When the flick “Friday Night Lights” hit the silver screen in 2004, it didn’t fare well and cracked only lukewarm reception from the viewing public. Things turned a hundredfold when it came back as a television series in 2006, as it won the hearts of the audiences big time.
Even those who don’t care about football and more about US high schools were dragged into the show, further highlighting its impact and influence. It’s little wonder as the series featured creative storytelling, big-hearted characters from a small Texan town, a well-balanced view of marriage and raising kids, the perfect theme song, hope and optimism, and all the other lovely nuances and subtlety.
If those weren’t enough to give you a hint why Friday Night Lights was so successful, continue reading below as we’ve collated the best specific reasons why everyone adored the TV show.
Inspired by a True Story
Though the film and TV show has undergone different levels of adaptation, Friday Night Lights was generally based on the lives of real people, specifically from the H.G. “Buzz” Bissinger’s non-fiction book entitled “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream” published in 1990. The book explores the life of Permian Panthers, their school, and the surrounding town of Odessa, Texas. By creatively blending fusion and fact, the critically-acclaimed TV series surely hit the mark among the viewers.
Texas Forever
Not only did the show revolve around a small Texan town, but it was also filmed in the Lone Star State. To get Peter Berg’s directorial service for the show, NBC agreed that it would be shot in Texas. Scenes were filmed at a local high school, and the uniforms used in the series were inspired by the real-life school uniforms of the said institution.
What’s even great is that Friday Night Lights was also able to pay homage to Texas’ known heritage, from the Southern accents to the Baptist churches and the rodeos. The show will simply make you fall head-over-heels with Texas and know why it’s Texas forever.
Authentic Look and Feel
By embracing Texas forever and filming on actual locations with the use of hundreds of local extras, Friday Night Lights looked and felt real. Though there’s nothing wrong with using studios, nothing can just match the authenticity provided by real locations.
Primarily filmed in and around Austin, Texas, some of the most memorable locations in the TV show include Pflugerville High School’s Kuempel Stadium, East 12th Street, Crestview Minimax IGA grocery, EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill, Broken Spoke dance hall, Horseshoe Lounge bar, The Landing Strip club and several houses in the neighborhood.
Open Collaboration
Another thing that made Friday Night Light successful is the decision of the producers at the very onset to grant its cast members the opportunity to voice out their thoughts about everything they’re doing in the show. Such a decision paved the way for creative freedom. Actors had a say if they thought they missed the delivery or if a certain line was off.
Plus, they also had the liberty to alter it, given that it wouldn’t change the main points in the plot. Those insights proved to be valuable in how the cast members delivered their lines and how they stayed true to their characters.
Kept Things Fresh
Compared to other high school shows, Friday Night Lights allowed its characters to graduate and move along. Though they did follow specific characters after graduation, the show was also brave enough to let go of the ones that weren’t bringing much impact to the show. In fact, they even successfully brought a new cast in the show’s fourth season and transformed them into notable characters. With that, they kept things fresh without losing their momentum – a major feat the Friday Night Lights was able to accomplish.
Decent Football Scenes
One major flaw about most sports-themed TV shows is how huge sports scenes turn out to be under-budgeted or under-produced. Thus, making them less exciting than the actual games. This isn’t the case for Friday Night, as the game times were one of the show’s high points. Football games here are incredibly well-shot, fast-paced, filled with adrenaline, thrilling, and highlighted by a perfect soundtrack, putting every viewer at the edge of their seats. Don’t be surprised to find yourself cheering as the team earns their victories!
It’s More Than Just Football
Most think that Friday Night Lights is simply just about football, only to be proven otherwise when they watch the show. This series isn’t just about the sport itself. While it’s hard to believe, it’s true. In fact, actual games only make a small part of the entire show’s running time.
Instead, Friday Night Light revolves around the story of the people living in the small football-savvy town of Dillon, Texas. It tackles love, relationships, joys, and struggles, as well as how football can play a crucial role in the school, family, economy, and social politics in such a small quaint town. You’ll get hooked when the series talks about the sport and even more when it’s not.
It’s full of hope
Perhaps, the main reason why the show was successful is how more than anything, it glimmers with hope. No matter how hard the situations can get, how many mistakes were made, and how many games were lost, the show was able to instill a sense of optimism.
Yet, they didn’t do it trying too hard or just for the sake of being inspirational. What you’d appreciate more about the show is that they didn’t stick to happy endings. They allowed their characters to respond to problems realistically in messy and chaotic ways. Still, at the end of the episode, you’d be rooting for the characters as you’ll see them learn to overcome any challenge, surpass expectations, and steadily evolve for the better. With that, victories as they eventually arrive become even more rewarding and special.
Takeaway
Without any doubt, Friday Night Lights is one of the best sports-themed TV shows and movies to binge-watch. If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re missing a lot because it’s seriously good. If you’re done watching it, chances are you already know what it’s always worth rewatching and worth your heart being captured touchdown after touchdown.