The Franchise
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Baseball reality celebrates sports heroes; strong language.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
THE FRANCHISE follows various major league baseball teams as they prepare for, and enter into, a new baseball season. Each show cycle features a single team, such as the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, as they condition themselves during spring training and play games during their regular baseball season. Veterans like Giants pitchers Brian Wilson and Tim Lincecum and Marlins short stop Hanley Ramirez offer their thoughts about and reactions to the various challenges their teams face. Viewers also get to watch how up-and-coming players like Giants short stop Miguel Tejada, and new Marlins additions Carlos Zambrano and Heath Bell perform with their respective clubs. Team owners and managers, including controversial Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen, are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
The Franchise charts the journeys of teams that are beginning a new baseball season following a championship win or after undergoing a major identity transformation. It shows how ball club members must condition themselves both mentally and physically to live up to the expectations of the franchise and their fans. It also highlights some of the challenges individual players face during this process, like losing weight or adjusting to playing a new position, all while being scrutinized by the media.
A few athletes play up to the cameras, but the overall series stays away from the contrived drama most reality shows are known for. However, controversies off the field, including the devastating assault of a Giants' fan and the fall-out from some controversial comments made by Marlins' manager Ozzie Guillen, are discussed in detail. Baseball fans will enjoy watching their favorite players, and will appreciate its unique and timely behind-the-scenes look into the world of major league baseball.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media creates celebrities out of athletes. Do you think this is based on players' athletic abilities, or are their other factors that make them popular? Does their popularity make them role models?
Does this show serve as an advertisement for tmajor league baseball teams? Are you being influenced to buy something through this show? How do sports franchises make money?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 13, 2011
- Cast: Brian Wilson, Bruce Bochy, David Duchovny
- Network: Showtime
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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