Are you a big fan of the 1992 American sports period drama, ‘A League of Their Own, directed by Penny Marshall, and wish to revisit it? The 2022 tv series of the same name has it all for you! Co-created by Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson, the show is an adaptation of the film with new characters and storylines, which showcases the formation of a World War II-era women’s professional baseball team. Although the show had a similar premise to the film, it had much more to offer and entertain the viewers.
It is the second television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’, following a short-lived 1993 CBS series. The pilot episode, shot in Southern California, was directed by Jamie Babbit. He is also the executive producer along with Hailey Wierengo, and Elizabeth Koe. And writer-producers Graham and Jacobson are also co-stars.
Certain aspects targeted in the series, like prejudice based on race and LGBTQ+ issues, show that the series has got something new to voice and mixes in the film’s ingredients. These elements add depth to the plot and help explain why a film like this could be made into a TV series.
A League of Their Own Release Date
The film had a world premiere screening at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13, 2022. And in order to promote the show, a 30th-anniversary screening of the original film took place in Los Angeles on 8th August 2022 by Cinespia. The show dropped on August 12, 2022.
A League of Their Own Cast
Having a huge ensemble cast, the show is headed by co-creator, Abbi Jacobson (Broad City). The rest of the main cast includes Chanté Adams (A Journal for Jordan, Bad Hair), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Sex Education), Roberta Colindrez (Mrs. America), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Better Call Saul), Kate Berlant (Search Party), Alex Désert (The Simpsons), Priscilla Delgado (Julieta), Aaron Jennings (Insecure), Molly Ephraim (Perry Mason) and Melanie Field (You).
A League of Their Own Storyline
Set in 1943, the series trails the formation of the Rockford Peaches, a women’s team in the nascent All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. With her husband continuously at war, Carson Shaw escapes her small-town life to fulfill her dream of playing professional baseball. On the other hand, Maxine Chapman, an African-American woman obsessed with baseball, struggles to get into a baseball team as she cannot get anyone to let her try out.
The show then splits into two parts after tryouts: one for Carson Shaw (Abbi Jacobson, also co-creator) and the Rockford Peaches, and another for Max Chapman (Chanté Adams), a Black woman denied a tryout. As we follow Shaw through her trials with the team, her confidence, and even her sexuality, we learn more about her. Chapman seems to suffer from similar issues, especially concerning her sexuality and identity, where race only complicates matters. Baseball eventually brings the two together, and because of their similarities, they bond.
As explained in their official synopsis, “A League of Their Own evokes the joyful spirit of Penny Marshall’s beloved classic, while widening the lens to tell the story of an entire generation of women who dreamt of playing professional baseball. The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it”.
A League of Their Own Episode Guide
Here is a brief of all the episodes that streamed for A League of Their Own
Episode 1: ‘Better Up’ (August 12, 2022) During World War II, there were too few men to play baseball, so team owners thought about forming women’s baseball leagues. They have worked hard, gone through tough times, and had hard balls thrown at them, but these ladies aren’t taking any chances.
Episode 2: ‘Find the Gap’ (August 12, 2022) It’s time for Max and Clance to throw a housewarming party. Max approaches Gary for an unusual favor. The Peaches meet their coach and slip through the league’s Charm School. Carson struggles to find how to feel about her new connection with Greta.
Episode 3: ‘The Cut off’ (August 12, 2022) During the church’s resurgence, Max faces a tough choice, while Clance wrestles with her own secret. The Peach must bring together to advance their game. Carson and Greta try to be friends, while Lupe struggles with her fidelity to Dove.
Episode 4: ‘Switch Hitter’ (August 12, 2022) The Peaches must work together in a whole different way. Clance now has a new life with a new job at the screw factory. As for Max, she finally has the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
Episode 5:, ‘Back Footed’ (August 12, 2022) In order to improve each other’s game and overcome fears, Max and Carson work unitedly. Max manages to reconnect with her estranged family while Carson isn’t certain about how to lead the family if she can’t win Lupe’s confidence. Greta stumbles upon her past.
Episode 6: ‘Stealing Home’ (August 12, 2022) While Max and Bertie become close, Clance is determined to take her comics in a new direction. Even though Lady Luck seems to be on the Peaches’ side, Carson’s concerns regarding Lupe’s loyalty reveal something unexpected.
Episode 7: ‘Full Count’ (August 12, 2022) Another shot comes in Max’s way like she never expected before. All of the Peaches’ hard work is suddenly threatened by a shift in the line-up. Carson struggles to hold the team together. Lupe and Esti find common ground.
Episode 8: ‘Perfect Game’ (August 12, 2022) The concluding episode shows the Peaches’ season coming to a very touching end, after which Carson and Greta struggle with what’s to come next along their way. And Max conceives of an old chapter before opening another.
A League of Their Own Trailer
The show’s teaser was released on June 7, 2022, and the official trailer was broadcast on July 26, 2022.
Where to watch A League of Their Own?
The full series is exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video. The interested audience can watch the show after purchasing a subscription of the same.