July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29) – July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
Last Chance U is an American documentary television series that is produced by and premiered on Netflix. The six-episode first season explores the football program at East Mississippi Community College, which features several collegiate athletes that have had trouble in their lives and struggled with finding structure. The players are then required to perform at the junior college (JUCO) level, under the stewardship of coach Buddy Stephens, in order to prove themselves and return to Division I.[1]
The series' second season returned to Mississippi,[2] but transitioned to Independence Community College in Kansas for the show's third season,[3] which premiered on July 21, 2018. This was followed by a return to Independence for the fourth season; it debuted on July 19, 2019.[4] The final season took place at Laney College in Oakland, California and premiered on July 28, 2020. In 2020, it was announced that a scripted drama based on the first two seasons would be produced by and star Courteney Cox.[5]
Synopsis
The first two seasons focus on all aspects of the football program at East Mississippi Community College, one of the most successful JUCO programs in the country. Major themes include the academic struggles of the players – some of whom have come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. This is set against an overall redemption and coming-of-age “last chance” theme for the group of men struggling to find their place. Team academic advisor Brittany Wagner is featured prominently as she is tasked with getting all team members to graduate on time. Head coach Buddy Stephens' struggles with controlling his temper is also a major theme, which is often juxtaposed with his devout Christian faith that he attempts to impart on the team.
Season 1
The crew followed the EMCC Lions during their 2015 season as they attempted to capture their fourth JUCO national title. While the team appeared dominant for much of the year, their season was derailed after a brawl broke out during their game with Mississippi Delta. EMCC was disqualified from the state playoffs and a potential berth to the national championship game.[6]
Rankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
Season 2
Netflix returned to Scooba to follow their 2016 season. Once again holding national championship aspirations, the team faced a major hurdle in that only 32 of their players were eligible for their opening game with Jones County Junior College due to suspensions related to the previous season's brawl. EMCC lost that game, 27–25, their first season-opening loss since 2010.[8] The Lions would go on to win the rest of their games, but were left out of the national championship game when they finished the season ranked No. 3 in the polls.[9]
Rankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
Season 3
Despite being invited back to EMCC for a third season,[11] producers decided to move the show to Independence Community College of Kansas.[12] The new location is different in that ICC has historically had much lower expectations than EMCC; in 2016, it ended the season 5–4, its first winning season in ten years.[13] The ICC Pirates had a very successful recruiting campaign for the 2017 season, landing many acclaimed players who began at NCAA Division I schools.[14]
Jeff Carpenter, the long-time Voice of the Indy Pirates delivers the back story of the team and the town of Independence, KS.
Rankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
Season 4
The fourth season continues in Independence, where the team fails to live up to high preseason expectations, finishing 2–8. After the season, Coach Brown is forced to resign for insensitive remarks.[16] The season received the 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Serialized Sports Documentary.[17]
Desperate for an opportunity at a major school, the players at East Mississippi Community College prepare for a season that's crucial to their future.
2
2
"Most Dangerous Game"
July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29)
The starting quarterback battle rages on. Brittany worries about the players' academic progress. EMCC's winning streak is threatened by a rival.
3
3
"Plan B"
July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29)
The coaches and players deal with unfamiliar adversity. DJ and others struggle with school. Ollie faces tough times and seeks comfort back home.
4
4
"Homecoming"
July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29)
Players, other students and the community prepare for homecoming weekend. Tensions rise at the homecoming game, prompting Buddy to lose his cool.
5
5
"Blood Makes the Grass Grow"
July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29)
DJ faces choices that will make or break his future. John hopes for a chance to impress Auburn coaches. Bad blood builds in the regular-season finale.
6
6
"It Is What It Is"
July 29, 2016 (2016-07-29)
The regular season comes to an explosive end, and the team must deal with the fallout from their actions. The players prepare for life after EMCC.
Season 2 (2017)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original release date
7
1
"Half a Team"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
Buddy makes changes in response to the publicity the show brought to the EMCC program. The Lions are forced to play short-handed in the season opener.
8
2
"Football Saved My Life"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
De'Andre gears up for his first game since he was kicked out of Florida State. Isaiah and his brother open up about their difficult childhood.
