10 Shows Like Shaq Life (2020)

Description: A groundbreaking documentary that follows two young basketball players as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams, offering a raw and personal look at the realities of sports ambition, much like the intimate portrayal of an athlete's journey.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a 30-minute short but expanded into a nearly three-hour documentary. It was shot over five years and is considered one of the greatest documentaries ever made.

Description: A talk show set in a barbershop, featuring candid conversations with athletes and celebrities about their lives, careers, and cultural issues, mirroring the personal and unfiltered discussions about sports and life.

Fact: The show was inspired by the informal and honest conversations that often take place in barbershops. It has featured guests like LeBron James, Drake, and Snoop Dogg.

Description: A documentary that chronicles the rise and fall of a famous cyclist, delving into the complexities of his career and the controversies surrounding it, akin to the in-depth look at a sports icon's journey.

Fact: The film was originally intended to document Lance Armstrong's comeback but shifted focus after his doping scandal. It includes footage from before and after the scandal broke.

Description: A drama series centered around the lives of football players and their financial managers, highlighting the highs and lows of professional sports careers, much like the focus on the business and personal sides of being an athlete.

Fact: The show was initially compared to 'Entourage' but set in the world of football. It features real-life NFL cameos and locations.

Description: A comedy-drama series that follows the life of a young basketball player after he makes it big, dealing with fame, family, and the challenges of success, similar to the exploration of an athlete's life off the court.

Fact: The show was executive produced by LeBron James. It tackles serious issues like race, class, and the pressures of sudden wealth.

Description: A sports documentary series that provides an inside look at the lives of athletes and teams, showcasing their struggles, camaraderie, and dedication, similar to the behind-the-scenes perspective of a sports figure's life.

Fact: The series has covered various sports teams, including NFL, Premier League, and rugby teams. It uses innovative camera techniques to capture intimate moments.

Description: A documentary that explores the mental health challenges faced by Olympic athletes, shedding light on the pressures and sacrifices of elite sports, similar to the focus on the personal struggles of athletes.

Fact: The film was produced by Michael Phelps, who has been open about his own mental health struggles. It features interviews with several Olympic athletes.

Description: This documentary series delves into the life and career of a legendary basketball player, offering an intimate look at his journey, challenges, and triumphs, much like the focus on a sports icon's personal and professional life.

Fact: The series was originally planned for a June 2020 release but was moved up to April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It features never-before-seen footage from the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season.

Description: A documentary that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sports world, focusing on the personal and professional disruptions faced by athletes, similar to the exploration of challenges in a sports figure's life.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with prominent athletes like Chris Paul and Russell Wilson. It highlights the unity and resilience of the sports community during the pandemic.

Description: A documentary series that explores significant events and figures in sports history, offering deep dives into the personal and professional lives of athletes, akin to the storytelling style of a sports-focused biographical series.

Fact: The series was created to celebrate ESPN's 30th anniversary. Each film is crafted by a different director, giving unique perspectives on sports stories.