Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty was canceled after two seasons

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

Sound the buzzer and clear the path to the locker rooms because Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty ends its run after two seasons. Creator Max Borenstein confirmed the news on the app formally known as Twitter, saying, “Not the ending that we had in mind,” expressing his disappointment in not finishing the story on its own terms. “But nothing but gratitude and love,” he added.

Director Salli Richardson joined the chorus on Instagram by saying, “When you give it everything you’ve got, you can have no regrets. I hope you enjoy the last episode of @winningtimehbo I am sure I will do many more hours of TV and hopefully many features in my future, but I can say that at this moment in time I am most proud of the work we did on this masterful show.”

Not the ending that we had in mind.
But nothing but gratitude and love. #winningtime

— Max Borenstein (@MAXBORENSTEIN) September 18, 2023

The first season of Winning Time debuted with 901,000 viewers tuning in for the star-studded sports drama. The second season did not perform as well, with only 629,000 audience members across Max and linear telecasts. The show experienced a viewership high in 2022 during March Madness, with 1.6M showing up for the season one finale.

Based on the Jeff Pearlman book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s,” Winning Time will dramatize the professional and personal lives of the team, described in the series logline as “one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined its era, both on and off the court.”

“The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s personified the flamboyance and excess of the decade over which they reigned. Beginning with the arrival of Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the number-one overall pick of the 1979 draft, the Lakers played basketball with gusto and pizzazz, unleashing their famed “Showtime” run-and-gun style on a league unprepared for their speed and ferocity—and became the most captivating show in sports and, arguably, in all-around American entertainment. The Lakers’ roster overflowed with exciting all-star-caliber players, including center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and they were led by the incomparable Pat Riley, known for his slicked-back hair, his Armani suits, and his arrogant strut. Hollywood’s biggest celebrities lined the court and gorgeous women flocked to the arena. Best of all, the team was a winner. Between 1980 and 1991, the Lakers played in an unmatched nine NBA championship series, capturing five of them.“

The season two cast is an impressive starting lineup of actors, which includes John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Adrien Brody, Jason Clarke, Gaby Hoffmann, Jason Segel, Hadley Robinson, DeVaughn Nixon, Solomon Hughes, Tamera Tomakili, Brett Cullen, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Spencer Garrett, Molly Gordon, Joey Brooks, Delante Desouza, Jimel Atkins, Austin Aaron, McCabe Slye, Thomas Mann, Gillian Jacobs, with Michael Chiklis and Rob Morgan.

In August, Pearlman urged Winning Time fans to tune in for the second season, saying the show’s fate depends on their participation. “I’m telling you — the future of “Winning Time” hangs in the balance,” Pearlman tweeted. “We need viewers. The strikes are crippling. Please help spread the word. Season 2 is amazing. But … HBO is big on #s.”

Are you disappointed that Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is no longer hitting the court? Let us know in the comments below.