

30 for 30
2009– · ESPN · 75 min · 5 seasons
S05E01 · Give Me The Ball!
Mon, 23 Nov, 12:30 pm
S04E49 · 14 Days in Gainesville
Wed, 16 Sept, 10:00 am
14 Days in Gainesville returns to the fall of 1990, when Gainesville, Fla., found itself caught between tremendous anticipation and unimaginable tragedy. Steve Spurrier, the Heisman Trophy winner, had returned to his alma mater as head football coach, promising to breathe new life into a program searching for a new era of success. At the same time, the university community was shaken by the murders of five students over a matter of days. Against that backdrop, the documentary chronicles a community grappling with fear and grief while the start of a new football season approached. 14 Days in Gainesville explores how students, players, coaches and residents experienced those extraordinary days — and how a football program preparing for a new beginning became intertwined with a community confronting an unthinkable tragedy and a serial killer on the loose.
About
Inspired by ESPN's anniversary, ESPN Films is launching 30 for 30, an unprecedented documentary series featuring 30 of today's finest storytellers telling thirty remarkable stories from the ESPN era. On their own, each of the films will be an intimate look at a specific story, relevant to larger themes from the modern era. Collectively, these films will be a diverse mosaic of what sports has meant to American and World culture in the last thirty years. Each storyteller will bring their passion and personal point of view to their film detailing the issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009.
Episodes
- E01
Rodman: For Better or Worse
Wed, 11 Sept· 102 minThe unfettered and definitive look at the life and career of Dennis Rodman.
- E02
Chuck & Tito
Wed, 16 Oct· 77 minThe story of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, frenemies from SoCal who brought millions of fans to mixed martial arts and supercharged the UFC.
- E03
Vick - Part 1
Fri, 31 Jan· 120 minPart one of a comprehensive look back at each chapter of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick's saga: the incredible rise, shocking fall and polarizing return.
- E04
Vick - Part 2
Fri, 7 Feb· 90 minA comprehensive look back at each chapter of Michael Vick's saga: the incredible rise, shocking fall, and polarizing return.
- E05
Lance - Part 1
Mon, 25 May· 90 minFrom acclaimed director Marina Zenovich, LANCE is a fascinating, revealing, comprehensive, chronicle of one of the most inspirational – and then infamous – athletes of all time. Based around extensive interviews and conversations with Lance Armstrong, the two-part, four-hour film tells the story of the cyclist's rise out of Texas as a young superstar cyclist; his harrowing battle with testicular cancer; his recovery and emergence as a global icon with his seven consecutive Tour de France titles; and then his massive fall after he was exposed in one of the largest doping scandals in history.
- E06
Lance - Part 2
Mon, 1 June· 90 minFrom acclaimed director Marina Zenovich, LANCE is a fascinating, revealing, comprehensive, chronicle of one of the most inspirational – and then infamous – athletes of all time. Based around extensive interviews and conversations with Lance Armstrong, the two-part, four-hour film tells the story of the cyclist's rise out of Texas as a young superstar cyclist; his harrowing battle with testicular cancer; his recovery and emergence as a global icon with his seven consecutive Tour de France titles; and then his massive fall after he was exposed in one of the largest doping scandals in history.
- E07
Be Water
Mon, 8 June· 90 minA look at the journey that led to Bruce Lee's emergence as a singular icon.
- E08
Long Gone Summer
Mon, 15 June· 120 minThe unforgettable tale of the most storied home run chase in baseball history
- E09
Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius (Part 1)
Mon, 28 Sept· 97 minThe story of Oscar Pistorius will always be one of the most shocking stories in the history of sports.
- E10
Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius (Part 2)
Mon, 28 Sept· 82 min - E11
Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius (Part 3)
Mon, 28 Sept· 73 min - E12
Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius (Part 4)
Mon, 28 Sept· 107 min - E13
The Infinite Race
Wed, 16 Dec· 90 minThe Tarahumara people inspired a barefoot, ultrarunning craze all across the world.
- E14
Al Davis vs. the NFL
Fri, 5 Feb· 90 minThe "spirits" of Raiders owner Al Davis and NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle tell the story of their contentious rivalry, in particular Davis' desire to move his team from Oakland to Los Angeles despite the league's objections.
- E15
Breakaway
Wed, 14 July· 90 minWNBA superstar and activist Maya Moore was one of the best basketball players in the world when she stepped away from the sport for a remarkable reason: to fight for a man she believed was wrongly imprisoned. In 2019, after four WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, a WNBA MVP award, three All-Star MVPs, and a scoring title, Moore decided to take a sabbatical from basketball at the age of 29 to devote herself full-time to working for the release of a man named Jonathan Irons, who was wrongly convicted of burglary and assault and sentenced to 50 years in prison
- E16
Once Upon a Time in Queens Part 1
Wed, 15 Sept· 60 minThe story of the 1986 Mets and a remarkable season, in a tale full of infamy and domination from a team that nearly went bankrupt just a decade earlier.
