It’s game on for FX’s comedy series The League, which returns tomorrow night for its third season. What’s in store for Pete, Kevin, Ruxin, Andre, Taco and Jenny? A guest appearance by Seth Rogen, for one thing, not to mention some nasty (and funny) shenanigans as the new season kicks off.
Created by Jeff Schaffer and Jackie Marcus Schaffer, The League follows a group of friends as they attempt to out-do each other in their fantasy football league. The league consists of Pete (Mark Duplass), Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Ruxin (Nick Kroll), Andre (Paul Scheer), Taco (Jon Lajoie) and Kevin’s wife Jenny (Katie Aselton). Though their love for and varying knowledge of football plays a role in keeping this group of friends together, the series is more about their friendship and the ridiculous things they get up to, largely due to how competitive they are with each other.
Season 3 picks up with Andre taking the brunt of his punishment as last season’s loser, which earned him the “Sacko” title. Seth Rogen plays an acquaintance of Rafi, and unsurprisingly, he’s a bit of a weirdo to say the least. Rogen’s character plays a role in one of the biggest Sacko punishments to be bestowed upon Andre by the rest of the league. Things don’t go as planned at all, and the joke backfires on them when it comes time to make their draft picks. I won’t spoil you on the details there, but it’s ridiculous and hilarious and the perfect way to start the season.
One of the things I love about The League is that you really don’t need to love or even understand how football or fantasy football works to like the show. I know this to be true as it applies to me. My original interest in the series came from thinking Paul Scheer and Nick Kroll were funny. I soon discovered that no knowledge or real appreciation of football is required to enjoy The League. The show is funny and easy to follow without it, though I suspect those who do like football and partake in a fantasy football league will enjoy the show all the more when the gang starts talking football.
The League‘s third season is off to a good start. Based on the first couple of episodes, the series is as funny as ever and it doesn’t miss a beat as the league regroups for a new season.
The League Season 3 premieres Thursday, October 6th at 10:30 p.m. on FX.
