Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel — Season 21
About this season
A monthly sports newsmagazine which was "spawned by the fact that sports have changed dramatically, that it's no longer just fun and games, and that what happens off the field, beyond the scores, is worthy of some serious reporting," according to Bryant Gumbel, the host.
Episodes (12)
1. Episode 214 - Monsters No More / Mr. Sunday Night / The Toast of Beijing / Urban Renewal
Aired 20 January 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a visit with members of the 1985 Chicago Bears, a profile of NFL commentator Cris Collinsworth, NBA washout turned Chinese star Stephon Marbury, and an update on Urban Meyer.
2. Episode 214 - Death on Everest / Hooked / Wonder Woman
Aired 24 February 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a look at the natural and man-made dangers of climbing Mount Everest; and a report on former athletes addicted to heroin as an alternative to pain medication; a profile of Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy.
3. Episode 216 - The Wreckage / Scarred
Aired 24 March 2015 • 60 min
A look at the state of the NCAA and the treatment of its student athletes. Featured: how abusive coaches and overwhelming demands have led to a mental health crisis among student-athletes and lasting medical issues from injuries sustained on the field.
4. Episode 217 - Captain Comeback / Man in the Middle / Big League Chew
Aired 21 April 2015 • 60 min
Segments include profiles of quarterback Russell Wilson and football coach Jim Harbaugh and revisiting the topic of chewing tobacco in Major League Baseball.
5. Episode 218 - In Harm’s Way / Erik Weihenmayer / Ronda Rousey
Aired 19 May 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a report on the use of workout supplements by the military, a profile of blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, and a new visit with MMA star Ronda Rousey.
6. Episode 219 - Girls Interrupted / Vision Quest / The Price of Glory
Aired 23 June 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a look at the dangers of head trauma in youth soccer; a look at the GoPro high-def video camera; and an update on the controversial awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
7. Episode 220 - Bike Wars / Trophy Culture / Uncaged
Aired 21 July 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a look at problems caused by bikes and cars sharing roads in U.S. cities, a sports culture report on youth receiving trophies for mere participation, and a look at the domestic violence issues in MMA fighting.
8. Episode 221 - Ryan's Song / Brother's Keeper / 4th and Go
Aired 18 August 2015 • 60 min
Segments include an interview with NFL head coach Rex Ryan; a visit with former NFL brothers Ma'ake and Chris Kemoeatu; and revisiting Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, the high-school football team that refuses to punt. Also: George Lopez on sports.
9. Episode 222 - Jerry's World / A Wing And A Prayer / Blurred Lines
Aired 22 September 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a one-on-one chat with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones; a report on gender testing; and a visit to the mecca of wingsuiting in the Swiss Alps.
10. Episode 223 - Another Shot / Fields of Vision / Lasting Impact
Aired 20 October 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a visit to a summer camp offering sports participation to blind children; a report on paralyzed football player Marc Buoniconti and his friendship with the other player in the collision, Herman Jacobs; and a profile of Isiah Thomas.
11. Episode 224 - The Killing Fields / Magic Mike
Aired 24 November 2015 • 60 min
Segments include a report on elephant trophy hunting and ivory poaching in Africa and a chat with hockey announcer Doc Emrick.
12. Episode 225 - 2015 Holiday Roundtable
Aired 22 December 2015 • 60 min
Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg, Andrea Kremer, Soledad O’Brien, Carl Quintanilla and David Scott in an engaging and spirited conversation about the 20-year journey of the REAL SPORTS franchise.