Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

show

TV-MA, 2022

WISE
48%

WISE Score

83

Avg. Tomatometer

Flashy, profane, and very adult HBO take on the 1980s Lakers dynasty that critics loved but audiences found polarizing—and it got cancelled mid-story.

IMDb8.3
RT Critics83%
MC68
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you're a parent researching this for your kid: hard no. This is adult HBO through and through, with all the sex, drugs, and profanity that implies.

For adults? It's complicated. Critics ate it up (83% on RT) for its innovative style and compelling performances, but regular viewers were split right down the middle (50% audience score). Some found it electric and fresh; others thought the fourth-wall breaks and stylistic flourishes were annoying.

The bigger issue: HBO cancelled it after two seasons, so you're investing in a story that doesn't finish. That's frustrating for a historical drama where you want to see the full arc.

If you're a die-hard Lakers fan or love sports history, there's real value here in understanding how the Showtime era transformed the NBA. But go in knowing it's more 'artistic interpretation' than documentary, and several real-life figures have publicly criticized their portrayals.

Bottom line: Interesting but flawed adult drama that ended too soon. Not essential viewing unless you're specifically into this era of basketball history.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult viewing, 17+ realistically (despite the 15+ CSM rating). The explicit content is pervasive, not occasional. Best for adult sports fans, basketball history enthusiasts, or HBO drama lovers who can handle mature themes and don't mind that the story was cut short.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
45

HBO sports drama depicting the 1980s Lakers with adult themes including drug use, sexual content, and profanity throughout. While it models some aspects of teamwork and ambition, the tone is gritty and mature, filled with ego clashes, infidelity, and the excess of 1980s NBA culture. Not emotionally healthy viewing for younger audiences.

Imaginative
72

Innovative storytelling approach with fourth-wall breaks, stylistic cinematography, and creative narrative techniques that bring 1980s basketball culture to life. The show reimagines a well-known sports story with fresh perspective and visual flair, making history feel dynamic. However, it's interpretive rather than inviting viewer creativity or participation.

Safe
30

HBO mature content throughout: explicit sexual situations, nudity, frequent strong language, cocaine use, and adult themes. Common Sense Media rates it 15+. This is not content that would be appropriate for younger viewers to stumble upon. Multiple scenes would require trigger warnings for substance abuse and sexual content. Typical HBO adult drama fare.

Enriching
68

Offers genuine insight into sports business, the birth of modern NBA entertainment culture, race relations in 1980s America, and the complex personalities behind the Showtime Lakers dynasty. Strong performances and historical context provide meaningful takeaways about ambition, leadership, and cultural change. However, the 50% audience score suggests entertainment value is polarizing despite critical acclaim.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Innovative storytelling with fourth-wall breaks and stylistic cinematography that makes sports history feel electric
  • Genuine insight into how the modern NBA entertainment machine was born, plus fascinating look at 1980s race and business dynamics
  • Strong performances bring iconic figures like Magic Johnson, Jerry Buss, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to life
  • For basketball fans and sports history buffs, it's a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest dynasties

What to Watch For

  • This is full HBO adult content: explicit sex scenes, nudity, cocaine use, constant profanity—absolutely not for kids or teens under 16
  • The show was cancelled after 2 seasons, so the story doesn't have a proper conclusion
  • That 50% audience score isn't a fluke—the stylistic choices and pacing alienated a lot of viewers who wanted a straightforward sports drama
  • Some real-life figures (notably Kareem and Jerry West) have criticized the show's portrayal as inaccurate or unfair

Conversation Starters

  • "How much of sports success do you think is talent versus showmanship and marketing?"
  • "The show depicts a lot of ego clashes—what makes a team work when everyone thinks they're the star?"
  • "What do you think about how race and business intersected in the 1980s NBA compared to today?"
  • "Does it matter if a 'based on a true story' show takes creative liberties with real people's lives?"
Stills
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