About Friday Night Lights

"Friday Night Lights", released in 2006, is an American sports drama television series. The series revolves around the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, a small city obsessed with its high school football team, the Dillon Panthers. The series explores various issues including family values, school funding, racism, drugs, abortion and lack of economic opportunities.

Making / Production

The series is directed by Peter Berg, who also adapted it into a television series from a book and movie of the same name. It was produced by Brian Grazer's Imagine Television company. The filming of the series took place in Austin, Texas.

Actors

• Kyle Chandler played the role of Coach Eric Taylor. He successfully portrayed the steadfast and principled coach who often clashed with the town's fixation on football.
• Connie Britton as Tami Taylor. She depicted the coach's supportive wife and a passionate school counselor.
• Michael B. Jordan as Vince Howard. Jordan showcased a troubled teen who, despite being a naturally gifted athlete, struggled with family issues.
• Adrianne Palicki as Tyra Collette. Palicki played Tyra, a somewhat rebellious town local that finds a lifeline in football.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is based on a book by H.G. Bissinger which also inspired a 2004 movie of the same name.
• Despite consistent critical acclaim, the show struggled with low ratings throughout its five-season run.
• Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler played their roles in both the film and the series.

Awards

The series won several awards including a Peabody Award for excellence in television broadcasting. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton both received Emmy nominations for their performances, with Chandler winning in 2011 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Quotes

• "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." - Coach Eric Taylor
• "Texas forever." - Tim Riggins
• "I just wanna win." - Vince Howard

Music, Soundtrack

• "Your Hand in Mine" by Explosions in the Sky is the main theme of the series.
• "Devil Town" by Tony Lucca was frequently used throughout the series.
• "Friday Night Lights" Soundtrack by W.G. Snuffy Walden contains the series' original scores.