Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: UK release date of Magic Johnson series - and how to watch on TV

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, a basketball drama charting the triumphs and defeats of one of history’s most successful sports teams, is coming to the UK on Sky and NOW TV from Monday 28 March.

The series stars John C. Reilly (Talladega Nights) and is directed by Adam Kay (Don’t Look Up, Succession), and has already been met with much acclaim in the US after its debut earlier this month.

Here’s everything you need to know about Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.

What is it about?

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is about the basketball team the LA Lakers – one of the most successful teams ever to play the game. It’s specifically about what’s often called their “showtime era” (changed to ‘Winning Time’ for the series, because Showtime is the name of a competing TV channel in America).

It’s been described by some as a little like Succession if it were a sports drama, or like The Crown crossed with Friday Night Lights.

Who stars in the cast?

John C. Reilly stars as Jerry Buss, the new owner of the LA Lakers. Reilly is best known for a series of collaborations with Will Ferrell, including Talladega Nights and Stepbrothers. Ferrell, a huge fan of the LA Lakers, had wanted to be cast as Buss; when Adam Kay cast Reilly over Ferrell, it ended their professional and personal relationship.

Newcomers Quincy Isiah and Solomon Hughes play Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar respectively, who are each regarded as amongst the best basketball players in history.

Adrian Brody (Succession), Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Tracy Letts (Lady Bird) and more all appear in recurring roles.

Adam Kay (Succession, Don’t Look Up) directs the first episode, while Jonah Hill (Superbad, Don’t Look Up) and Tanya Hamilton (Black Lightning, Godfather of Harlem) directs subsequent instalments.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, there is. You can watch it right here.

When and how can I watch it?

Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty begins on Sky and NOW TV on Monday 28 March, with new episodes releasing weekly.

Is it based on a true story?

Yes, Winning Time is based on a true story. It’s adapted from Jeff Pearlman’s book ‘Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s’.

Is there going to be a series 2?

At the moment, a second series hasn’t been confirmed – but, with the series only set to cover the early years of the 1980s and HBO having optioned further books by Pearlman about the Lakers in the 90s and 00s, it seems like a safe bet at the moment.

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