more retro rewinds

“Sports Night”

(Streaming on Amazon, Apple, Vudu, YouTube and Roku): Loosely based on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” this 1998-2000 ABC series from Aaron Sorkin about the goings on at a sports news show struggled in the ratings and was canceled after two seasons but certainly had its mark at Emmy time garnering two trophies and eight nominations. Josh Charles and Peter Krause had the lead roles as anchors in the Dan Patrick/Keith Olbermann mold.

“Arli$$”

(Streams on HBO Max): As played by Robert Wuhl in this excellent 1996-2002 HBO comedy, Arliss Michaels was a hard-charging wheeler-dealer super agent with an inability to say no to his superstar clients. He’d do anything for them and to increase his agency’s cash flow and frequently that meant that ethics were optional. There were also cameos by real-life sports figures including Kobe Bryant, Yogi Berra, John Salley and Tonya Harding.

“1st & Ten”

(Streaming on Roku and Filmrise): Before she was one of the “Designing Women,” Delta Burke was front and center of the first three seasons of this 1984-91 HBO comedy as Diane Barrow, who became owner of the fictional NFL team California Bulls as part of her divorce settlement. In addition to the antics of the players, female stewardship was a common thread throughout the series’ run, with team heads being played by Leah Ayres, Shanna Reed and Shannon Tweed in succeeding years.

“Friday Night Lights”

(Streaming on Netflix, Peacock and Hulu): Peter Berg adapted his well-regarded 2004 movie about a Texas high school football team and their economically depressed town into a similarly well-regarded series that continued that storyline, with Connie Britton, Kyle Chandler, Gaius Charles and Zach Gilford heading a talented cast.