This show is awful. While its depiction of the technicalities of the play of poker is accurate, the actual situations that develop and the representation of poker in general is awful. There are no characters to root for in the show, all of the people are really bad people. Some have reasons for why they are less than acceptable specimens of the human race, but they should all be disposed of. The writing is rife with clichés and stereotypes, and all of the worst kind. It's actually painful to watch.
I was initially interested in the show because I do play poker and am familiar with the poker world and the professional players. I also know some of the people involved in the show, so I really wanted to like it.
I'm sorry to say this show does a complete disservice to poker, to television and to the audience. There are some less than reputable characters in the poker world, but this show makes it seem like the game is filled with nothing but con men, hustlers, cheats and worse. It's interesting that they chose this take on poker, as right now poker is more popular than it has ever been in history, and poker shows are among the most popular on ESPN, as well as other channels.
I was initially interested in the show because I do play poker and am familiar with the poker world and the professional players. I also know some of the people involved in the show, so I really wanted to like it.
I'm sorry to say this show does a complete disservice to poker, to television and to the audience. There are some less than reputable characters in the poker world, but this show makes it seem like the game is filled with nothing but con men, hustlers, cheats and worse. It's interesting that they chose this take on poker, as right now poker is more popular than it has ever been in history, and poker shows are among the most popular on ESPN, as well as other channels.