MLS Insider

MLS Insider is a captivating program featured on NBC Sports Network in 2013, offering an in-depth look into Major League Soccer, which had been swiftly gaining traction in the United States and Canada. The show distinguished itself by its significant focus on storytelling, showcasing the dynamic narratives behind the teams, players, and the vibrant fan culture in the thrilling world of professional soccer.

This engaging milestone in American soccer coverage was born out of efforts by NBC Sports Network to deeply infiltrate the burgeoning sphere of professional soccer in the United States. As Major League Soccer was quickly growing in scale, complexity, and importance, there was an increased demand for intricate coverage beyond mere recaps and analysis of games. MLS Insider was developed as an answer to this demand: a show that would form a connection between the fans and the sport in a way that games alone could not.

MLS Insider offered a profound, three-dimensional view into various aspects of the soccer landscape. Made lively by expert reporting and immaculate production values, each episode of the show delved into different themes through multiple segments. These segments ranged from in-depth player profiles, behind-the-scenes looks at the functioning of different MLS teams, highlights of spectacular moments in the league's history, to features on the enthusiastic, diverse community of MLS fans. It was a show that celebrated the complexity of soccer, painting a picture of the sport that extended beyond the ninety-minute games.

The player profiles were particularly noteworthy, bringing viewers close and personal to the stars of the league. Ranging from established veterans to promising rookies, MLS Insider took care to highlight players from all corners of the league. These profiles were not just about their exploits on the field, but also delved into their lives off it, their personalities, and their individual journeys to professional soccer. This approach enriched viewers' connection to these athletes, surrounding their in-game performances with a humanizing narrative.

MLS Insider also highlighted the work that went in behind the scenes, from the strategies that coaches develop, to the grueling preparations the players go through before every match, and the untold stories of stamina, resilience, and dedication that each team possesses. These stories added another fascinating layer to the viewers' knowledge of the sport.

Arguably an even more crucial part of the show was its coverage of fan cultures. Soccer fans are renowned worldwide for their lively and infectious enthusiasm, and the rising fandoms of Major League Soccer were determined to match their international counterparts. MLS Insider captured this beautifully, featuring stories from the diverse group of supporters that make up the backbone of the league. Supporters' clubs, the adaptations of European fan traditions to the American context, the multicultural influences that shape the fan experience – all this and much more were depicted on MLS Insider with infectious joy.

In addition to its regular content, MLS Insider was distinct for its high production value and critical acclaim. Rodriguez, the show's producer, made the bold but successful decision to hire the award-winning Hock Films to be in charge of its aesthetic and production values, ensuring a visually stunning and absorbing experience. It was greatly appreciated by critics and fans alike, earning several awards for its unique style, substance, and storytelling.

Whether you were a die-hard soccer fan, a casual viewer, or even just someone with an interest in sports, MLS Insider was designed to captivate you. Its deep stories and expertly crafted narratives served as an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in the world of soccer, experience its emotional highs and lows, grow with the players, and join in the fans' infectious enthusiasm.

In all its facets, MLS Insider from NBC Sports Network in 2013 stood as a testament to the growth, complexity, and color of Major League Soccer. It was much more than a sports show – it was a celebration of soccer culture.