Ungalow  from Going to California (2001)
‘Manhunt: Lone Wolf’ Casts Brad William Henke; Tim Johnson Jr. Joins ‘Ballers’
Henry "Hank" Ungalow  from Going to California (2001)
Brad William Henke (Orange is the New Black) has landed a key role on season 2 of the Spectrum Original anthology series Manhunt: Lone Wolf from Lionsgate Television. Season 2, Manhunt: Lone Wolf, will chronicle one of the largest and most complex manhunts on U.S. soil — the search for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Bomber, Eric Rudolph (Jack Huston) — and the media firestorm that consumed the life of Richard Jewell (Cameron Britton) in its wake. Henek will play Big John Gray, a man of few words with immense silent power who is the head of an anti-government militia. Henke’s television credits include October Road, Justified, The Bridge, and Orange Is The New Black. His feature credits include the recent Netflix feature film Bright, as well as notable roles in Split, Draft Day, Pacific Rim, and Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday. Henke is repped by Apa, and Jr Talent Group.

Tim Johnson Jr. has landed a recurring role on the fifth and final season of HBO’s Ballers. Created by Stephen Levinson, (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire), Ballers explores the glamorous and often cutthroat world of pro football through a group of past and present players striving to stay in the game. It stars Dwayne Johnson and the cast includes John David Washington, Russell Brand, Rob Corddy, and London Brown. Johnson will play Lazar, the soft spoken sibling in a trio of brothers who are all competitive gamers. The brothers are approached by Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) who shifts his focus from football to his love of professional gaming. In addition to acting Tim recently released his second musical album Summer Sessions. He will next be seen in the Deon Taylor movie Meet The Blacks 2 – The House Next Door out this Halloween. He’s repped by Mmv Talent Agency and Luber Roklin Entertainment.
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 9/6/2019
  • by Denise Petski
  • Deadline Film + TV
‘Ballers’ Spoilers For Season 5, September 8, 2019 Episode 3 Revealed
Hey, "Ballers" fans. We hope you guys enjoyed tonight's episode 2 of this final season 5. Now that it's officially all wrapped up, it's time to let you guys know what you can expect to see in the next,new episode 3. Thanks to the wonderful HBO people, we do have a few teaser descriptions for episode 3 via their press release. We will reference that in this spoiler session. To get things started, they revealed that episode 3 is officially entitled, "Copernicursed.” So, that's a very interesting title. It sounds like episode 3 will feature some interesting and possible intense scenes as Jason gets hit with a counteroffer from Joe. Vernon tries out for an e-sports company. Reggie gets ticked off about his Sports X position. Ricky resorts to past modes of operation. Charles contemplates a certain solution and more. We'll go ahead and start off this spoiler session with the Jason counteroffer situation.It...
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 9/2/2019
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
Happy Labor Day: ‘Succession,’ ‘Ballers’ and ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Episodes to Get Early Release From HBO
It’s a Labor Day miracle: HBO is making upcoming episodes of its three Sunday night series — “Succession,” “Ballers” and “The Righteous Gemstones” — available for early streaming.

This coming Sunday’s episodes for the trio can be streamed beginning Friday, Aug. 30, via HBO Go, HBO Now and its on-demand platforms. The episodes will debut at their originally scheduled times on Sunday, Sept. 1.

“Gemstones” is the latest comedy from Danny McBride, following “Eastbound and Down” and “Vice Principals.” The series premiere on Aug. 19 was the pay-tv channel’s most-watched linear debut of a comedy series in more than three years. The hour-long premiere brought in 844,000 viewers across HBO’s platforms, including streaming.

