The Player (2015)
A high-octane Las Vegas thriller where crime, consequence, and a deadly game of chance collide every week on NBC.
The Player - Series Information
- Original Title: The Player
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: John Rogers, John Fox
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 24, 2015 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: The Player (O Jogador) (BR)
- Production Companies: Kung Fu Monkey Productions, Davis Entertainment, Universal Television, Sony Pictures Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Player - Plot
An action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: the House always wins.
Where to Watch The Player
Looking for where to watch The Player?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Player - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Rogers
- John Fox
Main Cast
- Charity Wakefield
- Philip Winchester
- Wesley Snipes
- Damon Gupton
- Daisy Betts
- KaDee Strickland
- Nick Wechsler
- Dustin Ybarra
- Courtney Grosbeck
- Richard Roundtree
Writers
- John Rogers
- VJ Boyd
- John Fox
- S.J. Hodges
- Amanda Segel
Executive Producers
- John Rogers
- John Fox
- John Davis
The Player - FAQs
What is the premise of The Player?
The Player follows Alex Kane, a former military operative and security expert in Las Vegas, who is recruited into a shadowy operation where ultra-wealthy elites bet on whether he can prevent major crimes in real time. Beneath the game lies his personal mission: uncovering the truth behind his wife's murder.
Why was The Player cancelled after one season?
NBC cancelled The Player after just nine episodes due to disappointing ratings. Despite a strong concept and a charismatic cast led by Philip Winchester and Wesley Snipes, the show struggled to build a consistent audience in a competitive Thursday night timeslot, leaving its storylines unresolved.
Where can you watch The Player TV series?
The Player is available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free viewing with ads, episodes are also available on Tubi TV, making it easy to catch up on the full nine-episode run.
Who plays Mr. Johnson in The Player?
Wesley Snipes plays Mr. Johnson, the enigmatic and charismatic Pit Boss who oversees the high-stakes gambling operation at the center of the show. It was a notable TV series role for Snipes, bringing his trademark intensity to a character who is equal parts mentor, manipulator, and mystery.
Is The Player based on a true story?
No, The Player is an original fictional concept created by John Rogers and John Fox. While it draws on real-world settings like Las Vegas and themes of organized crime and private security, the central premise of billionaires gambling on crime prevention is entirely invented for dramatic effect.
How many episodes does The Player have?
The Player ran for a single season of nine episodes on NBC, airing in the fall of 2015. The series was cancelled before completing a full season order, leaving several character arcs and the overarching mystery of Alex Kane's wife's death without a formal resolution.
How was The Player received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed to lukewarm. Reviewers acknowledged the show's slick Las Vegas production values and Wesley Snipes' magnetic screen presence, but found the procedural crime-of-the-week format formulaic. Most agreed the high-concept gambling premise was more intriguing than its weekly execution ultimately delivered.
What shows are similar to The Player?
Fans of The Player tend to enjoy Reacher for its action-heavy lone-hero format, The Endgame for its high-concept crime thriller energy, and The Cleaning Lady for its morally complex crime drama. Las Vegas (2003) also shares the Nevada setting and glossy network crime-drama tone.
More About The Player
Explore further details about The Player on these authoritative databases.