Got Olympic fever? Every other year, everyone seems to get obsessed with the world of sports, and rightfully so. But as much as we love the inspiring stories of our Olympic athletes -- and rooting them on as they strive for gold -- we can't watch the Olympics 24/7.
When taking a break from all that Olympics coverage, why not settle into some of the greatest sports shows of all time, available for streaming right now?
The Game
Streaming: Netflix (Seasons 1-3)
Six seasons in, "The Game" is still going strong on BET -- it even set a ratings record with its BET premiere -- after getting cancelled by The CW. One reason is that this story of pro football players and their spouses balances humor and heartbreak with perfect ease. And it's not just a "chick" show, either. With a refreshingly diverse cast, this show has broad appeal for everyone, thanks to strong storylines for characters of both genders.
Coach
Streaming: Netflix (Seasons 1-9}
Before becoming the Braverman patriarch on "Parenthood," Craig T. Nelson took center stage for nearly a decade as Hayden Fox, head coach of a college football team. But he was always upstaged by the hilarity of his dim-witted coaching staff, portrayed by Jerry Van Dyke and Bill Fagerbakke -- now better known as the voice of Patrick Star from "Spongebob Squarepants."
Fame
Streaming: Hulu Plus (Seasons 1-2)
Anyone who thinks dance isn't a sport has never looked into the competitive world of dance. No show took us there better than the original "Fame," spinning out of the hit film. With real dancers in the cast, this high school drama was filled with angst and overflowing with talent. While you might cringe at the dated 1980s styles, you'll gasp at the timeless beauty of movement on display.
Sports Night
Streaming: Hulu Plus (Seasons 1-2)
One of the greatest short-lived shows of all time, Aaron Sorkin's behind-the-scenes take on a show very like ESPN's "SportsCenter" was quite simply too good for television. Viewers clearly weren't ready for a single-camera, half-hour comedy this sophisticated back in the late '90s. There's a reason people still compare his newer shows to this one, and find them lacking. It would probably be a massive hit today.
Bunheads
Streaming: Amazon Prime (Season 1)
One of the most under-appreciated shows in recent memory, "Bunheads" deserved more than a single season. It quietly evolved into the best show about dance we've seen yet. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino filled it with the same rapid-fire dialogue and female awesomeness that made "Gilmore Girls" a hit. We dare you to watch it and not fall in love with lead Sutton Foster.
Friday Night Lights
Streaming: Netflix (Seasons 1-5)
Arguably one of the greatest television shows ever, "Friday Night Lights" transcends the category of sports shows. It's the series that proved you don't have to care about football to fall in love with a show about a high school football coach. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton gave us one of the best marriages ever seen on television, and "FNL" managed to inspire us week after week. "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." Same goes for watching this show ... can't lose!
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