Also Read: 'The Righteous Gemstones' TV Premiere Is HBO's Most-Watched Comedy Debut in More Than 3 Years

“Succession” meanwhile is in its second season and has already been renewed for a third. “Ballers,” which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson,...
See full article at The Wrap
  • 8/29/2019
  • by Tim Baysinger
  • The Wrap
‘Ballers’ Spoilers For Season 5, September 1, 2019 Episode 2 Revealed
Hey, "Ballers" fans. We hope you guys enjoyed tonight's premier episode 1 of this final season 5. Now that it's all over and officially in the bag, it's time to let you guys know what's in store for the next, new episode 2 that's scheduled to air next Sunday night, September 1, 2019. HBO was kind enough to send us a press release for episode 2. It features a few teaser descriptions. So, we will certainly reference those for this spoiler session. To get things started, episode 2 does have title. The producers named it, "Must Be The Shoes." It sounds like episode 2 will feature some pretty interesting and possible dramatic scenes as Spencer decides to align with allies from the past. Joe has to make an apology. Ricky and Vernon contemplate different things to look forward to. Charles attempts to hide something bad and more. We'll go ahead and start off this spoiler session with the Spencer situation.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 8/26/2019
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
‘Ballers’ To End With Season 5 On HBO; Dwayne Johnson Thanks Fans
HBO’s sports comedy Ballers starring Dwayne Johnson will end after its fifth season, which kicks off Sunday on HBO.

Johnson announced the news in a thank-you post to fans on Instagram. “My heart...
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 8/23/2019
  • by Erik Pedersen
  • Deadline Film + TV
Emmys 2019 exclusive: HBO categories for ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Veep,’ ‘Sharp Objects’ and more
In a Gold Derby exclusive, we have learned the category placements of the key Emmy Awards contenders for HBO. For this season, the premium network has returning champs “Game of Thrones”, “Barry” (Bill Hader), “Veep” (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), newcomers “Gentleman Jack” (Suranne Jones) and “Succession” (Brian Cox), plus limited series “Chernobyl” (Jared Harris), “Sharp Objects” (Amy Adams) and “True Detective” (Mahershala Ali) as part of their 2019 campaign.

Below, the list of HBO lead, supporting and guest submissions for their comedy, drama, TV movies and limited series. More names might be added by the network on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.

SEECarmen Ejogo Interview: ‘True Detective’

“Ballers”

Comedy Series

Comedy Actor – Dwayne Johnson

Comedy Supporting Actress – Joy Bryant, Brittany S. Hall

Comedy Supporting Actor – Russell Brand, London Brown, Donovan W. Carter, Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Omar Miller,...
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 4/23/2019
  • by Chris Beachum
  • Gold Derby
HBO Renews 'Insecure' and 'Ballers'
Insecure and Ballers are getting more seasons.

HBO has renewed the comedies from Issa Rae and Dwayne Johnson for fourth and fifth seasons, respectively. Rae, the creator and star of Insecure, announced the news Thursday on Twitter .

The renewals for Insecure and Ballers comes midway through both shows' current seasons. Ballers, which explores the glamorous and often cutthroat world of pro football, is the pay cabler's highest-rated comedy. In addition to Johnson, the show stars John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan W. Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown and Brittany S. Hall.

The green light for Insecure also comes not long ...
See full article at The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
  • 9/6/2018
  • The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ballers Season 3 Review
Four episodes were provided prior to broadcast.

HBO’s Ballers, the football dramedy meant to scratch the lingering itch left by the beloved Entourage, returns this Sunday for its third season, which doesn’t stray far from the series’ trusty playbook. The show’s greatest boon continues to be star and executive producer Dwayne Johnson, who carries it with his (currently highly, highly lucrative) easy charisma and ever-improving acting skills. The first four episodes of the upcoming season provided for review deliver the same rock-solid, bro-mode entertainment of the first two seasons and, while still never clicking as well as Entourage, adequately fills the niche left by that show in HBO’s stacked lineup.

Season 3 picks up with ex-nfl player turned athlete financier Spencer Strasmore (Johnson) as he tries to finesse the biggest deal of his career, moving the Oakland Raiders to the bright lights of Las Vegas. The arc...
See full article at We Got This Covered
  • 7/21/2017
  • by Bernard Boo
  • We Got This Covered
Video On How to Be Like Dwayne Johnson in HBO’s Ballers
Dwayne Johnson makes everything look cool.

In celebration of the HBO’s Ballers for its complete second season on DVD and Blu-ray, HBO released an edited promotional video on “How to Be the Best Baller.”

