What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedSink or Swim
Gilles Lellouche · Film · 2018
If you loved Sink or Swim, start with After Life (Ricky Gervais, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Sink or Swim across media.
You loved how Sink or Swim finds profound, life-affirming meaning in the messy, human struggle to overcome personal despair together.
Books on the same thread
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown · Book
Explores: Perseverance, Teamwork, Great Depression era.
Like Sink or Swim, this story highlights how the intense physical commitment of team sports provides a necessary anchor for men navigating their most difficult personal chapters.
The Suicide
Nikolaĭ Ėrdman · Book · 1979
Explores: Suicide, Existentialism, Bureaucracy.
This satire mirrors the dark, existential humor found in Sink or Swim, exploring how the weight of life feels lighter when viewed through a lens of biting absurdity.
The Bell Jar
Sylvia Plath · Book · 1972
Explores: Mental Illness, Depression, Suicide.
For those moved by the mental health journey in Sink or Swim, this novel provides a raw, unflinching look at the internal identity crises that demand human connection.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Daniel James Brown · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Sink or Swim: Underdog Story.
This historical account captures the same underdog spirit seen in Sink or Swim, emphasizing how synchronized team efforts can pull individuals out of their deepest personal ruts.
Series on the same thread
After Life
Ricky Gervais · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Sink or Swim: Dramedy.
If the blend of grief and dark comedy in Sink or Swim resonated, you will appreciate this character study on finding a reason to keep going after tragedy.
Shrinking
Brett Goldstein · Series · 2023
Shares a thread with Sink or Swim: Midlife Crisis.
Much like the synchronized swimming team in Sink or Swim, the characters here use unconventional, vulnerable bonds to process their grief and find stability in a chaotic world.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis · Series · 2020
Shares 2 threads with Sink or Swim: Underdog Story, Sports Comedy.
This series shares the heartwarming optimism of Sink or Swim, proving that even the most cynical individuals can find redemption and purpose through a supportive team environment.
The Kominsky Method
Chuck Lorre · Series · 2018
Shares 2 threads with Sink or Swim: Finding Purpose, Dramedy.
This show captures the same bittersweet tone as Sink or Swim, focusing on the friendship and camaraderie that sustain people as they navigate aging and life changes.
Podcasts on the same thread
Sleep With Me
Silver Sleeper Productions LLC · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Insomnia Relief, Mindfulness, Boredom Induction.
If the quiet, meditative aspect of the pool in Sink or Swim offered you comfort, these sessions provide a similar space for escaping the noise of daily anxiety.
Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast
BBC Radio 5 Live · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Sink or Swim: Sports Comedy.
This podcast mirrors the humor and team dynamics of Sink or Swim, documenting the messy, relatable effort required to maintain a group despite personal and external obstacles.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Sink or Swim a comedy about a professional sports team?
No, Sink or Swim is not about professional athletes. The film follows Bertrand, a man struggling with depression, as he finds a sense of purpose by joining an amateur all-male synchronized swimming team at his local pool.
What is the primary motivation for Bertrand joining the team in Sink or Swim?
In Sink or Swim, Bertrand joins the synchronized swimming team because he is suffering from depression and struggling to find meaning in his life. He turns to the swimming pool as a way to cope with his condition and regain a sense of purpose.
Does Bertrand participate in Sink or Swim to help manage his depression?
Yes, Bertrand joins the synchronized swimming team in Sink or Swim while dealing with two years of depression. Despite using medication and receiving encouragement from his wife, he finds that participating in the team provides the sense of meaning he lacks in his daily life.
Is Sink or Swim about a man attempting to overcome his personal struggles?
Yes, Sink or Swim centers on Bertrand, a 40-year-old man who is barely able to keep his head above water due to depression. The film tracks his journey as he seeks a new sense of purpose by becoming part of an all-male synchronized swimming group.