In America, football is king ... and nowhere is football bigger than in Texas. Esquire Network takes viewers inside the grown-up world of youth football in FRIDAY NIGHT TYKES, a new 10-part docuseries airing Tuesdays at 9p e/p, debuting January 14 with two back-to-back episodes at 9p and 10p e/p. With exclusive access to the 8 to 9 year-old Rookies division in the San Antonio region of the Texas Youth Football Association (TYFA), FRIDAY NIGHT TYKES follows five teams on and off the field throughout the 2013 season, from pre-season training through the state championships. Along the way, cheerleaders cheer, tailgaters barbecue and the crowd goes wild, but intense rivalries flare, parents and coaches clash and the young players face some very adult pressures and concerns, from extreme training drills, heckling from rabid fans, and balancing on-the-field expectations against a typical off-the-field childhood.
Browse every episode and jump into details.
Jan 14, 2014
The Northeast Colts and Judson Jr. Rockets may share a home field, but these neighbors are far from friendly. After years of dominance, the Jr. Rockets might not be the best team on their own field. Coming off a blowout of the Warriors, the Colts enter the season's biggest grudge match with a lot of confidence. Can the Jr. Rockets scouts craft a killer game plan and show the Colts whose house they're in?
Jan 14, 2014
The Northeast Colts and Judson Jr. Rockets may share a home field, but these neighbors are far from friendly. After years of dominance, the Jr. Rockets might not be the best team on their own field. Coming off a blowout of the Warriors, the Colts enter the season's biggest grudge match with a lot of confidence. Can the Jr. Rockets scouts craft a killer game plan and show the Colts whose house they're in?
Jan 21, 2014
Can the Predators sting the Outlaws for their first points allowed of the season, or will fear of injury derail their squad?
Jan 28, 2014
Tensions flare between parents and coaches over questionable hits in a game between the Outlaws and Jr. Broncos.
Feb 4, 2014
Jr. Broncos Coach Chavarria deals with trouble at home. Meanwhile, Jr. Rockets president Dyson takes over the team's offense.
Feb 25, 2014
The Jr. Broncos try to salvage a brutal season, the Predators challenge the undefeated Colts, and the Outlaws settle an old score.
Mar 4, 2014
Bragging rights are on the line in this battle of the unbeatens! The Colts and Outlaws are locking horns in the season's final week. Can the Outlaws contain Colts' ace in the hole, running back Tadion Lott? Or will a true offensive threat doom their defense's perfect season? Meanwhile, the Jr. Broncos have a shot at getting back to an even record and keeping that glimmer of playoff hope alive--but a formidable Jr. Rockets team stands in their way. Can the miracle comeback continue?
Mar 11, 2014
The playoffs brackets are announced, and teams throughout the state prepare to make their run at the state championship.
Mar 18, 2014
The days are getting shorter, but the playoffs stretch on. First up, the Predators hope to keep their Cinderella story going after a big upset in the first round--but will injury doom their season? Meanwhile, the Colts and Outlaws cruise through the second round on a collision course. Can the Colts capture redemption, or will things play out much the same in the rematch? See who secures city bragging rights and who gets sent home in a Thanksgiving matchup for the ages!
Mar 25, 2014
In the season finale, the playoffs roll on and the Outlaws are just two wins away from becoming Texas state champions. After beating the Mission Mustangs, the Outlaws advance to the state finals and face their toughest competition yet--the Houston Kid Cougars. Despite a nearly perfect season, the unity of the most disciplined team in the league will be tested. The coaches clash when Coach Tony wants to deviate from the team itinerary, put family first and take his son Lucas to a football game--risking Lucas's chance of starting. Will Coach Fred stick to his word and keep Lucas out of the game?
Apr 1, 2014
Spiraling off of the recent national debate surrounding youth football, this 90-minute special goes beyond a mere season recap and explores issues surrounding competitive youth sports in America. Hosted by The Insider's Kevin Frazier, Tackling Tykes will feature thoughtful discussion and heated debates on topics such as safety, the role of coaches and parents, values learned in youth sports, and more. Additionally, coaches and parents from Friday Night Tykes discuss their feelings about the passionate response the series has garnered from viewers.
Quick answers about this season's release timeline and episode lineup.
Friday Night Tykes Season 1 premiered on January 14, 2014.
Friday Night Tykes Season 1 has 11 episodes.
The season opens with Season 1 Episode 1, "Weakness Leaving the Body". It aired on January 14, 2014.
Go to Season 1 Episode 1