The show stars Johnson with Rob Corddry, John David Washington, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan W. Carter, Troy Garity and Jazmyn Simon.

The show centers around Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player turned financial manager. He tries to balance his life, his friends and his clients in the sporting world.

The show has been renewed for a third season. Ballers: The Complete Second Season is available today on Blu-ray and DVD.

Watch the video below as it gives you insight into keeping an even temper, going to be early, being responsible with finances and having friends in high places.

Check it out.

Source: Hb...
See full article at LRMonline.com
  • 2/2/2017
  • by Gig Patta
  • LRMonline.com
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
‘Ballers’ Review: Is The Rock Baller When He’s Vulnerable?
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Last Week: ‘Ballers’ Season 2 Episode 2: How Hard Did ‘Enter the Temple’ Ball?

For the ballers of “Ballers,” this week featured some minor triumphs — Charles (Omar Benson Miller) had a pleasant interlude with his lady even as he tried to process his recent change in positions and Ricky (John David Washington) got the love from New Orleans. But elsewhere, Spencer (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) was struggling. What happened? Or, put it another way…

This episode, not going to lie, was hard for Spencer. Starting at 5 a.m. with a deeply unpleasant wake-up call from Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) about his injured leg, the lack of fun continued as he had to deal with not just his many clients, but the encroaching threat of rival Andre.

The basic trappings of Spencer’s inherent baller-dom remained intact: He does, of course, take the time for important things like selfies with fans, and...
See full article at Indiewire
  • 8/1/2016
  • by Liz Shannon Miller
  • Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson Brings His “A” Game In Latest Teaser For Ballers Season 2
Thanks to an almost overwhelming pent-up demand and a certain Red Priestess, Game of Thrones is irrefutably the talk of the town after last night’s season 6 premiere – but there’s another HBO drama returning to the small screen in 2016, and it’s about as far removed from dragons and fair maidens as you can get.

Yes, Dwayne Johnson’s sharp-suited Spencer Strasmore is prepping for a return to the sun-kissed streets of Miami with Ballers season 2, and a new teaser released today drums up excitement for the show’s sophomore bow on July 17.

Much to the surprise of no one, Johnson simply oozes charisma in the clip above, and the actor’s star power is part of the reason Ballers season 1 became such a runaway success – the inaugural run stands as HBO’s most-watched half-hour show since 2009. It even broke past records established by Entourage, and fans will be...
See full article at We Got This Covered
  • 4/25/2016
  • by Michael Briers
  • We Got This Covered
Ballers Season 2 Trailer Pits Dwayne Johnson’s Sports Icon Against A New Big Bad
Dwayne Johnson’s former sports star is up against it in the first trailer for HBO’s Ballers season 2 – and not because he’s mistaken for Vin Diesel.

“You’re no one until you have enemies,” reads the show’s tagline, and Johnson’s magnetic Miami Dolphins star-turned-financial manager Spencer Strasmore learns a thing or two about his new nemesis in today’s first peek. Yes, there’s a storm brewing over HBO’s record-breaking sports drama, and Johnson and his old confidant Joe (Rob Corddry) are caught smack bang in the middle.

Given that HBO is yet to nail down a concrete premiere date for season 2, the sizzle reel is a mere one minute in length. It’s still enough to offer up a good look at the Ballers cast though, with old and new faces coming together to form an ensemble that includes John David Washington, Omar Miller,...
See full article at We Got This Covered
  • 2/29/2016
  • by Michael Briers
  • We Got This Covered
HBO Releases "Ballers" Season Two Trailer
HBO has debuted the trailer for the second season of its Dwayne Johnson-led sports talent series "Ballers" which will premiere this summer. John David Washington, Omar Miller, Donovan W. Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown Jazmyn Simon and Rob Corddry also star.

