features several guest stars, both from the NFL and from the world of comedy, film, and TV.
Fans might wonder how such a strange and raucous series came together and captured the interest of performers outside of its production. Viewers would perhaps be surprised to know the behind-the-scenes details of the cult FX series.
A Couple Created The Show
Viewers might say the camaraderie between the main characters in The League presents fraternity-like energy. They drink beer together, make crass jokes, and often challenge each other's masculinity.
As such, it might surprise fans to know that the series comes from a couple. The creator credits of The League list Jeff and Jackie Schaffer as the minds behind the cult show. The couple also wrote and produced the series.
A Co-Creator Directed Curb Your Enthusiasm Episodes
Although Jackie and Jeff Schaffer teamed up in the development and continual production of The League, Jeff also worked on some projects on his own. Some of his most impressive writing credits connect him to comic legends Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David.
He is credited as a writer on multiple episodes of including one of its highest-rated episodes, the Season 7 finale, "Seinfeld."
Over Two Dozen NFL Figures Guest Star
The League is largely about football. The show follows Pete Eckhart, Rodney Ruxin, Kevin MacArthur, and the rest of the group as they furiously compete in an NFL fantasy football league. Any football fan who watches The League will quickly take notice of its NFL stars.
Over two dozen NFL figures appear in the series, from athletes like running back Adrian Peterson to NFL Network analyst and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The series also features several non-NFL d guest stars like Ray Liotta and Mark Cuban.
Pete And Jenny Are Married In Real Life
Jenny MacArthur is one of the most likable characters in The League, and viewers might say she is a refreshing presence among the constant negativity coming from characters like Ruxin. She is married to Kevin in the series, but in real life, she is linked to another member of the league.
Mark Duplass, who plays Pete, is married to Katie Aselton, who plays Jenny in the series. However, viewers might never know seeing the way their characters compete in each NFL season.
It Was Supposed To End During Season 6
The League developed a loyal fanbase since its release. The show had two built-in fanbases. Both NFL fantasy football players and comedy enthusiasts who'd tune in to the show to see guest appearances from performers like Sarah Silverman and Bobby Lee had reason to keep up with the show.
However, fans perhaps proved to be more enthusiastic about the show than its developers. It is IMDb reported that the people behind the show were ready to end it after Season 6, but made another season at the request of its followers.
Most Of The Dialogue Is Improvised
There are several callbacks and running gags in The League. As such, perhaps viewers deduce that the show often sticks to the script. While this might be true with overarching plot lines, the dialogue fans see comes mostly from the show's actors.
Vulture spoke to Jason Mantzoukas, who plays Rafi on the show, and it was revealed the show's dialogue is heavily improvised. This becomes clear in the show's gag and blooper reels featuring the actors trying out different funny lines.
There Is An Always Sunny Easter Egg
The League premiered on FX and fans might say was a good fit for the network, considering its other comedy shows of a similar brand. Observant fans might have noticed a nod to one of its other series in a memorable The League moment.
In Season 1 of The League, audiences might see a familiar setting from It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. In Episode 6, "The Shiva Bowl," there is a shot of the exterior of Paddy's Pub.
Games Shown Are From The CFL
It is perhaps no surprise to fans that football games of often shown in The League. The group often gets together to watch games that will affect their lineups.
However, true football fans will notice something off about the games presented. IMDb reported that clips of games are all from the Canadian Football League rather than from the NFL.