About this season
Narrated by Idris Elba, this docuseries explores the origins and evolution of play across the globe, from age-old rituals to billion-dollar businesses.
Episodes (6)
1. Breaking the Pain Barrier
10.0Aired 30 September 2022 • 42 min
No pain, no gain: A marathon in the desert, bullfighting, a brutal bicycle race and ice swimming push people to the brink, mentally and physically.
2. An Ancient Ritual
Aired 30 September 2022 • 36 min
From a ritual war game to a nomadic hunting tradition, tests of bravery, skill and strength are fueled by the needs for food, survival and glory.
3. Rites of Passage
Aired 30 September 2022 • 42 min
Young men in Madagascar grapple with a zebu to enter adulthood as boys elsewhere try to master Kung Fu, sumo wrestling and reindeer racing.
4. In Pursuit of Perfection
6.0Aired 30 September 2022 • 43 min
A surfer sets out to ride a massive wave. A diver attempts a deadly plunge. A female racer in Palestine and a wheelchair bodybuilder create spectacles.
5. God's Playground
Aired 30 September 2022 • 41 min
From mountaineering in the face of death to a game for a fruitful harvest, sports are spiritual experiences for those seeking signs from a higher power.
6. Big Business
Aired 30 September 2022 • 41 min
A popular combat sport in Senegal provides a payday for many, while technology gives rise to games that rake in millions for players and gamblers alike.