What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedEastbound & Down
Danny McBride · Series · 2009
If you loved Eastbound & Down, start with Bad Teacher (Jake Kasdan, 2011) — a film on the same thread. Below: 1 book, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Eastbound & Down across media.
You loved Eastbound & Down because you crave the hilarious, unvarnished spectacle of deeply flawed men refusing to accept their own decline.
Books on the same thread
Thrilling Tales of Modern Men
Danny McBride · Book · 2026
If the abrasive ego of Kenny Powers in Eastbound & Down kept you hooked, this collection of stories from Danny McBride offers an unfiltered dive into his uniquely dark comedic voice.
Films on the same thread
Friday Night Lights
Peter Berg · Film · 2004
Shares 2 threads with Eastbound & Down: Redemption, Small Town Life.
While Eastbound & Down mocks the delusions of sports glory, this drama captures the intense, suffocating pressure of small-town athletic obsession that drives characters to such extreme, self-destructive behavior.
The Bad News Bears
Michael Ritchie · Film · 1976
Shares 2 threads with Eastbound & Down: Redemption, Sports Comedy.
This film serves as the spiritual blueprint for Eastbound & Down, featuring an embittered, washed-up athlete whose reluctant connection with a ragtag team mirrors Kenny Powers’ own messy path toward redemption.
Igby Goes Down
Burr Steers · Film · 2002
Shares a thread with Eastbound & Down: Dark Comedy.
Much like the protagonist of Eastbound & Down, Igby navigates a world of stifling expectations with a biting, rebellious sarcasm that transforms his identity crisis into a darkly funny, cynical journey.
Bad Teacher
Jake Kasdan · Film · 2011
Shares 2 threads with Eastbound & Down: Anti-Hero, Dark Comedy.
You will recognize the same spirit of incompetent, selfish workplace hostility found in Eastbound & Down, as this teacher treats her middle school classroom with the same disdain as Kenny Powers.
Podcasts on the same thread
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
If you enjoyed the way Eastbound & Down skewered the sanctity of professional sports, this podcast provides an equally irreverent, comedic look at the disastrous off-field lives of disgraced athletes.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz · Podcast · 2026
Explores: sports media satire, local sports culture, irreverent commentary.
This show shares the same penchant for sports media satire and irreverent, chaotic commentary that defined the cynical, ego-driven atmosphere of Eastbound & Down’s world of professional sports culture.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of Eastbound & Down?
Eastbound & Down follows a burned-out major league baseball player who returns to his hometown years after leaving. He accepts a position teaching physical education at his former middle school to restart his life after his professional career concludes.
When was Eastbound & Down released?
Eastbound & Down premiered in 2009. The series was created by Danny McBride and focuses on the journey of a former professional athlete returning to his roots to work as a middle school phys ed teacher.
Who created Eastbound & Down?
Eastbound & Down was created by Danny McBride. The show centers on a disgraced major league ballplayer who finds himself back in his hometown teaching physical education at the middle school he once attended.
Is Eastbound & Down about a professional athlete?
Yes, Eastbound & Down depicts a burned-out major league ballplayer. After his career ends, he returns to his hometown to teach physical education at his old middle school, marking a significant transition from his life as a professional athlete.