Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: Season 21
Season 21 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 20.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 21 Progress Shield
Episode 214 - Monsters No More / Mr. Sunday Night / The Toast of Beijing / Urban Renewal
Jan 20, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a visit with members of the 1985 Chicago Bears, a profile of NFL commentator Cris Collinsworth, NBA washout turned Chinese star Stephon Marbury, and an update on U
Episode 214 - Death on Everest / Hooked / Wonder Woman
Feb 24, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a look at the natural and man-made dangers of climbing Mount Everest; and a report on former athletes addicted to heroin as an alternative to pain medication; a pr
Episode 216 - The Wreckage / Scarred
Mar 24, 2015 · 60 min
A look at the state of the NCAA and the treatment of its student athletes. Featured: how abusive coaches and overwhelming demands have led to a mental health crisis among student-a
Episode 217 - Captain Comeback / Man in the Middle / Big League Chew
Apr 21, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include profiles of quarterback Russell Wilson and football coach Jim Harbaugh and revisiting the topic of chewing tobacco in Major League Baseball.
Episode 218 - In Harm’s Way / Erik Weihenmayer / Ronda Rousey
May 19, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a report on the use of workout supplements by the military, a profile of blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, and a new visit with MMA star Ronda Rousey.
Episode 219 - Girls Interrupted / Vision Quest / The Price of Glory
Jun 23, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a look at the dangers of head trauma in youth soccer; a look at the GoPro high-def video camera; and an update on the controversial awarding of the 2022 World Cup
Episode 220 - Bike Wars / Trophy Culture / Uncaged
Jul 21, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a look at problems caused by bikes and cars sharing roads in U.S. cities, a sports culture report on youth receiving trophies for mere participation, and a look at
Episode 221 - Ryan's Song / Brother's Keeper / 4th and Go
Aug 18, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include an interview with NFL head coach Rex Ryan; a visit with former NFL brothers Ma'ake and Chris Kemoeatu; and revisiting Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, the high-scho
Episode 222 - Jerry's World / A Wing And A Prayer / Blurred Lines
Sep 22, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a one-on-one chat with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones; a report on gender testing; and a visit to the mecca of wingsuiting in the Swiss Alps.
Episode 223 - Another Shot / Fields of Vision / Lasting Impact
Oct 20, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a visit to a summer camp offering sports participation to blind children; a report on paralyzed football player Marc Buoniconti and his friendship with the other p
Episode 224 - The Killing Fields / Magic Mike
Nov 24, 2015 · 60 min
Segments include a report on elephant trophy hunting and ivory poaching in Africa and a chat with hockey announcer Doc Emrick.
Episode 225 - 2015 Holiday Roundtable
Dec 22, 2015 · 60 min
Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg, Andrea Kremer, Soledad O’Brien, Carl Qu