- E17
Once Upon a Time in Queens Part 2
Wed, 15 Sept· 60 minThe 1986 Mets were an amazing team and, whether they were villains or heroes, you couldn't miss them as they dominated the season.
- E18
Once Upon a Time in Queens Part 3
Thu, 16 Sept· 60 minChronicling the 1986 World Series champion New York Mets, a colorful team marked by dominance and demons.
- E19
Once Upon a Time in Queens Part 4
Thu, 16 Sept· 60 minThe grime and hopelessness that defined New York gives way to the high-flying, "greed is good" rise in the 1980s - when this Mets side emerged.
- E20
The Tuck Rule
Mon, 7 Feb· 60 minChronicling the controversial "tuck rule" decision in a 2001-2002 Raiders-Patriots playoff game that keyed Tom Brady's first postseason win and helped launch a dynasty under coach Bill Belichick. Raiders DB Charles Woodson discusses the play with Brady, with additional interviews with referee Walt Coleman, and others from the game. Directed by Ken Rodgers and Nick Mascolo.
- E21
Shark
Wed, 20 Apr· 90 minA profile of professional golfer Greg Norman, and how his legendary career was shaped by a stunning collapse (from a 6-shot lead) in the final round of the 1996 Masters.
- E22
The Greatest Mixtape Ever
Wed, 1 June· 90 minHow the And1 Mixtape video series changed the game of basketball forever
- E23
Dream On, Part 1
Thu, 16 June· 90 min - E24
Dream On, Part 2
Thu, 16 June· 90 min - E25
Dream On, Part 3
Thu, 16 June· 90 min - E26
Jeanette Lee Vs.
Wed, 14 Dec· 60 minRecounting the rise of Jeanette Lee, "The Black Widow" of billiards and distinctive star of the early years of the fledgling espn2 network. Featured are Lee's origins in Brooklyn and her discovery of pool as a teenager; plus her persistent health issues. Directed by Ursula Liang.
- E27
Bullies of Baltimore
Mon, 6 Feb· 120 minA lively and colorful look back at the 2000 Super Bowl-champion Baltimore Ravens' magical season, framed by a reunion of its key figures in Baltimore in May 2022. Shannon Sharpe, Ray Lewis, Trent Dilfer, Tony Siragusa and coach Brian Billick are among those featured. Directed by NFL Films' Ken Rodgers and Jason Weber.
- E28
The American Gladiators Documentary: Part 1
Wed, 31 May· 90 minChronicling the popular syndicated competition show American Gladiators (1989-96), which predated the reality TV era but used many of the same techniques to attract viewers. Creator Johnny Ferraro and cast and crew tell the story of the David and Goliath matchups between 'amateur' contestants and the 'professional' gladiators.
- E29
The American Gladiators Documentary: Part 2
Thu, 1 June· 120 minChronicling the popular syndicated competition show American Gladiators (1989-96), which predated the reality TV era but used many of the same techniques to attract viewers. Creator Johnny Ferraro and cast and crew tell the story of the David and Goliath matchups between 'amateur' contestants and the 'professional' gladiators.
- E30
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 1
Wed, 7 June· 60 minThis Bill Walton documentary covers his days as a high school phenom, his dominance at UCLA, his social activism, an injury-riddled NBA career and to his current job as a controversial basketball commentator.
- E31
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 2
Wed, 7 June· 60 minThis Bill Walton documentary covers his days as a high school phenom, his dominance at UCLA, his social activism, an injury-riddled NBA career and to his current job as a controversial basketball commentator.
- E32
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 3
Wed, 14 June· 60 minChronicling the championship (and injury) filled basketball career and free-spirited lifestyle of Hall of Fame player and personality Bill Walton. Music from Walton's beloved Grateful Dead accompanies the series. Part 3 of 4.
- E33
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 4
Wed, 14 June· 60 minChronicling the championship (and injury) filled basketball career and free-spirited lifestyle of Hall of Fame player and personality Bill Walton. Music from Walton's beloved Grateful Dead accompanies the series. Part 4 of 4.
- E34
The Great Heisman Race of 1997
Sun, 10 Dec· 60 minThe story of the 1997 Heisman Trophy race and the now-legendary players who vied for the honor of College Football's best player award that season.