Stephen Levinson ("Entourage") created the series which looks at the lives of former and current football players including former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Johnson) who is trying to reinvent himself as a financial manager for current players in sunsoaked Miami.
See full article at Dark Horizons
  • 2/27/2016
  • by Garth Franklin
  • Dark Horizons
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
'Ballers' Season 2 Trailer: Dwayne Johnson Has a New Enemy
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
'You're no one until you have enemies!' That's the tagline for Ballers as it prepares to unleash all-new episodes. Dwayne Johnson returns as Spencer Strasmore for Season 2 this summer on HBO. And it looks like he's not making new friends as much as he is setting up a bitter rivalry with a soon to be enemy, played by Andy Garcia. About continuing this hit drama, HBO Programming president had this to say.

"The charismatic and hugely talented Dwayne Johnson, along with the rest of the Ballers cast, has truly struck a chord with the HBO audience. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response the series has received and look forward to another exciting season."

A superstar during his football playing days, Spencer Strasmore tries to find the same success as a financial manager for current players in sun-splashed Miami. Heeding his boss Joe's instruction to "monetize his friendships," Spencer...
See full article at MovieWeb
  • 2/27/2016
  • by MovieWeb
  • MovieWeb
TV Review: Ballers: Season 1, Episode 9: Head-On [HBO]
HBO’s Ballers Head-On TV Show Review. Ballers: Season 1, Episode 9:Head-On TV Show Review Head-On is Spencer’s (Dwayne Johnson) biggest guilt trip yet, but makes him more likable when his vulnerability is really in the spotlight. Oh, and kicking Reggie (London Brown) to the curb is Vernon’s (Donovan W. Carter) most likable decision to date. I was amazed the way Spencer believed […]...
See full article at Film-Book
  • 8/18/2015
  • by Stephanie King
  • Film-Book
Ballers season 1, episode 2 recap – Raise up
In the second quarter or episode of “Ballers” the clock is ticking for Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson), the richest looking poor man ever, to get a lucrative client and friend to sign on the dotted line. The retired football player turned financial advisor to pro athletes worked hard this episode to secure Dallas’ Vernon Littelfield (Donovan W. Carter). Aside from a potential client, Vernon is a friend and the classic case of a star player who wants to take care of everyone and their mom once they get a little cash in green in their pocket. The end result, as … Continue reading →

The post Ballers season 1, episode 2 recap – Raise up appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
See full article at ChannelGuideMag
  • 6/29/2015
  • by Scott Fishman
  • ChannelGuideMag
Ballers: Season One Ratings
Football games often deliver great ratings for their television channels. But, how will a comedy series about current and former players perform for HBO? Will Ballers be cancelled or renewed for a second season? Stay tuned to find out.

On Ballers, former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) has re-invented himself as a financial adviser in Miami, taking on young phenoms and veteran superstars alike. Spencer's role in his clients' lives far exceeds money management as he struggles to help them navigate the many pitfalls that come with life in the spotlight. The rest of the cast includes Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan W. Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, London Brown, and Arielle Kebbel.

Read More…...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 6/24/2015
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Ballers: Did HBO's Sports Comedy Score With Its First Episode?
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Don’t be fooled by the stereotypes you may have heard about retirement: For ex-nfl players, it isn’t all about golf courses, Bingo Nights and vacation homes in Miami.

Well, actually, the Miami part is true.

