Watch The Shop

The Shop is a sports-themed talk show that debuted on HBO in 2018, with producer Maverick Carter, basketball superstar LeBron James, and businessman Paul Rivera as its hosts. The idea for the show came from the barbershop conversations that James and other athletes often have among themselves, and it is designed to highlight these conversations, as well as to showcase the personalities and perspectives of the hosts.

Each episode of The Shop features a group of guests from various fields, such as music, sports, and entertainment, who come together to discuss a range of topics, often from a personal perspective. The conversations are unscripted and touch on a variety of issues, from race and politics to family and relationships.

What sets The Shop apart from other talk shows is the informal, relaxed setting, which gives the guests a chance to be themselves and speak their minds freely. The show is filmed in an actual barbershop in Los Angeles, with the hosts and guests sitting around the shop's chairs and mirrors, as if they were getting haircuts.

The first season of The Shop featured eight episodes, each around 30 minutes long, with a mix of high profile guests and more under-the-radar personalities. Some of the guests included rapper Nas, actress Gabrielle Union, comedian Jon Stewart, and NBA star Draymond Green.

Despite the show's lighthearted atmosphere, The Shop is not afraid to tackle serious issues. In one episode, for example, the guests discussed the NFL's decision to require players to stand during the national anthem, and the impact it had on Colin Kaepernick's career. In another episode, musician Snoop Dogg talked about the changes he had to make in order to become a successful businessman, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Throughout the season, The Shop maintained a focus on authenticity and honesty, encouraging guests to share their personal stories and experiences. The show also featured a diverse range of perspectives, with guests from different backgrounds and professions offering their take on the issues at hand.

Overall, The Shop was well-received by critics and audiences alike, who praised its unique format and refreshingly candid conversations. It remains unclear whether the show will return for a second season, but its success has paved the way for other sports-themed talk shows, and helped to broaden the conversation around how athletes and celebrities can use their platforms to effect change.