The Basics
Where To Watch: Apple TV+ ($4.99 per month)
Starring: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah Hill, Quvenzhané Wallis, Tristan Mack Wilds
Description: Jace Carson (Isaiah Hill) is the best player in the region. But to achieve his dream of going pro, he must battle opponents on and off the court with the help of his coach, Ike (O’Shea Jackson Jr.). Inspired by the experiences of Kevin Durant, Swagger is about what it takes to make it. Swagger explores the world of competitive youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.
Trailer
Critics’ Chatter
“If ESPN’s Last Dance docuseries waxed nostalgic about basketball’s past, then Apple TV Plus’ Swagger is gimlet-eyed about the sport’s present and future. This exciting new biographical drama is inspired by Kevin Durant’s adolescence and own meteoric rise in the NBA, but offers incisive commentary on the wider industry and the way hoop dreams can be commodified. And yet, the series is unwavering in its optimism about what can be accomplished through unity.”
-Danette Chavez, AV Club | Read Full Review Here
“The series does a great job of showing what Jace — and likely KD — has to contend with. His mom has a job and a cosmetics sales business to make ends meet, and when he goes to put the garbage in his complex’s dumpster at night, the police cuff him because he “fits the description” of a carjacker. There are going to be people who doubt his talent and challenge it at every turn, including supposed grown-up coaches of opposing teams. And then there’s the small matter of believing in himself, even as he faces losing and adversity, and not just thinking his talent will get him through the down times.”
-Joel Keller, Decider | Read Full Review Here
“Swagger is direct and clear when it comes to what it wants to communicate about the pressures facing its ensemble. It’s also fairly blunt about what will get them through: Unity and the sublimation of star talent to a greater endeavor. It’s a message we’ve heard before, but this show’s clarity of purpose suggest it’ll reach, and be a balm for, an audience of young sports fans seeking to know what, beyond talent, makes a Durant. The answer, Swagger suggests, is hard work, clear guidance, and an ability to see beyond oneself. For a show about a singular figure, its team spirit stands out.”
-Daniel D’Addario, Variety | Read Full Review Here
Timeline Talk
so excited every time i see Academy Award nominated quvenzhane wallis on my screen. #Swagger
— Iman N. Milner (@imannmilner) October 30, 2021
#Swagger ??
— Action Jackson ?? (@ActionJacksonVA) October 30, 2021
Apple TV URGENTLY needs a good marketing team cuz holy fuck #Swagger is another top quality show from this streaming service. pic.twitter.com/XbLPmDBtzF
— advit (@advitinsoho) October 29, 2021
