Blue Mountain State

Blue Mountain State is an American comedy television series that aired on Spike TV for three electrifying seasons, from 2010 to 2011. The show is a raucous, over-the-top exploration of college life, specifically focusing on the antics and camaraderie of a fictional university football team. The series is primarily set at, yes you guessed it, Blue Mountain State University, a school famous for its robust athletic program, rowdy parties and a goat for a mascot. The series was created by Chris Romano and Eric Falconer, and it stars a diverse ensemble cast led by the charismatic Darin Brooks.

The protagonist of the series is Alex Moran, remarkably portrayed by Darin Brooks, a talented but nonchalant backup quarterback who would rather enjoy his college life without the responsibilities that come with being the star player. Alex is unique with his laid-back attitude, often bucking the competitive nature typically associated with collegiate sports, wanting only to maintain his cushy position on the bench and revel in the social perks his role affords without the on-field risks. Viewing college simply as an opportunity to live the party lifestyle, Alex, along with his teammates, embarks on a journey filled with hilarious parties, wild nights, and the occasional actual football game.

Accompanying Alex on his epic journey is his roommate and team's linebacker, Sammy Cacciatore. Portrayed by Romano himself, Sammy offers a fitting contrast to Alex. His ambition doesn't lie in sports but in becoming the school mascot, a position which he believes provides an unprecedented access to all the coeds the college has to offer. Their roommate, Craig Shilo, a freshman running back portrayed by Sam Jones III, is the disciplined and determined athlete of the lot and offers the counterpoint to Alex and Sammy's laid-back approach to college.

The eccentric and comical characters don't just stop at the players. The coaching staff of Blue Mountain State are just as wild, if not more so. Coach Marty Daniels, played by Ed Marinaro, is the hard-nosed straight shooter with a winning obsession. However, even he succumbs to the hedonic lifestyle on occasion, blurring the lines between mentor and partner-in-crime. Another standout character is Thad Castle portrayed by Alan Ritchson, a lunkheaded yet lovable senior linebacker whose loyalty to his team is as pronounced as his energy and over-the-top behavior.

From the moment you start watching, the show offers no apologies for its subversion of clichés and its debaucherous antics. It brilliantly combines elements of frat-house comedy with the competitive drama of college football, all while reveling in a type of humor that feels like a nod to the type of comedies that exemplify the "anything goes" vibe of college and sports films of the 80s and 90s.

The character dynamics, scenarios, and humor are the heart of Blue Mountain State. Generally, each episode revolves around the team facing some unique problem, often of their own making, and then trying to solve that problem in the most humorous and creative way possible. Whether it's dealing with raging parties, overzealous fans, bizarre team traditions, athlete sterotypes or managing their personal lives, the series portrays it all in its own unique, over-the-top comic style.

Blue Mountain State creates a unique niche for itself in the realm of sports comedies with its particular brand of humor. It's unapologetically outrageous, hilarious, and fun, reflecting the kind of rowdy fun college students often dream about. The show, while primarily humor-focused, also manages to feature moments of heartfelt earnestness and sincere friendship between its characters, acting as the glue that really binds the team and this wild show together.

So gear up and get ready for a wild ride through the crazy life at Blue Mountain State University. This show is an absolute must-watch for those seeking non-stop comedy set against the backdrop of college sport. It's irreverent, it's bold, it's full of unforgettable comedic moments, and it's thrillingly entertaining at every turn. There is no doubt, Blue Mountain State is a distinctive stand-out in the landscape of sports sitcoms.