30 For 30

Watch 30 For 30

  • TV-G
  • 2009
  • 5 Seasons
  • 8.8  (5,721)

Watch 30 For 30 Online! 30 For 30 is an acclaimed documentary series on ESPN that premiered in 2009. The series seeks to explore stories that have been forgotten or overlooked in the world of sports. Each episode is directed by a different filmmaker, making the series a diverse and fascinating look at sports and its impact on society.

One standout episode of 30 For 30 is the one featuring John Spano, the man who famously bought the New York Islanders hockey team in 1996, only to be exposed as a fraud. The episode, directed by Entourage actor Kevin Connolly, chronicles Spano's rise and fall, as well as his eventual prison sentence for bank fraud.

The episode is a gripping look at the world of sports ownership, as well as the lengths some people will go to achieve their dreams. Through interviews with Spano, as well as other members of the Islanders organization, Connolly paints a portrait of a man who was desperate to be a part of the sports world, even if it meant lying and cheating his way there.

Part of what makes the John Spano episode of 30 For 30 so compelling is how it ties into the larger issues of sports and money. As the episode notes, Spano was just one of many people who, in the '90s, saw sports ownership as a way to make a quick buck. The result was a wave of shady deals, bankruptcies, and lawsuits, which the episode explores in detail.

Of course, the heart of the episode is John Spano himself. Through interviews with the man himself, as well as his family, Connolly builds a nuanced picture of a person who was often misunderstood. Spano, it turns out, wasn't always the conniving schemer he's often made out to be; at times, he was more of a naive dreamer who got in over his head.

It's this complexity that sets the John Spano episode of 30 For 30 apart from other sports documentaries. Rather than painting Spano as a villain or a hero, the episode allows him to speak for himself, even if it means acknowledging his mistakes and wrongdoings. As a result, the episode feels more honest and authentic than other documentaries that seek to fit real-life subjects into neat, predetermined narratives.

Overall, the John Spano episode of 30 For 30 is a must-watch for anyone interested in sports, business, or human nature. It's a fascinating exploration of what happens when dreams collide with reality, and it offers a valuable lesson about the dangers of chasing after something at all costs. Plus, with Kevin Connolly's direction, it's a visually stunning and emotionally resonant piece of filmmaking.

So, if you're looking for a documentary that will challenge your assumptions about sports and society, Watch 30 For 30 Online, including the John Spano episode. You won't be disappointed.

