5 Reasons Why You Should See the 'Lights'

NBC's Friday Night Lights premiered last week, and a lot of you didn't check it out. I know it has a tough timeslot against Dancing with the Stars, House, NCIS and Gilmore Girls, but that doesn't mean that it isn't worthy of your attention. Lights, based on the popular book and movie, follows the ups and downs of high school football in a small town in the football-rich state of Texas. It focuses on a new head coach (Kyle Chandler), his star QB and the all-star roster for the multi-time state champs. In the opener, that star QB went down during the game and we're still not sure whether he'll ever walk again. The show is deeply emotional and less about football and more about the human condition. It's a rich tapestry of American life in a small football town, filled with interesting characters and well-written stories. Under the direction, writing and showrunning duties of Peter Berg (who also directed the film), the show plays more like a documentary with gritty realness and shaky camera angles that enhance the mood. Here are 5 reasons why you should be watching Friday Night Lights:

5. You love the NFL, but you could care less about high school football. Well guess what? All of those NFLers honed their skills on high school football fields across America. And a good percentage played in Texas -- the unofficial football mecca. Tune in to find out what their life was like before they hit the big time.

4. You're not a football fan? No problem. As I stated above this show is more about the human condition than football. Know what it's like to have your entire future suddenly slip through your fingers? Then, you're set to tune in because these kids' futures are on the line every time they step onto the field.

3. Kyle Chandler. Sure, he has cute dimples and a baby face, but did you also know that the guy can act? He's wonderful as the new coach under tremendous pressure. Connie Britton (who also starred in the film) plays his wife, and she's worth tuning in for as well. Both actors are perfectly cast. Chandler plays the soft-spoken, family-oriented coach and father that may just win his new small town over with his values and demeanor.

2. Young hot cast! What more can you ask for? The relatively unknown cast of football players, cheerleaders and everyone else is fresh and fun.

1. Because a quality program like this one shouldn't go to waste. This show embodies everything that's right about television -- beautifully developed characters, well written stories, true emotions and moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat and others that will have you up and cheering!

Friday Night Lights airs Tuesday nights (TONIGHT) at 8 p.m. on NBC.


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