- E35
The Minister of Defense
Thu, 14 Dec· 120 minChronicling the life and career of Hall of Fame defensive lineman and ordained minister Reggie White, told in part through never-before-seen footage from a 2004 interview filmed two months before his death. Along with interviews with White's Eagles and Packers teammates, the film features Reggie's son Jeremy embarking on a journey to understand his father's life. Directed by Ken Rodgers and Courtland Bragg.
- E36
I'm Just Here for the Riot
Wed, 5 June· 90 minThe story of the Vancouver riot that followed the Canucks' loss in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
- E37
False Positive
Wed, 12 June· 120 minThe story of then-world record holder in the 400 metre sprint Butch Reynolds and his 1990 suspension for alleged illegal drug use.
- E38
No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan
Tue, 2 July· 90 minA history of Call of Duty clan turned esports organization FaZe Clan and their numerous tumultuous events throughout their decade-plus existence.
- E39
American Son
Tue, 30 July· 90 minA profile of Michael Chang, a Taiwanese-American tennis professional, and his 1989 French Open title win, including his upset over Ivan Lendl.
- E40
Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot
Sun, 4 Aug· 90 minA look at content creators Dude Perfect, going over their dramatic rise and the sacrifices they went through in the realm of sports-themed entertainment.
- E41
Stolen Gold
Wed, 18 Sept· 90 minDirected by acclaimed filmmaker Suemay Oram, this powerful and riveting film delves into the incredible true story of Ramón Torres and the Spanish intellectually disabled basketball team's dramatic journey to the gold medal at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000. The documentary exposes the shocking aftermath of their victory, where Ramón discovers that some of his teammates are not what they seem. Among them is an undercover journalist intent on revealing an outrageous scandal that will rock the world of Paralympic sport. As the scandal unravels, Ramón realizes that everything he believed in was a lie and is forced to confront not only the fraudulent conspiracy, but also a childhood scarred by bullying and trauma to find out who he really is.
- E42
The New York Sack Exchange
Sat, 14 Dec· 60 minThe Jets' 1980s high-octane defensive line featuring the larger than life personalities of Mark Gastineau, Marty Lyons, Joe Klecko and Abdul Salaam became New York legends.
- E43
Empire Skate
Tue, 1 July· 90 min"Empire Skate" tells the story of 1990's New York City skate culture that inspired the global brand Supreme. It is the scene of a rare, energetic convergence of hip-hop, street art, dance, and culture. Kids who grew up in the 1980s as outsiders, going against the grain, bring their own element to this culture: skateboarding. Many of them fleeing hard lives of dysfunction and family desperation, they turn the forbidding landscape of the city into their own personal skate park – setting the stage for a movement that would grow to transform fashion and sports.
- E44
Berlusconi: Condemned to Win (Part 1)
Wed, 17 Sept· 60 min - E45
Berlusconi: Condemned to Win (Part 2)
Wed, 17 Sept· 60 min - E46
Berlusconi: Condemned to Win (Part 3)
Wed, 17 Sept· 60 min - E47
Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott
Thu, 11 Dec· 90 min"Boo-Yah" goes beyond the highlights to reveal the man who made millions of fans — and a generation of broadcasters — not only feel seen, but also heard. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, including self-shot home videos, Stuart himself helped document his rise to prominence, painting an unfiltered and deeply personal portrait of a man who redefined what it meant to be both a journalist and cultural icon. "Boo-Yah" traces Stuart's journey from local television in North Carolina to becoming one of ESPN's most influential voices. At a time when hip-hop and popular culture was often marginalized in mainstream media and few Black anchors held national prominence, Stuart brought both unapologetically to SportsCenter — blending sharp analysis, pop culture and swagger in a way that spoke directly to a new generation of fans.
- E48
The Philly Special
Sat, 7 Feb· 60 minThe Philly Special , tells the story of the playcall that helped the Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII and secure their first title in franchise history.
- E49
14 Days in Gainesville
Wed, 16 Sept· 90 min14 Days in Gainesville returns to the fall of 1990, when Gainesville, Fla., found itself caught between tremendous anticipation and unimaginable tragedy. Steve Spurrier, the Heisman Trophy winner, had returned to his alma mater as head football coach, promising to breathe new life into a program searching for a new era of success. At the same time, the university community was shaken by the murders of five students over a matter of days. Against that backdrop, the documentary chronicles a community grappling with fear and grief while the start of a new football season approached. 14 Days in Gainesville explores how students, players, coaches and residents experienced those extraordinary days — and how a football program preparing for a new beginning became intertwined with a community confronting an unthinkable tragedy and a serial killer on the loose.
















