'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' Season 2: Here's what we know so far
It doesn't come as a surprise that HBO's blockbuster sports drama, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' was renewed for a Season 2 by the network. It's critically acclaimed and with five episodes in, the series continues to garner rave reviews. The news of renewal will be a silver lining to Los Angeles Lakers fans who, with the team, have endured a woeful season with the decorated NBA franchise failing to make the postseason.
The 10-episode series, based on Jeff Pearlman’s book 'Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty' of the 1980s is a dramedy that puts the spotlight on Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson. Per a Deadline report. the show's fifth episode drew 1.2 million viewers across platforms on premiere night, up 37% from the first episode. Talking about the second season, Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, was all praise. “It’s been a thrill to bring Winning Time to life with Adam McKay, Max Borenstein, our phenomenal producing team, and this incredible cast," he said.
RELATED ARTICLES
'Winning Time' Episode 5: Was Paula Abdul the first Laker girl married to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
'Winning Time': Why did Jack McKinney's career as Lakers coach come to an abrupt end?
"This series not only tells the riveting story of the Lakers’ rise, but is also a look back at a transformative era in basketball, celebrity, and the city of Los Angeles. We can’t wait to see how this team will tell the next chapter of this dynasty," he added in a statement.
When will 'Winning Time' Season 2 release?
While it does appear that production for 'Winning Time' Season 2 will be pretty much underway in a couple of months, there is no official premiere date that was announced. We reckon it would debut pretty much in 2023. Season 1 premiered in March, and HBO might be looking at a similar window again.
What is the show all about?
Season 2 will continue to tell the story of the 'Showtime' Lakers. There wouldn't be much deviation from the storyline that's being told in Season 1. Per TV Line, the synopsis reads, "Based on Jeff Pearlman’s book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s, it follows “the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of the sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined an era, both on and off the court.”
Who is in the cast of 'Winning Time'?
Expect all the major players to return for a second season. The ensemble cast includes John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss, Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Jason Clarke as Jerry West, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Gaby Hoffmann as Claire Rothman, Tracy Letts as Jack McKinney, Jason Segel as Paul Westhead, Julianne Nicholson as Cranny McKinney, and Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss.
DeVaughn Nixon as Norm Nixon, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tamera Tomakili as Earleatha “Cookie” Kelly, Brett Cullen as Bill Sharman, Stephen Adly Guirgis as Frank Mariani, Spencer Garrett as Chick Hearn, Sarah Ramos as Cheryl Pistono, Molly Gordon as Linda Zafrani, Joey Brooks as Lon Rosen, Delante Desouza as Michael Cooper, Jimel Atkins as Jamaal Wilkes, Austin Aaron as Mark Landsberger, Jon Young as Brad Holland, with Rob Morgan as Earvin Johnson Sr. and Sally Field as Jessie Buss.
Showrunners
Max Borenstein executive produces the series alongside Adam McKay. Jason Shuman, Scott Stephens and Rodney Barnes serve as EPs.
Trailer
There is no trailer available at the moment, however, HBO does provide a brief promo for the new episodes and we expect one to drop right after the finale. Watch this space for more updates on 'Winning Time'.