With the rise of Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services, it has never been easier to find high quality entertainment television. The number of sports-related television shows and documentaries fans can now watch is nearly endless.

For the more hardcore sports fan, stories in which a sport is at center of the narrative may be most entertaining. ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary series is a fantastic match for those who live and breathe sports. These documentaries provide in-depth coverage of significant, sometimes controversial historical sporting events or athletes. They range from Michael Jordan’s baseball career to the rise of University of Miami football in the 1980s. 

“Friday Night Lights” is another great narrative with football at its heart. A fictional series based loosely on the film of the same name, the series follows coach Eric Taylor and his high school football team in Dillon, Texas. Depicting the influence of boosters and the enormous pressure of the community, the show explores how football saves and dooms in a Texas town. 

The casual sports fan can still find enjoyable shows in this genre in which sports are not the primary focus. The series “Last Chance U,” a Netflix original, follows the journey of football players trying to make the leap from the junior college level to NCAA Division I football. The series focuses on getting to know the athletes and their struggles, backgrounds and dreams. 

Another series with a similar focus is “The White Shadow.” A fictional series from the late ‘70s currently streaming on Hulu, it follows the journey of a white basketball coach at a mixed-race school in Los Angeles. The show mainly covers the progression of players on and off the court as well as the racial dynamics in the school. 

These recommendations only represent a few of the great options available to fans. Other more lighthearted shows include “Blue Mountain State,” “Eastbound and Down” and “The League.” All of these programs are enjoyable and are always good for a laugh. 

Ultimately, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these picks. The next time the sports lineup for the day is pretty weak, be sure to check out one of these options.