It’s a chilly autumn night. The stadium lights are shining bright on the stands filled with overzealous parents, students, and random townsfolk. As the timer winds down, the crowd erupts in cheer and the football players burst out from behind the school banner. A gust of wind startles the cheerleaders and drill team members as the team bolts past. With pride in their hearts, the band plays the fight song, the fans chant, and the players hype each other up. It’s a cacophony of sounds, and amidst this the clock strikes 7. It’s time for kickoff. Let the game begin.
In 2 weeks, Texas high school football begins also known as the greatest day of the year for some Texans. In the wake of this annual event, I thought I would give you a show recommendation to get you in those vibes. Even if you’ve never experienced the spectacle that is Texas high school football, or don’t like football, this show will hook you. I promise. What is this sensational show? Friday. Night. Lights.
The last episode of Friday Night Lights aired over 10 years ago, but the show still holds up. Before I tell you why you should start watching FNL, let me give you a little background. The show aired from 2006 to 2011 and it revolves around the football centric town Dillon, Texas. Though it never had a large audience, it’s still a show that deserves a watch.
I started FNL back in June because for months I kept putting it off. From the first episode I was hooked because of the compelling characters, and the various intricacies of the relationships between all of them. The show literally got an Emmy for the casting because the actors meshed so well together.
I grew up in a Texas suburb, but I really understood the fanfare of high school football until I watched FNL. This show made me see how football can be something that connects and unites a town. Even when a major tragedy happens early on in season 1, the town comes together through football. So many of the people in Dillon had their struggles, especially the players. When it came to going to practice or attending a game, they could forget those struggles and immerse themselves in the joy of high school football.
This is what it was like for many of the characters. Some grew up fatherless, being caregivers, or depending on football as the only way out of Dillon. The show depicts their lives on and off the field, so as a viewer, I got to see every side of the characters. For example, there’s this character named Matt Saracen. The show begins during his sophomore year as he is unexpectedly moved up to QB1. To tell the truth Matt is nowhere near ready to lead his team to victory. On top of becoming QB1, he has to take care of his grandmother because his father is in Afghanistan and his mother isn’t in his life. Also he has to manage all of that with his homework, friendships, and girl troubles.
When Matt became Q1, he saw it as his worst nightmare, but it actually saved him. Becoming QB1, pushed him to be his best player and self. There were other characters just like him on the show. They had their struggles, but they still faced them head on. After just a couple episodes, I promise that, just like me, you’ll start rooting for these characters, and hoping for them because they feel so real and personable.
Friday Night Lights tackles racism, sexism, classism, and so many other social topics within the team and off the team. It’s a microscopic look of small town America under the guise of a high school football TV show. It’s enticing, inspiring, and made me feel something. These are all things not every show can do, but Friday Night Lights does it exceptionally well.
One of my favorite characters is Tami Taylor. She’s an amazing educator, mother, and wife. Tami is like the glue of her family and the football team. She keeps her loved ones in check while also supporting and encouraging them.
FNL is available on Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, so if you have any of these streaming services, I urge you to watch this show. Thank you for reading and have a great rest of your day. Stay sharp 🙂