Big Shot is a sports drama television series that premiered on Disney+ in April 2021. The show stars John Stamos as a hotheaded men’s college basketball coach who is fired from his job and must take a coaching position at an elite private high school. Big Shot was met with positive reviews and quickly became one of Disney+’s most popular original series. Now fans are eagerly wondering if Big Shot will be renewed for a second season.
What is Big Shot about?
Big Shot follows Marvyn Korn (John Stamos) who used to be a big time NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball coach. However, his temper got him fired from his job at Westbrook University. With no other offers at the college level, Korn reluctantly accepts a job as the new girls basketball coach at Westbrook, an elite private high school. He soon realizes that coaching teenage girls is very different than coaching college athletes. The girls on the Westbrook team are talented but in need of motivation and discipline. Over the course of the first season, Korn evolves from ego-driven and combative to more patient and empathetic as he connects with his players. The Westbrook girls learn to unlock their potential with Korn’s guidance.
Main characters
In addition to Coach Korn, Big Shot features an ensemble cast of characters:
- Louise Gruzinsky (Nell Verlaque) – Team captain and star player of the Westbrook girls basketball team. She initially clashes with Korn but eventually gains respect for his coaching.
- Destiny Winters (Tiana Le) – A talented but insecure player dealing with the high expectations of her mother.
- Samantha “Mouse” Smith (Monique Green) – The team’s energetic point guard who provides comic relief.
- Olive Cooper (Sophia Mitri Schloss) – A shy supporting player who lacks confidence.
- Assistant Coach Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig) – Westbrook’s former head coach who was demoted upon Korn’s hiring. She is skeptical of Korn at first but they eventually form a strong partnership.
- George Pappas (Yvette Nicole Brown) – The no-nonsense dean of Westbrook who hired Korn. She threatens to fire him if he steps out of line.
Season 1 synopsis
At the start of season 1, Korn struggles to connect with his new team and his old school coaching methods fail. The girls are turned off by his abrasive personality and resistance to change. Korn eventually realizes he needs to alter his approach. He opens up about his past struggles with alcohol addiction and connects with the girls through shared experiences. Korn starts to bring out the best in each player’s individual talents. The Westbrook Eagles go on an improbable underdog run to the California state championships. In the final game, they come from behind to defeat the heavily favored reigning champions. Korn and the Westbrook girls celebrate the thrilling victory.
Will there be a season 2 of Big Shot?
Big Shot has not yet been renewed for a second season as of November 2023. The first season debuted in April 2021 to positive reviews. Deadline reported it ranked among the Top 10 most watched original shows on Disney+ shortly after its premiere. But Disney has not yet made an official announcement about the show’s future.
Reasons Big Shot could be renewed
Here are some reasons why Big Shot stands a good chance of being picked up for season 2:
- Strong viewership – As one of Disney+’s most popular shows, Big Shot has proven its audience appeal.
- Critical acclaim – Big Shot earned praise for its writing, directing, and acting. It holds an 88% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Upbeat tone – The show’s mix of sports drama, inspiration, and humor provides entertaining viewing.
- John Stamos’ appeal – The Full House star’s name recognition and fan base is a plus.
- Inspiring message – Big Shot sends a positive message about empowerment and achieving one’s potential.
- Cliffhanger ending – The season 1 finale begs for a continuation as we wonder what’s next for Korn and the Westbrook team after their big win.
Potential season 2 storyline
If renewed, here are some possible storylines a second season could explore:
- Westbrook defends state title – Season 2 could follow the Eagles’ attempt to defend their championship crown, dealing with the pressures of being the top team.
- Korn balances coaching with family – Having reconnected with his daughter Emma in season 1, Korn tries to be a better father.
- Holly steps up as coach – With Korn splitting time between the team and his family, Coach Barrett may get the chance to be head coach again.
- New players shake up team – Graduation may force Korn to rebuild the lineup with new players.
