Customer Reviews

The League: The Complete Season One [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not for those easily offended by profanity or sexual innuendo, The League is the most entertaining, refreshingly witty show I've enjoyed since Arrested Development. The humor is simultaneously blatant and subtle, which may be due to the show's semi-scripted nature and the timing and the delivery of the actors, which are very well cast.

You don't need to understand football, or be a fan of the NFL to enjoy The League, although it helps if you are familiar with the teams and the names of the players, if for nothing else to understand why the characters get so excited about the draft order and picks. If you have ever worked in, gone to school with, or been in a situation with a group of friends involved in any ongoing competitive event like a Fantasy Football League you will understand and enjoy this show, provided you have a broad sense of humor.

Tonight was the second season series premiere, and in true FX style it's aired practically every hour. I've watched it twice and my abdominal muscles are sore from laughing. Watch the first season "marathon" style before viewing the new episodes if you have the opportunity.

Edit: After viewing Season Two, I feel that the show really found its groove--developing the characters further and making the outrageousness absolutely integral to the plot with a big payoff in each episode. So while Season One was a bit hit or miss, for me, it really evolves into a 5 star winner!

In an effort to capitalize on the audience from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," the FX network has tried a number of promising shows. "Sunny," to me, has always been a completely inspired bit of lunacy that defies everything about the age of political correctness in which we find ourselves. It is so wrong--but that's what makes it so right. Unapologetically demented and offensive, the show has moments of brilliance. "The League" does work as a companion piece, albeit with a bit more unevenness and with mixed results. In some ways, the show tries too hard to push boundaries, to be as edgy as "Sunny." Instead of relying on its genuinely funny cast and an effective premise, the show strains for shock value. Still, I enjoyed Season One of "The League," but I don't feel as if it has reached its true potential.

Part scripted, part improvisation, "The League" revolves around a group of friends and the mania that accompanies their yearly fantasy football league. The easy camaraderie and the edge of competitiveness are present in equal measure--but let's face it, the show is about guys behaving badly. In brutal and funny sequences, the guys goad and insult one another in the ultimate game of one-ups-manship. The cast of semi-familiar faces features a great performances by comedian Paul Scheer as one of the more aggressively in-your-face competitors and newcomer Jonathan Lajoie as the most clueless and unaffected of the group. Indie favorite Mark Duplass ("The Puffy Chair") is the nominal lead and perhaps the most sane of the bunch. Stephen Rannazzisi, whose wife wears the fantasy football pants, and Nick Kroll, the smarmiest and most over-confident contestant, round out the primary cast.

If you're looking for a show that is football centric, "The League" is not particularly a show about sport. It's about brotherhood and friendship and true caveman spirit! The jokes can be hit or miss, as can whole episodes, but the entire cast tries gamely. There is lots of energy, and generally when something doesn't work--something else quickly follows. It's fast paced mayhem with a heart. Season Two is starting up on FX any day now and I wish the show well. An enjoyable initial outing, I'd rate the first season of "The League" at 3 1/2 stars with some room to grow. KGharris, 9/10.

The item was received by promised date, happy with the price and the quality of the product! I am satisfied :)

Would definitely order from this merchant again. HAD the product IN MY HAND 48 hours after ordering it! Condition as promised.
Thanks for making it on time for Christmas for my son!

The League Season 1 was hilarious. A very funny show that doesn't disappoint. As expected, the humor is definitely male oriented so keep that in mind when purchasing.

If you play fantasy football, you will you recognize the characters as some fo your friends in your fantasy football league... this is really funny.

couldn't find in local stores,,got what wanted fast and easy...and cheap. easier than driving in traffic looking all over for it/

I am not going to write anything cause it would not do this show justice. It is just plain hilarious.

I received my purchase in a timely manner and was pleased with the quality. No confusion or problems. And On an even brighter note, excellent show!

Heard about this show from my cousin!! Me n my kids love this show. We got some good ideas for our fantasy league!!