Five things to watch in the absence of sports

The COVID-19 virus world is at a standstill and while we work our way through some very uncertain times, people are looking for distractions. For most of us, sports provides that distraction on most nights. Unfortunately, that’s not an option right now

In lieu of that, there are five recommended pieces of content to help sports fans fill their time.

1. The Might Ducks Trilogy

It’s not the NHL but it’s the next best thing. It’s ultimate underdog story told through youth hockey in Minnesota. From District-5, to the Ducks, to Team USA, all the way to Eden Hall Prep, we get to follow Charlie, Fulton, Averman, Guy, Connie and Banksie, growing up playing the game they (and we as hockey fans) love.

Combined, the three movies give you about five hours of fun hockey content to consume. I have recently re-watched the trilogy with my 6-year old daughter and it was perfect for us both.

Where to find it: Disney+

2. Survivor: Winners at War

This is the closest thing we’re going to get to sports right now. Survivor is unquestionably the most successful reality television competitions of all time, and for their 40th season, the producers have one-upped themselves. This season, has brought together 20 competitors, all of which have won at least one previous seasons.

The group of contestants is a who’s who of Survivor history - recent winners (Wendell), legends (Rob, Sandra, Parvati) , even players who haven't been seen in 15 years (Amber, Yul). And of course there’s the ageless Jeff Probst.

As someone who used to watch the show regularly, I had gone a few years without Survivor. Now I’m glad I’m back because this season has been filled with incredibly high-end game play. There has been a ton of drama already and we haven’t even made it to the merge yet. Stream the first bunch of episodes and then jump in to the new episodes every Wednesday, it’s absolutely worth it.

Where to find it: CBS, CBS All Access

3. Fittest on Earth & The Redeemed and the Dominant

This is a trilogy of documentaries filmed during the height of the CrossFit games - between 2015 and 2017. They take a look at the competition that annually crowns the “Fittest” man and woman on earth.

The series touches on fitness, competition, the drive to succeed, an even PED use in the sport.

Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Mat Fraser are two of the world’s greatest athletes and the average sports fan has likely never heard of them. These movies will change that.

2015: Fittest on Earth

2016: Fittest on Earth: A decade of fitness

2017: The Redeemed and the Dominant

If Mighty Ducks made you Iceland, the Dóttirs will make you fall in love with it.

Where to find it: Amazon Prime Video (the first two), Netflix (Redeemed and the Dominant)

4. High Flying Bird

Released just over a year ago, Steven Soderberg’s High Flying Bird is a drama set in the time of a fictional NBA lockout. It follows an agent as he tries to bridge the gap between the owners and his young star clients. The agent spends a week trying to maneuver his way through contracts, legalities and egos in order to change the game of professional basketball forever.

It’s an incredibly well made movie that takes a look at professional basketball from of a player and agent who are having trouble while the game is on hiatus.

Some solid NBA cameos include: Reggie Jackson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Donovan Mitchell (has he been in the news lately?).

Where to find it: Netflix

5. Friday Night Lights (The Series)

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already watched it - watch it again. One of the best television dramas of this century also happens to give you the sports kick you need. Whether it’s the Dillon Panthers or the East Dillon Lions, nothing soothes the soul better than watching Coach Taylor go to work.

I have personally watched the entire series three times already and I’m about to start a fourth. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a show more.

Where to find it: Amazon Prime Video