🏀 Big Shot (2021) Season 1 Review

⚠️ Heads up before we dive in: this show isn’t afraid to tackle some heavy themes—everything from strained family dynamics to the crushing pressure young athletes face. Also, Disney decided to yeet this show off streaming (RIP Disney+), which is exactly why I’ll preach until I’m hoarse: support physical media. Because if it isn’t on disc, it might as well not exist.

💡 Disclaimer from me: I’ve never cared much for sports or sports films (unless it’s Mighty Ducks—that’s my exception forever). So the fact that Big Shot appealed to me anyway? Says a lot about how strong the story and characters are.

Now, let’s start the way we always should—
by showing y’all the trailers, shall we? 🎬

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Non-Spoiler Rundown

So here’s the setup: Coach Marvyn Korn (John Stamos)—a college basketball coach with a legendary temper tantrum problem—gets booted out of the men’s league after one meltdown too many. And where does this hot-headed, ego-driven coach land? A private all-girls high school basketball team. Yeah, you can already smell the “fish out of water” comedy/drama from a mile away.

The thing about Korn is… he’s kind of a douchebag. 💁‍♂️ He treats everyone like they should worship the court he walks on, and the team? Yeah, they’re more of a nuisance than a family to him. He’s got this estranged daughter he barely knows, which just screams “you’re about to be humbled, pal.” Honestly, this might be the best thing to ever happen to him—he just doesn’t know it yet.


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Character Rundown 🏀

Coach Marvyn Korn (John Stamos) – Once a college legend, now reduced to babysitting teenagers. His arc starts with arrogance and ends… well, humbled (ish).

Emma Korn (Sophia Mitri Schloss) – Marvyn’s estranged daughter, caught in the middle of her dad’s mess of a personal life and struggling with how absent he’s been.

Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig) – Assistant coach who, let’s be real, should probably be head coach. She’s the moral compass compared to Korn’s dumpster fire personality.

Louise Gruzinsky (Nell Verlaque) – The star player and perfectionist, under immense pressure from her family.

Destiny Winters (Tiana Le) – Heart of the team. Brings optimism and kindness into a space often dominated by Korn’s sarcasm.

Mouse Smith (Tisha Custodio) – Shy, intelligent, and proof that not every player’s strength comes from being loud.

Olive Cooper (Monique Green) – Social media savvy, a girl who understands branding as much as balling.

✅ Pros

John Stamos as Marvyn Korn: He nails the “arrogant douchebag who needs humbling” vibe. Watching him slowly evolve is half the fun.

Father-Daughter Drama: The estranged relationship between Korn and Emma gives the show heart and keeps it from being just about basketball.

The Girls’ Team: Each player has her own voice and struggles, which makes the team feel like more than background extras.

Grounded Tone: For a sports show, it’s surprisingly mature. Tackles heavy subjects (family pressure, sexism, mental health) without sugarcoating.

Fish-Out-of-Water Premise: Seeing Korn go from big-time NCAA coach to high school gym rat is hilarious, humbling, and oddly relatable.



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❌ Cons

Predictable Tropes: You’ve seen some of these beats before — the arrogant coach, the rebellious kid, the underdog team. Doesn’t always surprise.

Korn’s Rough Start: He’s so unlikable at first that it may turn some viewers off before his redemption arc kicks in.

Uneven Pacing: Some episodes drag in the middle, like they didn’t know if they wanted to be a drama or a comedy.

Side Characters Shortchanged: While the main players shine, others get shoved into the background and could’ve used more depth.

Disney+ Syndrome: Occasionally feels a little too squeaky-clean when it could’ve leaned harder into grit.

Final Thoughts 🎯

Season 1 of Big Shot surprised me. It’s part sports drama, part heartfelt family story, and part John Stamos slowly learning how not to be a Grade A douche. It’s cheesy in spots, sure, but the sincerity sells it. And I’ll give credit where it’s due: the girls aren’t treated as “props for the coach’s redemption.” They’re fleshed out, and their stories matter.

Rating: 8.5/10 🏀
Not perfect, but it’s one of those shows where you finish an episode and think, “damn, I kinda needed that.”



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🚨 Spoiler Time 🚨

Alright, let’s pull the curtain back. Korn’s journey across this season is chef’s kiss in terms of watching a man get knocked off his pedestal. He starts out barking orders like a dictator, convinced that “his way” is the only way. But the girls? They don’t bend—they push back.

By mid-season, the dude’s façade starts to crack. His estranged daughter Emma calling him out for being absent? Yeah, that hits harder than any three-pointer. Korn gets forced to actually care about these girls as more than just “players.” They’re human beings with lives, insecurities, and ambitions beyond the court.

The big moment? The team starts winning because they trust each other, not because of Korn’s screaming. And for the first time, Korn realizes that maybe—just maybe—he isn’t the smartest guy in the gym. Growth!

By the finale, Korn isn’t a perfect man (God no, he’s still rough around the edges), but he’s humbled. He sees the value of teaching rather than barking. And with Emma? Baby steps. They aren’t magically healed, but there’s the beginning of a genuine relationship. For a guy who thought yelling was his love language, that’s progress.


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