30 For 30 is a series that ran for 5 seasons (171 episodes) between October 6, 2009 and on ESPN

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Seasons
Stolen Gold
34. Stolen Gold
December 17, 2024
Directed 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.
15 Years of 30 for 30
33. 15 Years of 30 for 30
October 3, 2024
This special honors 15 years of the award-winning documentary series and revisits some of the most impactful and beloved films from the series.
Stolen Gold
32. Stolen Gold
September 17, 2024
Directed 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.
Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot
31. Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot
August 3, 2024
A look at content creators Dude Perfect, going over their dramatic rise and the sacrifices they went through in the realm of sports-themed entertainment.
American Son
30. American Son
July 30, 2024
A profile of Michael Chang, a Taiwanese-American tennis professional, and his 1989 French Open title win, including his upset over Ivan Lendl.
No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan
29. No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan
July 1, 2024
A history of Call of Duty clan turned esports organization FaZe Clan and their numerous tumultuous events throughout their decade-plus existence.
False Positive
28. False Positive
June 11, 2024
The story of then-world record holder in the 400 metre sprint Butch Reynolds and his 1990 suspension for alleged illegal drug use.
I'm Just Here for the Riot
27. I'm Just Here for the Riot
June 4, 2024
The story of the Vancouver riot that followed the Canucks' loss in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
The Minister of Defense
26. The Minister of Defense
December 13, 2023
Chronicling 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.
The Great Heisman Race of 1997
25. The Great Heisman Race of 1997
December 9, 2023
The 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.
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 4
24. The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 4
June 13, 2023
Walton reminisces about the glory days of the Blazers
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 3
23. The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 3
June 13, 2023
Walton reminisces about the glory days of the Blazers
The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 1
22. The Luckiest Guy in the World: Part 1
June 6, 2023
Episode 1 opens with Bill Walton beside a forest stream in Oregon, reflecting on his unique journey - the challenges, triumphs, and above all the joy that have defined his one-of-a-kind life. He returns to Portland for an emotional reunion with some of his Blazers teammates, and it's clear that he still holds deep affection for the franchise and the time he spent there. He visits his mother and revisits childhood memories, in particular his falling in love with basketball. At Helix High, he experiences a dramatic growth spurt - physically, and in terms of his basketball ability. At the same time, he struggles with a speech impediment that requires him to see a therapist. The earliest seeds of his life as an activist begin to take root, as Walton looks back at his rookie season in Portland. He reflects on the impact he made on the Portland franchise and the impact it made on him. Walton also provides a glimpse into his time at UCLA and the relationship with John Wooden that has profound
The American Gladiators Documentary: Part 1
21. The American Gladiators Documentary: Part 1
May 30, 2023
Part 1 of 2. The cast and crew of American Gladiators look back on the iconic 90s series which pitted "amateur" contestants against professional "gladiators." It was "part sports, part game show, but all American."
The American Gladiators Documentary
20. The American Gladiators Documentary
April 30, 2023
Summary is not available.
Bullies of Baltimore
19. Bullies of Baltimore
February 5, 2023
A 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.
Jeanette Lee Vs.
18. Jeanette Lee Vs.
December 13, 2022
Jeanette Lee is an Asian-American billiards player who brought strength, sex appeal and skill to pool halls around the world; after her recent cancer diagnosis, Lee looks back on her storied career and opens up about her life.
Dream On, Part 3
17. Dream On, Part 3
June 15, 2022
The U.S. women's Olympic basketball team chases gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, dominating the competition, winning the tournament, and spearheading the successful launch of the WNBA a year later.
Dream On, Part 2
16. Dream On, Part 2
June 15, 2022
The U.S. women's Olympic basketball team goes on a 52-game barnstorming tour across four continents, to train for the 1996 Games and also promote the popularity of women's basketball ahead of the launch of the WNBA after the Olympics.
Dream On, Part 1
15. Dream On, Part 1
June 15, 2022
After the U.S. women's basketball team disappoints with a bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics, USA Basketball puts together a new team of veterans, young stars, and an unforgiving coach, giving them more than a year to prepare to chase gold in '96.
The Greatest Mixtape Ever
13. The Greatest Mixtape Ever
May 31, 2022
Directed by Chris Robinson (“Shooting Stars,” “ATL”) and Set Free Richardson, the documentary examines how 1990s streetball and the And1 Mixtape transformed basketball culture at large.
Shark
12. Shark
April 19, 2022
A 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.
The Tuck Rule
11. The Tuck Rule
February 6, 2022
Chronicling 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.
Once Upon a Time in Queens - Part 2
10. Once Upon a Time in Queens - Part 2
September 15, 2021
Part 2 of 2. Chronicling the 1986 World Series-champion New York Mets, a colorful team marked by dominance and demons. Interviews include Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Lenny Dykstra and more. Directed by Nick Davis.
Once Upon a Time in Queens - Part 1
9. Once Upon a Time in Queens - Part 1
September 14, 2021
Part 1 of 2. Chronicling the 1986 World Series-champion New York Mets, a colorful team marked by dominance and demons. Interviews include Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Lenny Dykstra and more. Directed by Nick Davis.
Breakaway
8. Breakaway
July 13, 2021
WNBA 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
Al Davis vs. the NFL
7. Al Davis vs. the NFL
February 4, 2021
Former Raiders owner Al Davis and former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle were two of the most influential figures in the history of pro football. And for a quarter of a century, their long-running feud was a central storyline in the NFL's evolution into the most popular and successful league in sports. Beginning in the 1960s when Rozelle was the NFL's young commissioner and Davis led the rival AFL, and continuing through the 1980s when Davis waged a lawsuit against the league to allow him to move the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles, the two titans were constantly and very publicly at odds. This is the story of the colorful battle between Davis and Rozelle"as told by the two men themselves, their spirits "recreated" using deepfake technology.
The Infinite Race
6. The Infinite Race
December 15, 2020
Documenting the marathon-running feats of the indiginous Tarahumara tribe of Northern Mexico as they attempt to overcome external threats of nearby drug cartels and diminishing crops. Director Bernardo Ruiz focuses on an annual 50-mile race from 2015, the Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco in Urique, which Oakland-born runner Micah True started to help preserve and celebrate the Tarahumara heritage.
The Life And Trials Of Oscar Pistorius
5. The Life And Trials Of Oscar Pistorius
September 27, 2020
A series of (originally just 30) documentary films on sports stories from ESPN's first 30 years (1979-2009). Subjects were selected by top filmmakers, including Barry Levinson, Morgan Freeman, Ron Shelton, Albert Maysles, Frank Marshall and Ice Cube.
Long Gone Summer
4. Long Gone Summer
June 14, 2020
Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa reflect on the 1998 baseball season in which they ignited the passion of fans and non-fans alike in a thrilling home-run race that soared past Roger Maris's 37-year-old single-season record. Directed by AJ Schnack.
Be Water
3. Be Water
June 7, 2020
An intimate look at the complex and seismic journey of film and martial arts icon Bruce Lee, as told through his family and friends. Directed by Bao Nguyen.
Lance - Part 2
2. Lance - Part 2
May 31, 2020
Part 2. An in-depth look at the rise and fall of cyclist Lance Armstrong, who won seven straight Tour de France titles before being implicated in one of sport's largest doping scandals. Extensive interviews with Armstrong are featured by director Marina Zenovich.
Lance - Part 1
1. Lance - Part 1
May 24, 2020
Part 1. An in-depth look at the rise and fall of cyclist Lance Armstrong, who won seven straight Tour de France titles before being implicated in one of sport's largest doping scandals. Extensive interviews with Armstrong are featured by director Marina Zenovich.
Description
Where to Watch 30 For 30
30 For 30 is available for streaming on the ESPN website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch 30 For 30 on demand at Disney+, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, ESPN+, Sling, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 6, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (5,721)
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