But for retired Miami Dolphins linebacker Spencer Strasmore — the protagonist of HBO’s sports comedy Ballers, played by San Andreas‘ Dwayne Johnson — his post-pro football life isn’t quite what he imagined. Despite living in a beautiful Florida home, with a gorgeous woman on his arm, Spencer’s new career as a financial consultant to the current NFL stars isn’t fulfilling him.
See full article at TVLine.com
  • 6/22/2015
  • TVLine.com
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
TV Review: Free the Rock From HBO’s Ballers
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
"If it drives, flies, floats, or fucks, lease it!" That's the advice financial consultant Spencer Strassmore (The Rock) gives his fellow NFL pals in Ballers, and that's the show in a nutshell: ostentatious, competitive consumption; boring, dated misogyny; with an air of hollow falseness. Come on! Everyone knows it's cheaper to buy than to lease a car.Look, we all love the Rock. That's basically the point of America. So the fact that even he cannot liven things up should indicate just how rote Ballers feels. His Spencer is a former NFL player, now trying to figure out his new career as a financial planner. His boss, Joe (Rob Corddry), is on his case to chat up more business, so he tries: There's the drama-plagued Ricky (John David Washington, who actually played in the NFL and is also the son of Denzel Washington), the hot-shot rookie Vernon (Donovan W. Carter...
See full article at Vulture
  • 6/19/2015
  • by Margaret Lyons
  • Vulture
'Ballers' Premieres Sunday Night, June 21, on HBO. Here's What Critics Are Saying About It...
HBO's new comedy series "Ballers" will kick off a 10-episode season starting Sunday, June 21, at 10pm (it's a 30-minute show). Looking at the lives of former and current football players, "Ballers" follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement, while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington (Denzel Washington’s son, in his first major acting role), Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Rob Corrdry, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble also star in the series, which is set in...
See full article at ShadowAndAct
  • 6/19/2015
  • by Tambay A. Obenson
  • ShadowAndAct
"Legends Don't Retire; They Reinvent" in 2nd Longer Trailer for 'Ballers'
HBO's new comedy series "Ballers" will kick off a 10-episode season starting on Sunday, June 21, at 10pm (it's a 30-minute show). Looking at the lives of former and current football players, "Ballers" follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement, while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington (Denzel Washington’s son, in his first major acting role), Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Rob Corrdry, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble also star in the series, which is set in...
See full article at ShadowAndAct
  • 5/28/2015
  • by Tambay A. Obenson
  • ShadowAndAct
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Dwayne Johnson Has to Monetize Friendships in New ‘Ballers’ Trailer (Video)
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is forced to turn his friends into a paycheck in the new trailer for the HBO series “Ballers.” Johnson stars as retired pro football player Spencer Strassmore, who now works as a sports manager in Miami for other pro athletes. “First piece of free advice: If it drives, flies, or floats, lease it,” he tells two new clients at a wild mansion party. He also tries to offer guidance to his friend Vernon (Donovan W. Carter), though Vernon seems more interested in maintaining his hard-partying lifestyle than taking his career seriously. See photos: 13 Wrestlers Who Body Slammed the.
See full article at The Wrap
  • 5/28/2015
  • by Joe Otterson
  • The Wrap
Watch: Dwayne Johnson Gets In The Game In New Trailer For HBO's 'Ballers'
This weekend, Dwayne Johnson tries to outrun Mother Nature in "San Andreas," a big, dumby and sorta goofy fun disaster movie (read our review). But that won't be the last of The Rock you see this summer. He's bringing his People's Elbow and boundless charisma to HBO for the comedy series "Ballers," and a new trailer is here. Read More: Watch: First Trailer For Disaster Flick 'San Andreas' Starring Dwayne Johnson Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble also star in this one about a former athlete who mentors football players through the choppy waters of professional sports. But this basically looks like "Entourage v.2" with more gridiron and less Johnny Drama. Not that it's a bad thing necessarily, but one does wonder how many shots of babes partying on yachts someone needs. "Ballers" gets in the game on Sunday,...
See full article at The Playlist
  • 5/28/2015
  • by Kevin Jagernauth
  • The Playlist
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
HBO's 'Ballers' Poster Makes Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson a Football Legend
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
Read More: Watch: The Rock Heads to HBO in 'Ballers' Teaser Trailer Is it too early to say the summer of 2015 belongs to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson? Not only did the beloved athlete-turned-actor kick off the summer movie season early with the billion dollar blockbuster "Furious 7," but he also has the mega-disaster pic "San Andreas" set for release at the end of the month and a new HBO comedy series that is tailor-made for his charismatic strengths.  Looking at the lives of former and current football players, "Ballers" follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon and Arielle Kebble also star. The "Entourage"-meets-"Hard Knocks" series kicks off its 10-episode season.
See full article at Indiewire
  • 5/15/2015
  • by Zack Sharf
  • Indiewire
HBO offers first look at Dwayne Johnson in ‘Ballers’
HBO has already created a lot of buzz this week with the much-anticipated season premiere of Game of Thrones coming this Sunday and its release of a new trailer for True Detective’s second season. Now the network has unveiled the first trailer for its new Dwayne Johnson-led series Ballers, which appears to be a hybrid of Any Given Sunday, Entourage, and Friday Night Lights. The 30-minute dramedy will begin its 10-episode run in June.

