My friends know that within minutes of me arriving at their house, I will probably be distracted talking to their mom about my latest TV show. It’s effortless conversation, and probably the closest thing I will ever get to joining a book club.
Talking about TV always makes for light, relatable conversation. It also is the most reliable go-to backup for when conversation gets awkward. Certainly not the most academic, but it always works with new friends, peers, and adults.
The specific genres of TV thrillers and sports documentaries are scarcely seen in the same sentence; however, this rare juxtaposition of genres intertwine with drama, cliffhangers, and, most importantly, makes you question yourself and your beliefs. TV thrillers leave you on the edge of your seat, similar to following the story lines of star athletes whose daily routines are unimaginable. Both genres impose a love for characters and high hopes for their success, which creates a passionate discourse perfect to share with others.
That said, I’m certain that anyone reading this will find something on this list of favorites that they’ll love, and can use it to connect with a broader audience rather than just friends their age.
Disclaimer: you will still like these sports documentaries even if you hate sports.
Nine Perfect Strangers
- 72% of Google users liked this show
- Watch on: Hulu
- Actors: Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, Luke Evans, Grace Van Patten
- Plot: A group of strangers of various backgrounds come together at Nicole Kidman’s bizarre guru retreat. Psychological series with both thrill and humor.
Big Little Lies
- 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Watch on: Hulu
- Actors: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep
- Plots: Follows a group of mothers living in the wealthy and somewhat perfect area of Monterey, California. However, peculiar mysteries take over the town when a working-class single-mother moves to town.
The Handmaid’s Tale
- 92% of Google users liked this show
- Watch on: Hulu
- Actors: Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes
- Plot: A futuristic model of the United States in which there is a totalitarian society after environmental destruction and weakening birth rate. Women are property of the state and treated horribly as “handmaids.” Twisted, otherworldly, peculiar must watch.
The Undoing
- 75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Watch on: Hulu
- Actors: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Matilda De Angelis, Donald Sutherland
- Follows a wealthy family through a twisted murder case. This mysterious drama leaves you wondering till the last episode who did it.
SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES
Alpinist
- Subject: Marc-André Leclerc: Solo climber
- 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Documentary about Leclerc, a mild, non-materialistic guy who climbed for himself, not the attention. Not only climbing, but with no ropes; one wrong step means immediate death. If you thought Free Solo was impressive, just imagine that but with snow, ice, and avalanche. “Alpinist” dives into the mental component of soloing, which many would see as a death sentence, all while exhibiting incredible footage of climbing, and the difficulties of filming Leclerc as he would go MIA for months.
Tiger
- Subject: Tiger Woods
- 74% on Rotten Tomatoes
- This two-episode documentary centers on Tiger Woods’ early career as a beloved, magnificent golfer, whose more recent reputation has been tainted by his drug problems, sex addictions, and poor behavior. A large portion of the film is attributed to his father’s role in both Woods’ golf game and personal values.
King Richard (Fictionalized biopic)
- Subject: Serena and Venus Williams
- 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- This recent film reenacts the childhoods of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. A large role in the film is played by their father, Richard Williams, due to his determination and possible overload of commitment to their early tennis careers. The film tracks the family’s journey from the rainy courts of Compton to holding multiple Grand Slam titles.
Passion Play
- Subject: Russell Westbrook
- 100% of Google users liked this show
- Documentary about NBA star Russel Westbrook. It discusses his career, education, romantic life, and, most importantly, his attitude which has been highly controversial throughout his career, as he is notorious for being “difficult.”
Last Dance
- Subject: Micheal Jordan
- 97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Follows basketball legend Micheal Jordan in his dedication from early life to transforming to the greatest basketball player of all time. From getting cut from his high school basketball time, to winning 6 NBA championships, 5 NBA MVP awards, and many other accomplishments, the audience is finally opened up to what it was like to be MJ and how he dealt with the fame, pressure, and burnout.
Cover Photo: Sunset Magazine
