8.9/1014 votes#1 - Midnight Basketball
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/14/2021
Episode 1 investigates the intersection of sports, race, and social policy through a look at “Midnight Basketball” – the innovative program started in Glenarden, Maryland in 1986 to provide a haven for at-risk youths and help curb rising crime rates in the area.
Director: Akil Gibbons
Writer: N/A
8.2/109 votes#2 - Misclassified
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/21/2021
Episode 2 focuses on the events that precipitated the NCAA’s creation of the term “student-athlete,” connecting that history to a wider modern trend in corporate America: avoiding legally classifying workers as “employees” to escape the fiscal responsibilities that come along with that designation.
Director: Joe Posner
Writer: N/A
8.2/107 votes#3 - Down the Backstretch
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/28/2021
Episode 3 explores how the shift in United States immigration policy towards Central America during the Trump administration impacted the horse racing industry. With laborers from Latin America making up a predominant number of backstretch workers at racetracks across the country, the “sport of kings” – typically associated with big money trainers and owners – suddenly found itself with a shortage of some of its most overlooked and undervalued figures.
Director: Sam Ellison
Writer: N/A
- 8.2/107 votes
#4 - The Assist
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/5/2021
Episode 4 explores the intersection of sports and politics through an examination of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream’s landmark role in the election of Senator Raphael Warnock and the ongoing fight against voter suppression in Georgia. The Dream players’ impassionate campaign against then-Georgia senator – and team owner – Kelly Loeffler made an undeniable imprint on one of the most closely watched senate races of all time.
Director: Rebecca Stern
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Level Playing Field Season 1
Every episode of Level Playing Field Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Level Playing Field Season 1!
A sports documentary series featuring a range of stories that illuminate how public policies have contributed to inequities in the sports landscape and society at...
Genre:Documentary
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Midnight Basketball" is the best rated episode of "Level Playing Field" season 1. It scored 8.9/10 based on 14 votes. Directed by Akil Gibbons and written by N/A, it aired on 9/14/2021. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "Misclassified".