9
3
"Can't Make the Club in the Tub"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
Brittany and Davern try to motivate Kam on and off the field. Isaiah's health concerns continue into a rivalry game against Itawamba.
10
4
"Ain't It a Sin"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
Faith takes center stage as Buddy, Dakota and others explore the role of religion in their football journey. A much-awaited rematch approaches.
11
5
"For My Momma"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
As EMCC prepares for the No. 1 team in the country, defensive linemen Chauncey, Kam and Tim continue their battle to atone for their past actions.
12
6
"The Curse"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
EMCC hopes to maintain its focus against winless Coahoma, a program trying to overcome a deficiency in talent, facilities and support.
13
7
"Bigger and Better Things"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
As the state playoffs loom, tensions rise between several players and the coaches. Brittany ponders her future at EMCC.
14
8
"Last Man Standing"
July 21, 2017 (2017-07-21)
It's crunch time as the players take finals and weigh scholarship offers while still holding aspirations of winning a national championship at EMCC.
Season 3 (2018)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original release date
15
1
"We Expect"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
After decades of losing, Independence Community College looks to brash coach Jason Brown to develop a winning culture and recruit talented athletes.
16
2
"Humble Your Pie"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
After the rough season opener, Coach Brown questions his D1 transfers. Malik and Carlos face tough love as they fight to meet expectations.
17
3
"Jimmys and Joes"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
Bad blood with his old boss fuels Brown's fire as the newly confident Pirates welcome defending national champion Garden City to Independence.
18
4
"Get Outta Dodge"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
Despite ICC's winning streak, tensions start to boil over as Brown gets fed up with his players and coaches before and during a game in Dodge City.
19
5
"Out of State"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
Brown and his players open up about their upbringings and how their relationships with family – positive and negative – shaped who they are today.
20
6
"Neewollah"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
The team prepares to play during the town's big annual festival. Bobby struggles to overcome frustration. An ICC student writes a song for the team.
21
7
"Abracadabra"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
As the Pirates get ready for a shot at a conference title, recruiters from four-year schools visit and players scramble to get their grades in order.
22
8
"Dust in The Wind"
July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
As a game against rival Coffeyville caps off the regular season, the ICC players and coaches reflect on the season and weigh their next moves.
Season 4 (2019)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original release date
23
1
"Dream U"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Jason Brown copes with his celebrity status. Bobby Bruce tries to rebound from bad decisions. Brown considers bringing back a polarizing player.
24
2
"The Eye in the Sky"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Bobby gets close with Kailon, who tries to keep Bobby on the right path. Assistant coach Jason Martin talks about moving his family into a dorm room.
25
3
"Home on the Range"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
The town of Independence gets ready for the highly anticipated home opener. Visits with Chance’s and Kailon’s families shed light on their upbringings.
26
4
"Garden City"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Hard feelings from last year rise to the surface in a rematch between ICC and Garden City, as coaches Jason Brown and Jeff Sims butt heads yet again.
27
5
"The Hangover"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Jay’s injuries cause him frustration. Malik tries to make the most of his opportunities. Tensions run high after a game against Fort Scott.
28
6
"S Show"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
As players and coaches start to prioritize themselves over the team, Brown tries to regain control – but a sideline outburst proves costly.
29
7
"Famous Forever"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Locals grow restless over the team's performance amid budget cuts at ICC. A home game during the "Neewollah" festival could help unite the town.
30
8
"Hustlers Survive"
July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
The season finale presents a chance to end the season on a positive note. Markiese makes a big mistake, and Brown faces criticism over a text message.
Season 5 (2020)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original release date
31
1
"The Town"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
Life is demanding for players at Oakland's Laney College, where they must pay for their own housing and expenses while pursuing a future in football.
32
2
"QB4"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
After 40 years, coach John Beam's legacy in Oakland is unmatched. Injuries lead to an unorthodox solution at QB as Laney looks to get back on track.
33
3
"Cast-Offs"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
Dior's strained relationship with his father affects his play and his health. Nu'u balances school, football and childcare while his wife works.
34
4
"Greyhaven"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
RJ lives for football, but is haunted by an infamous family history. Beam's old school ways don't always connect with the younger generation.
35
5
"The City"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
Rejzohn discusses a painful memory, then suffers a physical setback. Despite recent success, Laney still feels disrespected by a rival in San Francisco.