The Miami-set show will center on a former football superstar (Johnson) who reinvents himself after retirement by mentoring current and former players on the art of surviving the business of football. The series also stars Rob Corddry, Rmar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, Arielle Kebble, and John David Washington, who is a former college football player and the son of Denzel Washington. Friday Night Lights alum Peter Berg helmed the pilot...
See full article at SoundOnSight
  • 4/11/2015
  • by A.R. Wilson
  • SoundOnSight
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
HBO's 'Ballers' Trailer Starring Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
HBO has released the first trailer for its upcoming summer series Ballers, starring Dwayne Johnson in his first major TV role. Ballers Season 1, which will span 10 episodes, debuts Sunday, June 21 at 10 Pm Et, following the Season 2 premiere of True Detective at 9 Pm Et. Dwayne Johnson stars as a former pro football player, which is fitting since, before his WWE and his acting days, he played college football at the University of Miami.

Ballers examines the lives of former and current football players. The show follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football, although he is now struggling in his new career as a financial advisor. In his new role, he tries to advise his NFL friends financially and professionally, but identifies with the trials they are...
See full article at MovieWeb
  • 4/11/2015
  • by MovieWeb
  • MovieWeb
The Rock Stars in First Trailer for HBO's 'Ballers'
Man, it has been trailer heaven for HBO and Netflix lately and yet another one has just arrived, this one for HBO's "Ballers" starring Dwayne Johnson as former football superstar Spencer Strasmore as he gets his life on track in retirement while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon and Arielle Kebble co-star and you'll even see Peter Berg in this brief trailer. The series was created and executive produced by Steve Levinson with the aforementioned Berg joining a fleet of executive producers that also includes Mark Wahlberg, Dany Garcia, Julian Farino, Evan Reilly and Rob Weiss. The half-hour series kicks off its ten-episode season on Sunday, June 21 at 10 Pm. Watch the trailer below. sb id="1510565" height="360" width="640"...
See full article at Rope of Silicon
  • 4/10/2015
  • by Brad Brevet
  • Rope of Silicon
First Ballers Trailer: Dwayne Johnson’s HBO Series Has an Entourage Vibe
After releasing the first trailer for new comedy The Brink this morning, HBO has now unveiled the first Ballers trailer for Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming series. Created and executive produced by Steve Levinson (Entourage, Boardwalk Empire), the show stars Johnson as a former football superstar who gets his life on track in retirement by mentoring other current players. The show very much looks to have a strong Entourage vibe, making swell use of its Miami location and ensemble cast. The main draw here is that Dwayne Johnson has his own TV series, so that’s reason enough to tune in. Though it’s a half-hour series, it looks like Ballers will also delve into a bit of drama—that’s not uncommon at HBO, though, where only 50% of its “comedies” are straight-up comedies. The series also boasts Friday Night Lights alum and feature film director Peter Berg as an executive producer alongside Mark Wahlberg,...
See full article at Collider.com
  • 4/10/2015
  • by Adam Chitwood
  • Collider.com
Watch The First Trailer For HBO Comedy Series Ballers Starring Dwayne Johnson
‘Franchise viagra’ man Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is taking a time out from global gallivanting and taking out bad guys with a swift flex of the bicep. Ahead of any potential involvement in another Fast & Furious instalment, he can next be seen onscreen in HBO’s upcoming comedy Ballers. The ten-episode season kicks off this summer with Johnson in the lead role as former football superstar Spencer Strasmore, whose post-career job finds him training upcoming athletes.

