30 for 30: ESPN Makes Brilliant Call in Bringing Back Amazing Documentary Series

Not that I ever doubted it, but the 30 for 30 series will return in a no-brainer decision by ESPN. I will need to clear a great deal more couch time. 

We have all spent countless hours watching and re-watching some of the best sports documentaries around. There is so much to like about the 30 for 30 series—diversity, quality et. al.—that its return is a glorious one. 

The New York Times reports on ESPN doubling their efforts on a series that was meant to celebrate the 30 years of its existence with 30 unique documentaries. 

True, the network has rolled out some mighty fine docs post-30 for 30 in the form of ESPN Films non-fiction films. 

You can't discount gems like The Marinovich Project, The Fab Five or The Real Rocky, but there is reason to be giddy about the next wave of 30 films that will be televised over two years. 

Bill Simmons is an executive producer, and the reboot will get a huge lift from Grantland in the form of additional pieces on each film, podcasts and short films. 

The eager can see the newest 30 for 30 in the form of a Pete Rose short film here. 

Classics 

I can't tell you how many hours of sleep I have missed simply for the fact that one of these things came on, and I couldn't not watch the damn thing.

I would love to hear some of your favorites. Here are the ones I consider classics.

Winning Time: This documentary is hilarious from start to finish. From John Starks being baited to Spike Lee fighting a losing battle, there are so many laughs.

June 17, 1994: Seriously, try to change this when it comes on TV. 

The Two Escobars: Only this series could cover such a wide swath of issues and emotions. 

Possible Stories 

Per the Times report, the series will include films about the North Carolina State basketball team that won the NCAA men’s championship in 1983, the 100-meter final at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul whose winner, Ben Johnson, tested positive for steroids and Bo Jackson. 

However, there are so many more stories out there that would be amazing in this format. 

Japan's 2011 World Cup Team: This was a remarkable team that fought through some amazing national powers all while dealing with devastation back home. 

Ivory Coast's 2006 World Cup Team: A war-torn nation is brought together for a common goal. 

Thoughts? Let us in on your suggestions in the comments section. 

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