36
6
"Ā, upane! ka upane!"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
As Dior looks for a way out of California, Beam questions if Nu'u could commit to moving his family away from Oakland. RJ's frustrations mount.
37
7
"New Oakland"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
Gentrification in Oakland brings some positive changes, but pushes longtime residents out of the city. The Eagles begin a late push for a playoff bid.
38
8
"Football might be over for you"
July 28, 2020 (2020-07-28)
As the season winds down, the graduating players plan their next moves while Beam pledges to make changes and build an even better team next year.
Reception
The series was given a positive review by SB Nation's Jason Kirk, who summed it up as a "carefully crafted drama with personalities to care about."[19] Critical aggregator website Metacritic awarded the series a score of 79, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[20]
Franklin was officially added to the Auburn football roster in 2016 and played sparingly in his first season on The Plains, recording one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns while backing up starter Sean White.[21] In August 2017, he transferred to Florida Atlantic University as a wide receiver.[22] After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL draft, Franklin signed with the Chicago Bears as a defensive back.[23] He spent the 2018 season on the Bears' practice squad, and was finally waived in August 2019. In November, he was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad and was promoted to the active roster a month later, making his NFL debut in a Week 17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.[24]
On the show, Roberts mentions that if big offers don't come in, he's going to be content to move on to Mississippi State, where he would attend as a student and not walk-on to the football team. True to his word, Roberts did not walk-on to Mississippi State.[25] However, after a quarterback transferred out of the team, Head Coach Dan Mullen approached Wyatt, who then walked-on to the team.[26]
Law was officially admitted to UAB after final clearance was provided on August 30, 2016. Struggling with academics and an injured knee, he did not play for UAB and left the team in May 2017.[27]
Staggers joined the Southern Miss football team after the culmination of his Junior year at EMCC. In his first season with the Golden Eagles, he led the team in receiving yards with 1165, and added 7 touchdowns,[28][29] and was placed on the Biletnikoff Watch List[30] He also had a team record 292 receiving yards in a single game.[31] After the 2018 season Staggers was invited to the Washington Redskins' minicamp.[32] He was waived on August 27.
Andry played 10 games in his first season with the Colonels and had 17 tackles.[39] Played all twelve games in his senior season while starting one.[40] After running out of eligibility, Andry stayed at Nicholls State as a graduate assistant and later was promoted to defensive line coach.[41] Andry would stay at Nicholls as a defensive line coach for 3 years before joining Holmes CC in 2021, reuniting him with EMCC coach Marcus Woods.[42]
McCrae only appeared in two games at Louisville (against Charlotte and N.C. State), and did not register any stats. It wasn't much better for him in 2017, as he registered four tackles in limited playing time – most of it on special teams. He played two games in 2018 before injuring his shoulder against Indiana State, missing the rest of the season. He is listed as a grad student on Louisville's 2019 roster.[43]
Signed by Auburn in 2016, but never attended.[45] Committed to West Georgia in 2017 and attended spring training but never played for them, and in August 2017 it was announced that he was leaving the team.[46][47] On September 13, 2017, Wright was charged with criminal homicide connected to a fatal stabbing in Tennessee in July.[48]
After finishing his college career at Marshall, Reavis signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent and made the team's active roster during the 2018 season.[49] He became the first player from the show to appear in an NFL game after his debut on December 2, 2018, against the Indianapolis Colts.[50]
After sitting out the 2017 season due to blood clots in his arm, Johnson competed with Oklahoma transfer Chris Robison for the starting quarterback position.[51] After not starting for FAU, Johnson transferred to Texas Southern in 2019.[52]
Wright participated in spring football at WGU but left the school before the season began.[53] He was arrested for criminal homicide in September 2017.[54] On November 8, 2017, the charges were dismissed against his brother Camion, also featured on Last Chance U.[55] On August 8, 2018, Wright plead guilty to facilitation of aggravated robbery in exchange for having his criminal homicide charge dropped. He received credit for time served and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation.[56] During 2019, Wright joined the Alcoa Alloys of the Independent American Football League.[57] Wright was able to get another chance to play college football at Union College of the NAIA for the 2021 season.[58]