And to get you game-ready, Johnson himself has dropped the first trailer online. At first glance it seems to bear the hallmarks of its executive producer Mark Wahlberg’s handiwork (i.e. it’s a bit Entourage-esque), but that’s in no way a disparaging comparison. For the most part, the series looks to be finally making the most of Johnson’s comedic skills, which are usually only grazed upon in his big screen outings.
See full article at We Got This Covered
  • 4/10/2015
  • by Gem Seddon
  • We Got This Covered
Get Rich, Get Laid, Have Fun: Watch The First Trailer For Dwayne Johnson's HBO Comedy 'Ballers'
There are people who exude charisma, and then there's Dwayne Johnson. His ability to charm you and pull you into his sphere is nearly unparalleled, and has been a big part of why he's experienced so much big screen success. Now, bringing that force to cable in the HBO comedy series "Ballers," and the first trailer is here. Co-starring Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble, the show finds The Rock playing superstar Spencer Strasmore as he gets his life on track in retirement while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Basically, this looks like the version of "Pain & Gain" we wish Michael Bay had made instead. Read More: Disaster Strikes California In New Trailer For San Andreas With Dwayne Johnson "Ballers" rolls on June 21st. Watch below. Watch our World...
See full article at The Playlist
  • 4/10/2015
  • by Kevin Jagernauth
  • The Playlist
Check Out the First Trailer for HBO's New Dramedy Series 'Ballers' Starring Dwayne Johnson
HBO's new comedy series "Ballers" will kick off a 10-episode season starting on Sunday, June 21, at 10pm (it's a 30-minute show). Looking at the lives of former and current football players, "Ballers" follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement, while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington (Denzel Washington’s son, in his first major acting role), Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Rob Corrdry, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble also star in the series, which is set in Miami, Fl,...
See full article at ShadowAndAct
  • 4/10/2015
  • by Tambay A. Obenson
  • ShadowAndAct
HBO Sets June 21 Premiere Date for 'Ballers' (Dwayne Johnson, Omar Benson Miller, Denzel Washington's Son, Others Star)
HBO has announced that the new comedy series "Ballers" will kick off a 10-episode season starting on Sunday, June 21, at 10pm (it's a 30-minute show). Looking at the lives of former and current football players, "Ballers" follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement, while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington (Denzel Washington’s son, in his first major acting role), Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Rob Corrdry, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble also star in the series, which...
See full article at ShadowAndAct
  • 4/9/2015
  • by Tambay A. Obenson
  • ShadowAndAct
HBO Launching Comedies ‘The Brink’ & ‘Ballers’ With ‘True Detective’ In June
HBO will use the second-season bow of its Emmy-winning drama to drive sampling for a pair of rookie comedies. The next iteration of True Detective will premiere at 9 Pm on June 21, followed by the series bow of Ballers at 10 and The Brink at 10:30. Ballers explores the lives of a group of former and current football players. Dwayne Johnson stars along with Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Donovan Carter, Jazmyn Simon, Taylor Cole and…...
See full article at Deadline TV
  • 4/9/2015
  • Deadline TV
Ballers: HBO Orders Dwayne Johnson Comedy Series
HBO has ordered another new comedy series. Ballers will star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in his first regular TV series acting role. He recently hosted reality competition The Hero for TNT.

Ballers will follow the lives of a group of former and current football players and comes from Stephen Levinson (Entourage), who wrote the script and will executive produce along with Mark Wahlberg, Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Evan Reilly and Peter Berg (who will direct the pilot).

Others in the cast include Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Donovan Carter, Jazmyn Simon, Taylor Cole and LeToya Luckett.

The pickup of Ballers follows HBO's decision to greenlight The Brink, a comedy which will star Tim Robbins and Jack Black.

