Action

Action is a groundbreaking series that debuted in 2019 on the Showtime network, which is famous for its innovative and thought-provoking range of programming. With a runtime of around 60 minutes, each of the four episodes details the captivating, yet often overlooked world of sports gambling. Action is produced by multiple Emmy Award-winning producer Bradley Jackson and Academy Award-winning actor Luke Wilson. The production team employs a documentary-style format to paint a detailed, intimate, and comprehensive view of the high-stakes, high-risk, high-reward landscape of sports gambling from various perspectives. The show creatively contrasts the arduous struggle with the exhilarating success or gut-punching failure that accompanies sports gambling, treating it with both a critical lens and humanizing touch. Each episode of Action is dedicated to a different aspect of sports betting. From interviews with professional bettors to profiles of bookmakers, and conversations with a range of participants, the series delves into every facet of this massive, often unregulated industry. It also seeks to expose the intricacies and controversies inherent in sports betting, offering a fresh perspective to newcomers and seasoned players alike. The series comes at a pivotal time when sports betting is continuously gaining prominence. The landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that overturned the federal ban on sports betting has resulted in a nationwide push for legalization. In this new era of sports betting, Action serves as both a handy guide and social commentary, exploring how this ruling impacts the industry and those involved within it. One of the fascinating strengths of Action is its stunningly immersive approach. Using stylish, high-definition cinematography, the show takes you through the colossal sportsbooks in Las Vegas, to the energetic and adrenaline-pumping environment of the sports betting landscape. Parallel to this, the series also explores the dark, hidden ramifications of sports betting, unearthing the stories of individuals whose lives have been severely affected by gambling addiction. The show does an excellent job in presenting an unbiased view, offering insight into both the allure and potential dangers of the industry. Through detailed interviews, candid discussions, and dramatic narration, it paints an intricate tableau of an industry that impacts millions of dollars and lives across the United States. The series reveals the professionals' dedication and determination, the average bettors' passion and longings, and the victims' despair and loss. Very different from the typical sports series, Action's primary focus does not shy away from exploring the often ignored dark side of sports betting. From illustrating the potential for financial ruin, ethical troubles, and family dysfunction, it also delves into the aspect of exploitation tied to addiction. This purposeful detailing of the human cost beneath the glitz and glamour is what sets this series apart from its counterparts. However, Action is not just a hard-hitting expose. It's also a historically rich narrative that traces the evolution of sports betting. It charts the journey of sports betting from shady deals carried out in backrooms to its current establishment as a multi-billion dollar industry. This process of decriminalization and acceptance is eloquently captured in the narrative, making it an informative resource in understanding the social and legal aspects of sports betting. On the whole, Action balances a wealth of factual information with an abundance of human interest stories, tied together with strong storytelling. The tone is that of fascination rather than judgment, which makes for intriguing viewing. It's comprehensive enough for seasoned gamblers to find nuances and complexities that might have been overlooked, while at the same time, provides a captivating, accessible introduction for those unfamiliar with the world of sports betting. Action is a series that resonates with sports betting insiders, newcomers, and spectators alike. With its sincere yet stylistic approach, it offers a raw and realistic view of an industry not often covered in mainstream media. A mix of history lessons, personal narratives, and industry insights make the series as exciting, unpredictable, and addictive as the subject it dissects.

Action is a series categorized as a . Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 4 episodes, the show debuted on 2019. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 7.7.