Rivers was redshirted for the 2017 season due to academic ineligibility.[59] During the 2018 season, Rivers had 2.5 sacks and 24 tackles for the Bulldogs.[60] After the 2019 season where he had 5.0 sacks and 40 tackles, Rivers was named to the 2019 All-SEC football team.[61] In April 2020, the Baltimore Ravens signed Rivers as an undrafted free agent.[62]
Had a breakout junior season in 2017, with 92 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and six forced turnovers. Named All-Big 12 by Pro Football Focus and second-team All-Big 12 by coaches and media.[63] Allen was officially invited for the NFL Scouting Combine in 2019. He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL draft and became the first player of the show to be picked in the NFL Draft.[64][65] He signed a contract with the Rams on June 7, 2019.[66] He was signed off the Rams' practice squad by the Oakland Raiders in September, and made his NFL debut the following month. However, he was waived by the end of the month, and returned to the Rams' practice squad again in November, leaving a second time to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars in December.[24]
Played sparingly at Pitt and in January 2018, announced he was transferring.[64] Ultimately transferred to Duquesne for the 2018 and 2019 season, where he made the All-NEC First Team both seasons.[67][68][69]
Also played baseball at EMCC as a pitcher and was drafted in the 14th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres.[71] After pitching for the Arizona League Padres for the summer, Miller returned to EMCC for the 2018 season.[72]
King signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Lamar, but he withdrew from Independence before graduation, making him ineligible to play Division I college football. Later enrolled in Central Oklahoma[83]
By far the biggest success from the show. Played two seasons before transferring to Florida State.[84] As a fifth-year senior with the Seminoles, Johnson led the ACC in tackles for loss (18) and sacks (12.0), was named 1st Team All-Conference, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award for college football's best defensive end, and was included in several All-America teams. He was drafted 26th overall in the 2022 NFL draft by the New York Jets and named as an alternate to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games roster.[85]
A student reported $250 stolen from his dorm room. Bruce was seen on video entering the room with two other people and leaving with a full bag in his hand, he hadn't had with him while entering the room. Bruce was cut from the football team. Subsequently, signed to play arena football for the A-League's Manatee Neptunes. In February 2020, he was arrested for cocaine possession.[24]
On March 10, 2021, a spin-off series Last Chance U: Basketball premiered on Netflix, introducing a new sport for the award-winning documentary series to follow. The eight-episode first season explores the basketball program at East Los Angeles College, which features a once faltering junior college team that has become a title contender under head coach John Mosley. Through his strong convictions, Coach Mosley leads young men who hope to fulfill their major college potential.[89] On September 10, 2021, the series was renewed for a second season.[90] The second season premiered on December 13, 2022.[91]
Synopsis
Mosley's Huskies enjoyed their best season in ELAC history during the 2019–20 season. The team had their eyes on the CCCAA State Title, entering the Championship Tournament with a program-best 29–1 record while being ranked the second-best team in the state. Their season was cancelled, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[92]
After a four-year long struggle, Hampton finally returned to Division I basketball at Long Beach University. He averaged 10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds during the 2020–2021 season and 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds during the 2021–2022 season.[93] After leaving Long Beach State, Hampton joined the Panthers Fürstenfeld in Austria.
Highler transferred to Sacramento State University, where he averaged 5.0 points a game for the 2020–2021 season and 4.5 points a game for the 2021–2022 season.[94] After leaving Sacramento State, Deshaun joined the Cimarrones del Choco of the Baloncesto Profesional Colombiano.[citation needed]
Muhammad ended up at Central Michigan University, averaging a little over 20 minutes and 5.5 points a game in the 2020–2021 season.[95] For the 2021–2022 year, Muhammad transferred to Southern Utah,[96] averaging a little over 5 minutes and 0.7 points a game in the 2021–2022 season.[97] For the 2022–2023 season, Malik transferred again to Campbellsville University in the NAIA.[98]
Zeigler earned some playing time at Chicago State University before his season was once again cancelled due to the pandemic.[101] Zeigler later transferred to division Emporia State in the NAIA for the 2022–2023 season.[102]
^Sammon, Will (April 18, 2018). "What having Chauncey Rivers eligible this season means for Mississippi State's defense". Clarion Ledger. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
