Parents' Guide to

Basketball or Nothing

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Captivating docuseries inspires, challenges stereotypes.

TV Netflix Reality TV 2019
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A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

STMoore
STMoore Parent of 14-year-old
May 23, 2022
age 5+
For anyone who loves a good sports movie, this one ticks all the boxes! The kids in this docuseries leave you feeling humbled at what they achieve on and off the court. It offers a glimpse into life on the Navajo reservation today, shared through the stories from the members of this community. Inspiring for any family to watch together; it’s sure to spark conversations about the value (and cost!) of a college education, the importance of family, and just the sheer joy of the game of basketball. Go Wildcats!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

BASKETBALL OR NOTHING is a docuseries that follows the basketball team at Chinle High School on the Navajo Nation reservation through a season's effort to chase an Arizona state title. Under the guidance of veteran coach Raul Mendoza, who brings a new philosophy to his first season with the Chinle Wildcats, the team works hard to adapt to his expectations and the hopes of the broader Chinle community. As adversity on the court and off challenges the players, they strive for success and hope that basketball can help launch futures of limitless possibility.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

You needn't be a basketball fan to succumb to the captivating nature of this enlightening series. Drama plays out on the court as losses threaten the group's goals and players adjust to Mendoza's methods -- all while dealing with the pressures of playing a sport that garners a cult following that outnumbers the town's population -- but there's more intrigue in the subjects' backstories and the intimate picture they paint of life on the Navajo Nation reservation.

Basketball or Nothing's title is a nod to the harsh reality that if not for the popular sport, there would be very near nothing for these teens to do in and around Chinle, where drug use, drinking, and suicide rates are disproportionately high among teens and young adults. For these players, basketball is more than just a productive use of their free time; it's a possible ticket off the reservation and into college, a career, and a more secure lifestyle than many have known in their own childhoods. Despite hardships, this team is determined to succeed and to see where doing so can take them in the future.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what aspects of the players' lives make succeeding on the court more challenging than those of average teens. What responsibilities do they have beyond the usual school and sports? How do they balance all of it? What role does basketball play in their overall happiness?

  • Is Coach Mendoza a positive role model for his players? Do they respect him? Does he respect them? Teens: Who in your life influences you beyond the role of a teacher or mentor?

  • What is the goal of Basketball or Nothing? How does it promote the idea of counter-stereotypes? Do the players inspire you with their ability to persevere through adversity?

TV Details

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