Watch Back of the Shop
- 2014
- 1 Season
Back of the Shop is a luminous and enthralling sports-themed talk show which premiered on FOX SPORTS 1 in 2014. This cutting-edge show combines elements of chat shows, behind-the-scenes footage and one-on-one interviews to create an invigorating and engaging show that captures the attention and hearts of sports fans across the globe. Back of the Shop delves into the lives and minds of some of the most exceptional sports figures and offers viewers an unexpectedly intimate and in-depth look into their world.
The premise of Back of the Shop is fairly simplistic yet unconventional - it takes us into the "back of the shop," or back of iconic barbershop 'Jordan Sport Barbershop.' This place, located in the Bronx, New York, has been known as a haven for a diverse array of sports figures, including legendary professional sports stars, promising up-and-coming athletes, passionate sports fans, and various other personalities from the sports world. The intrinsic atmosphere created by the barbers at this shop invites these athletes to let down their guard and engage in candid, lighthearted, and revelatory conversations.
The show is hosted by Jordan "Jojo" Perea, the founder of Jordan Sport Barbershop, who has long been a trusted confidante and counselor to numerous sports stars. His easygoing and emphatic demeanor facilitates intriguing and productive conversations with the guests, bringing out responses in them that are often raw and unaffected. The on-going activity in the barbershop – the whir of the clippers, the lively banter, and the casual ambience – adds a unique and endearing backdrop to the show.
One of the standout features of Back of the Shop is its rotating lineup of guests. Each episode features different athletes and sports personalities walking in for a haircut, a shave, or just to engage in the convivial atmosphere, each willing to share about their professional and personal lives. Basketball, baseball, football, boxing - no sport is left untouched. From seasoned veterans offering insights into their illustrious careers, psychological resilience, and defining moments, to promising talents sharing their aspirations, apprehensions, and preparations - the diversity of guests ensures a vibrant mix of stories, perspectives, and experiences, thereby offering something for every type of sports fan out there.
What sets Back of the Shop apart from other sports interview shows is its ability to humanize well-known sports figures by allowing them to speak freely and candidly, without the usual interview-style structure or setup. Unlike formal studio interviews, the informal setup of the barbershop encourages athletes to open up about issues that are often off-limits in regular interviews such as personal struggles, life outside the sports world, their interests and aspirations beyond their careers, their views on current affairs, etc. Over the course of the show, viewers get to witness the more human, relatable sides of these celebrities.
Back of the Shop is not just about talking and casual hangouts; it also presents exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of elite athletes. Beyond the euphoria associated with sports events, there are strenuous training regimens, balancing professional and personal commitments, dealing with disappointments and performance pressure - the show lends an unseen viewpoint into these aspects of an athlete's life that usually flies under the radar. The result is a wholesome and comprehensive understanding of sports personalities - their achievements, sacrifices, motivations, and also their vulnerabilities.
An engaging host, an unimpeded look into the world of prominent athletes, a rare opportunity to hear inspiring stories, and the promise of some unexpected revelations make Back of the Shop an extremely interesting and captivating watch for sports enthusiasts. This show takes the concept of a sports talk show to a whole new level, giving fans a platform to connect with their sports heroes in a way that has never been explored before.
Overall, Back of the Shop emerges as a groundbreaking endeavor by FOX SPORTS 1 that blurs the line between sports and real-life dramas, making it a must-watch for not just sports fans, but also for the general audience intrigued by the captivating narratives and candid conversations found in extraordinary sports figures' lives.