Most Often, They'll Pass

SHOWS ABOUT youth sports have often struggled to find an audience.

The White Shadow
(1978--81, CBS)
This gritty yet fun sports drama, about a white former NBA player coaching inner-city Carver High, was a rare success.

Bad News Bears
(1979--80, CBS)
After three raucous Little League movies, a much blander Bears team moved to TV and Hoover Junior High.

Against the Grain
(1993--94, NBC)
Ben Affleck (far left) played a high school quarterback in this sappy, Waltons-style drama.

Phenom
(1993--94, ABC)
This snappy comedy about a 15-year-old tennis starlet balancing fame and homework double-faulted after 22 episodes.

One Tree Hill
(2003--present, CW)
Like Lights, this well-acted teen basketball drama receives strong reviews—but it has yet to be renewed for next year.