1st & Ten (1984)
The pioneering HBO sports sitcom that tackled American football comedy with a boldness broadcast television simply couldn't match.
1st & Ten - Series Information
- Original Title: 1st & Ten
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: Carl Kleinschmitt
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (28 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 80
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 2, 1984 (United States - NR), December 2, 1984 (Canada - 18+), December 2, 1984 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Countries: United States of America
1st & Ten - Plot
1st & Ten is an American situation comedy that aired between December 1984 and January 1991 on the cable television network HBO. Featuring series regulars Delta Burke and veteran Reid Shelton, it was one of cable's first attempts to lure the lucrative sit-com audience away from the "Big Three", by taking advantage of their freedom to include occasional cursing and nudity.
Where to Watch 1st & Ten
Looking for where to watch 1st & Ten?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
1st & Ten - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Carl Kleinschmitt
Main Cast
- Reid Shelton
- Cliff Frazier
- Prince Hughes
- O. J. Simpson
- Donald Gibb
- John Kassir
- Michael Toland
- Jason Beghe
- Tony Longo
- Delta Burke
1st & Ten - FAQs
What role did O.J. Simpson play in 1st & Ten?
O.J. Simpson played T.D. Parker, a star player on the fictional California Bulls football team. His casting was a notable draw for the show, leveraging his fame as a former NFL superstar to lend the series some gridiron credibility alongside its comedic premise.
Is 1st & Ten worth watching today?
For fans of 1980s sitcoms and sports comedy, 1st & Ten holds real nostalgic charm. It was a pioneering cable comedy that pushed boundaries the broadcast networks couldn't, and Delta Burke's performance as team owner Diane Barrow remains a highlight. It's a fun, breezy time capsule of early HBO original programming.
Where can you stream 1st & Ten?
You can stream 1st & Ten on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Free ad-supported options include Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Xumo Play, and The CW. Episodes are also available to purchase on Amazon Video.
Why was 1st & Ten significant for cable television?
1st & Ten was one of cable TV's earliest attempts to compete directly with the broadcast networks' sitcom dominance. Airing on HBO, it could include occasional adult language and nudity that the Big Three networks couldn't air, making it a genuine experiment in what premium cable comedy could be.
Who created 1st & Ten and when did it premiere?
1st & Ten was created by Carl Kleinschmitt and premiered on December 2, 1984, on HBO. The series ran for six seasons and 80 episodes, concluding in January 1991, making it one of the longer-running original comedy series in early cable television history.
What is 1st & Ten about?
1st & Ten follows the comedic chaos surrounding a fictional American football team, the California Bulls. The show blends sports humor with character-driven comedy, centering on team owner Diane Barrow and a colorful roster of players and staff. It was notable for pushing content boundaries that broadcast sitcoms of the era simply couldn't touch.
How many seasons and episodes does 1st & Ten have?
1st & Ten ran for six seasons and a total of 80 episodes between 1984 and 1991. Season lengths varied, ranging from 10 to 16 episodes per season, with the final sixth season being the longest at 16 episodes.
What shows are similar to 1st & Ten?
If you enjoy 1st & Ten, you might also like The League, a sharp sports comedy about fantasy football, or Coach, another sitcom set in the world of American football. Classic ensemble comedies like Cheers, Growing Pains, and Night Court share a similar 1980s sitcom energy and humor.
More About 1st & Ten
Explore further details about 1st & Ten on these authoritative resources.