What do you think? Does Ballers sound interesting to you? Will you give it a try?...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 2/18/2014
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
HBO Orders Dwayne Johnson's 'Ballers' To Series (Omar Benson Miller, LeToya Luckett, Others Star)
HBO has ordered Dwayne Johnson's Ballers to series - the half-hour dramedy project we first alerted you to in May. Johnson (an athlete himself - he played college football, and was a WWF star), will star in a series which centers on the lives of retired athletes living in Miami. He'll be joined by Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington (Denzel Washington’s son in his first major acting role), Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Donovan Carter, Jazmyn Simon, Taylor Cole and LeToya Luckett. John David Washington, also a former college football player who had a stint in the NFL and has now turned to acting, following in his father's (and...
See full article at ShadowAndAct
  • 2/14/2014
  • by Tambay A. Obenson
  • ShadowAndAct
Dwayne Johnson Is Coming To HBO With Half-Hour Comedy Ballers
One of the most consistently bankable stars in Hollywood, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has dabbled in everything from high-octane action (the Fast & Furious franchise) to family fare (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) to reality television (TNT’s The Hero). Now, premium cable channel HBO is getting in on the action by ordering a half-hour comedy called Ballers, which Johnson will both star in and executive-produce.

Ballers will follow the lives of a diverse assortment of current and former football players. Johnson stars as Spencer Strasmore, a retired athlete. The show will also star Omar Benson Miller as “affable” former athlete Charles; John David Washington as “highly competitive and highly spiritual” pro athlete Ricky; Rob Corddry as financial advisor Joe; Troy Garity as a top-of-the-line sports agent named Jason, Donovan Carter as Vernon, a pro athlete struggling to keep the focus on his family; Jazmyn Simon as Julie, the wife of...
See full article at We Got This Covered
  • 2/14/2014
  • by Isaac Feldberg
  • We Got This Covered
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
The Rock Has His Own HBO Show -- Miami Comedy 'Ballers'
Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)
HBO has given a series greenlight to "Ballers," a half-hour comedy starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, reports Deadline. The series, which was ordered to pilot back in May of last year, will be the actor's first lead role in a scripted series (or not, depending on how you want to categorize professional wrestling). "Ballers," which was written by Stephen Levinson ("Entourage"), is set in Miami and is about a group of current and former football players. Johnson is playing retired athlete Spencer Strasmore. Omar Benson Miller ("Miracle at St. Anna") is Charles, a former pro athlete looking for what's next, and John David Washington (son of Denzel) is Ricky, a competitive, spiritual pro. Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Donovan Carter, Jazmyn Simon, Taylor Cole and LeToya Luckett also star. "Ballers" is executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, who starred with Johnson in "Pain & Gain" and who currently produces "Boardwalk Empire" for HBO.
See full article at Indiewire
  • 2/14/2014
  • by Alison Willmore
  • Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Ballers’ Ordered to Series by HBO
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson will return to television, but he won’t be wrestling. The former WWE wrestler-turned-movie-star will lead and executive produce “Ballers,” a half-hour series looking into the lives of a group of former and current football players, an HBO representative told TheWrap. Also read: David Fincher Remaking ‘Utopia’ for HBO With ‘Gone Girl’ Author Johnson stars as Spencer Strasmore, a retired athlete living in Miami. It co-stars Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Troy Garity, Donovan Carter, Jazmyn Simon, Taylor Cole and LeToya Luckett. Mark Wahlberg will executive produce with Johnson, Steve Levinson, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly,...
See full article at The Wrap
  • 2/14/2014
  • by Jethro Nededog
  • The Wrap
Dwayne Johnson’s HBO Half-Hour Pilot ‘Ballers’ Picked Up To Series
Dwayne Johnson is headed to HBO‘s primetime. The pay cable network has picked up to series half-hour pilot Ballers toplined by the wrestling and movie star in his first major series gig. He is executive producing the series with his Pain & Gain co-star Mark Wahlberg; Wahlberg’s manager/frequent producing partner Steve Levinson, on whose original idea the project is based; showrunner Even Reilly; and Peter Berg, who directed the pilot. Written by Levinson in his pilot-writing debut, Ballers is exploring the lives of a group of former and current football players. Johnson stars as Spencer Strasmore, a retired athlete. The cast includes Omar Benson Miller as Charles, an affable former pro athlete who is searching for his next career; Denzel Washington’s son John David Washington as Ricky, a highly competitive and highly spiritual pro athlete; Rob Corddry as Joe, a financial advisor who tries really hard to...
See full article at Deadline TV
  • 2/14/2014
  • by NELLIE ANDREEVA
  • Deadline TV
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