The HBO show ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ has been canceled after its second season finale, disappointing many fans of the basketball drama series.
The Show’s Premise and Reception
The show was based on the book ‘Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s’ by Jeff Pearlman, which chronicled the rise of the Lakers franchise in the 80s, led by stars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. The show also depicted the rivalry between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics, as well as the personal and professional lives of the players, coaches, and owners.
The show starred John C. Reilly as Dr. Jerry Buss, the owner of the Lakers, Jason Clarke as Jerry West, the general manager, Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Gaby Hoffmann as Jeanie Buss, the daughter of Jerry Buss, and Michael Chiklis as Pat Riley, the head coach.
The show received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the show for its entertaining and nostalgic portrayal of one of the most successful teams in NBA history, while others criticized it for being inaccurate, sensationalized, and boring. The show also faced backlash from some of the real-life figures it portrayed, such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West, who claimed that the show misrepresented them and their stories.
The Reason for Cancellation
According to sources, the reason for the cancellation of ‘Winning Time’ was mainly due to low ratings and viewership. The show reportedly struggled to attract and retain a loyal fan base, despite having a loyal fan base. The show also faced competition from other sports-related shows on HBO, such as ‘The Shop’, ‘Hard Knocks’, and ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel’.
The author of the book that inspired the show, Jeff Pearlman, was vocal about his disappointment and frustration with the cancellation. He posted several messages on social media, urging fans to support the show and convince HBO to renew it for a third season. He also expressed his gratitude to the cast and crew of the show for their hard work and dedication.
The Fans’ Reaction
Many fans of ‘Winning Time’ were shocked and saddened by the news of its cancellation. They took to social media to express their love for the show and their disappointment with HBO’s decision. Some fans even started online petitions and campaigns to save the show or find another network or platform to pick it up.
However, some fans were also understanding and realistic about the situation. They acknowledged that the show had its flaws and limitations, and that it was not appealing to everyone. They also thanked the show for giving them a glimpse into one of the most iconic eras in basketball history.