Despite its way of blending humor and socially relevant themes, NBC’s sitcom ‘Champions’ had a challenging journey on TV. Co-created by Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy, the show aired its first season in 2018 but has since been in limbo regarding a second season.
A Brief Overview of The Series’ First Season
Featuring a gym in Brooklyn managed by Vince (played by Anders Holm) and his brother Matthew (Andy Favreau), the series introduced us to a world rich in characters and relatable issues. ‘Champions’ was deemed hilarious with laugh-out-loud moments, numerous Broadway references, and balanced heartfelt moments with comedy.
With J.J. Totah’s Michael’s standout performance and Mindy Kaling occasionally appearing as Priya, ‘Champions‘ touched on themes like parenthood and personal growth with a backdrop of workplace humor. It was also noted for its representation and for addressing issues like homophobia and racism.
While ‘Champions’ was praised for these elements, its ratings did not mirror this positivity. The series’ performance in the 9:30 PM ET slot wasn’t strong enough to guarantee an immediate renewal for a second season.
Will There Be a Future For ‘Champions’?
After its first season, discussions started around the show’s future. There were talks with Netflix, which has international rights to the series, about potentially picking up the show, but these discussions did not lead to a renewal. According to reports of June 29, 2018, NBC did not renew the show for a second season.
As of September 2018, ‘Champions’ failed to find a new home despite searches for potential options. The first season had 10 episodes, and the season finale aired on May 3, 2018. However, you can still watch the series on Netflix.
