Quick Info
This mini-series flew pretty far under the radar, but it’s a great take on New York in the late 1970s through the lens of the Yankees’ chaotic 1977 season. At its core, it's about baseball and egos, but what makes it stand out is how it intertwines the tension on the field with the turmoil of the city—blackouts, the Son of Sam, and a city on the brink. The rivalry between Reggie Jackson (played with swagger by Daniel Sunjata) and manager Billy Martin (John Turturro, who nails the character’s volatility) is just electric.
I think what really sells the show is how willing it is to let the messiness of real history seep into the usual sports drama. The baseball scenes aren’t flashy, but they feel gritty and authentic, and you get a good sense of how much pressure these guys were under from all sides. The period details are rich without being overbearing—I loved seeing Yankee Stadium recreated in all its late-'70s glory.
Some of the writing feels a little heavy-handed, especially when trying to tie every subplot back to the big 'city in crisis' theme. At times, the pacing drags when it detours away from the team and into the city’s politics. Still, the performances keep things compelling, especially with a supporting cast that includes Oliver Platt as team owner George Steinbrenner (pure bluster, in the best way).
Visually, the show has a kind of moody, grainy look that works for the era. It does a nice job balancing archival-style footage with its own dramatic scenes, and it uses music really well to root you in the time and place. If you’re looking for something that’s as much about the city as it is about baseball, this scratches that itch.
You would enjoy this if you’re into sports stories that go way beyond the scoreboard and love the intersection of history and athletics. Also, if you appreciate some solid acting and a big stew of 1970s New York city drama, this one’s worth your time.
