PROMISELAND

Crackle's 2021 show, PROMISELAND, is a boundary-breaking documentary series that explores the complex interplay of race, society, and professional sports in America, centered around the compelling persona of NBA star, Ja Morant. In vivid detail, the series reveals the athlete's transformative journey from a young rookie battling for recognition to a respected and impactful force in professional sports. Created by Dexton Deboree, PROMISELAND is a tapestry of socio-cultural commentary, intimate biography, and compelling sports drama.

In this six-part series, the larger-than-life struggles and triumphs of Ja Morant and his journey are vividly depicted. A standout player for the Memphis Grizzlies and the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year, Morant battles for his place in a league dominated by established stars while navigating the perils and pressures associated with fame. The show provides an intimate, unseen look into the exceptional life of this professional athlete from his humble beginnings, through the realm of high-stakes basketball, to his rising prominence in the sports world.

Beyond Morant's personal story, PROMISELAND delves into topical discussions about race, society, and opportunity in America. It questions long-standing infrastructures, societal norms, and the American Dream itself, striving to challenge viewers to look at their world, their assumptions, and their values from different perspectives. The series is as much an exploration of America's complex cultural landscape, as it is a personal profile of an inspiring athlete.

PROMISELAND explores the heart and soul of basketball – from the heated moments on the court to backstage politics. It dissects the industry’s structure, investigating its role in shaping players, and examining the intersections between sports, money, and fame. This series digs deeper than just the game, giving audiences a wider understanding of the machinations involved in the world of professional sports.

By adopting a cinematic and highly artistic style, PROMISELAND depicts the harsh contrast between on-court spectacle and off-court reality. The narrative is accompanied by a diverse soundscape, blending elements of athletic sound with contemporary music. This series is not just a compilation of game-day footage strung together with interviews; it utilizes powerful imagery, thoughtful conversations, and a compelling score to capture the intensity and passion of basketball, as well as the profound struggles and successes of those who play it.

PROMISELAND does not shy away from addressing complex social issues. It invites national dialogue on socio-cultural topics and power structures in America. The impassioned discussions on racial identity, social justice, and the historical context of the athlete’s journey are truly thought-provoking. This basketball documentary series reframes the sport in a broader, more human perspective, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary American society, basketball, or the human capacity for resilience and achievement.

The series is anchored by the charismatic personality and astounding talents of Ja Morant. While it celebrates his sporting prowess, PROMISELAND also delves into Morant's life off the court – his family, his motivations, his dreams, and his fears. The show humanizes this larger-than-life athletic figure, revealing the person behind the star, and in doing so, creates a character that audiences can genuinely relate to and root for.

Throughout the series, viewers will also enjoy a raft of appearances from leading figures in the sports and entertainment worlds. These guests provide diverse, insightful perspectives, adding depth to the narrative and enriching the wider discourse prompted by the series.

PROMISELAND offers an immersive, captivating blend of intimate biography, compelling social commentary, and raw sports drama with a distinctly stylish presentation. It is an eye-opening walkthrough of culture, society, and sports, revealing the unvarnished realities, triumphs, and challenges of a rising star navigating an unforgiving limelight while indirectly questioning the structures of power and privilege within American society.

Expect to experience a captivating and thought-provoking series that weaves a compelling, intimate story about one man’s journey through the trials and tribulations of life and sports, which will leave you on the edge of your seat, and at the same time, interrogating societal norms. Buckle up for a multifaceted exploration of one of America’s most loved sports and an eye-opening voyage into the life and times of an up-and-coming NBA star. PROMISELAND is a show that represents the true spirit of documentary filmmaking, encapsulating the power, complexity, and emotion of real-life storytelling.