- College recruitment – Korn could help the girls deal with college scouts and the recruiting process.
- Korn’s past demons – Season 1 hinted that Korn may still struggle with alcoholism. His sobriety could be tested.
Reasons Big Shot may not return
On the other hand, there are some factors that could work against Big Shot season 2 happening:
- Declining viewership – Disney+ hasn’t released numbers, but some shows lose steam after their first season.
- Mixed reviews – While mostly positive, some critics thought the writing was formulaic and predictable.
- John Stamos’ schedule – His busy career makes juggling another season difficult.
- Disney’s slate – With many other shows in the pipeline, Disney+ may not prioritize bringing Big Shot back.
- Financial motives – It depends on how profitable Big Shot is and if Disney wants to invest in a second season.
- Limited story potential – The first season told a fairly complete narrative arc already.
When would Big Shot season 2 premiere?
If renewed soon, Big Shot season 2 could potentially premiere in Spring 2022. The first season debuted in April 2021. Following a similar timeframe, season 2 may arrive roughly a year later. However, Disney has not provided any updates on an intended release date.
Production schedules were delayed across the television industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It took about two years between Disney ordering the Big Shot pilot and its April 2021 premiere. Under normal circumstances, a second season could be expected around 12-18 months after the first. But depending on how long it takes to resume full production, Big Shot season 2 could get pushed back to late 2022 or even 2023.
What cast members would return for season 2?
If Big Shot gets renewed, the core cast would be expected to return including:
- John Stamos as Coach Marvyn Korn
- Jessalyn Gilsig as Assistant Coach Holly Barrett
- Yvette Nicole Brown as Dean Sherilyn Thomas
- Richard Robichaux as George
- Sophia Mitri Schloss as Olive Cooper
- Nell Verlaque as Louise Gruzinsky
- Tiana Le as Destiny Winters
- Monique Green as Samantha “Mouse” Smith
- Tisha Custodio as Carolyn “Cricket” Korn
- Cricket Wampler as Emma Korn
Some new characters would likely be introduced as well. Graduation may force some of the Westbrook Eagles players to be replaced by new additions. Recurring characters like the parents and rivals from season 1 could make appearances again too.
Will season 2 have the same showrunner?
Big Shot was created by David E. Kelley, known for shows like Ally McBeal and The Practice. Kelley developed the story and wrote the pilot episode. He executive produces along with Dean Lorey, who serves as showrunner. Lorey’s past credits include being a writer, producer, and showrunner on series such as Arrested Development, My Wife and Kids, and Will & Grace.
If Big Shot is renewed, Lorey would be expected to return as showrunner and executive producer. His experience guiding the first season was well received. Lorey would likely assemble a new team of writers while maintaining creative oversight on the direction of season 2.
What viewers can do to help Big Shot get renewed
Fans eager for a second season can take certain actions that may help influence Disney to renew the show.
- Watch the first season – Strong viewership numbers increase the chances Disney will want to make more episodes.
- Engage on social media – Following Big Shot’s accounts and sharing positive reactions helps build buzz.
- Leave positive reviews – Well-rated viewer reviews on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb show support.
- Buy merchandise – Purchasing official Big Shot products demonstrates consumer demand.
- Start online petitions – Petitions urge Disney to consider renewing an acclaimed show.
The more fans can make their enthusiasm known, the better the odds of Disney ordering a second installment. While the network weighs many factors in deciding a show’s future, visible support from viewers can impact the final call.
Conclusion
In summary, the future of Big Shot remains uncertain as Disney has yet to announce plans for season 2. The well-received first season showed the potential for more stories about Coach Korn and the Westbrook Eagles. Critical praise and what appears to be solid viewership make a renewal probable. But Disney’s crowded programming lineup means tough decisions ahead. Fans may need to demonstrate their support to compel Disney to green light another round of Big Shot. Hopefully an official update arrives soon so committed viewers know if they can look forward to season 2 in 2022.
