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Season 1 – Born to Bowl

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Born to Bowl Next Ep Mar 24 Documentary Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A look inside the colorful world of professional bowling, chronicling five stars of the sport - Kyle Troup, Anthony Simonsen, EJ Tackett, Cameron Crowe, and Jason Belmonte - as they chase glory, respect, and much-needed prize money on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.
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Born to Bowl — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Robert Lloyd Los Angeles Times 5d
“Born to Bowl” can be a little hard to keep track of, as the bowlers win and lose, but it’s interesting all the way through, and the directors do a good job of communicating the drama of the game and its emotional consequences. Go to Full Review John Anderson Wall Street Journal Mar 13
An affectionately made five-part series that takes neither the sport nor itself too seriously. Go to Full Review Scott Hines Decider 3d
This whole “let’s pick an under-covered sport and see if we can Drive to Survive it” move doesn’t always work–trust me, I’ve seen ‘em all–but there’s an inherent charm to bowling. Born to Bowl capably channels that charm, and it’s a fun watch. Go to Full Review Christopher Campbell Nonfics (Substack) 6d
Not many documentaries strike the perfect balance of appealing to both fans and those unfamiliar with the subject, but this series manages that feat. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chuck L. @RT48712586 1d Boring and poorly produced. See more Richard B @modalitas 3d I've taken up bowling again as a 60 year old; and I'm learning to bowl two handed and frustratingly enjoying the process; and enjoy chatting and learning from the other bowlers I'm meeting. So, I found the first episode funny, interesting and just a unique look at the lives of pro bowlers. I guess one needs an interest and curiosity around bowling to enjoy this documentary like series. See more Read all reviews
Born to Bowl — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Liev Schreiber

Narrator

Cameron Crowe

Self

Jason Belmonte

Self

Kyle Troup

Self

Anthony Simonsen

Self

EJ Tackett

Self

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 17, 2026 At the U.S. Open, the first major tournament of the year in Indianapolis, Kyle Troup, AKA “The Pro with the ‘Fro,’” sets out to repeat as bowling’s “Green Jacket” winner. Details Episode 2 Airs Mar 24 Vying for a spot in the U.S. Open finals, Anthony “Simo” Simonsen and Australia’s Jason “Belmo” Belmonte face off as tempers escalate and injuries flare. Details Episode 3 Airs Mar 30 At the Pete Weber Classic in Springfield, Missouri, named after one of the sports greats, bowler extraordinaire EJ Tackett must fend off Belmo and Simo to reclaim the top prize Details Episode 4 Airs Apr 6 200 bowlers from 18 different countries descend upon Reno, Nevada to compete in the month-long World Series of Bowling. Details Episode 5 Airs Apr 13 As the top bowlers arrive at The Tournament of Champions in Akron, Ohio, the future of the PBA Tour hangs in the balance. Details
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Born to Bowl — Season 1

Born to Bowl View more photos

Season Info

Director
James Lee Hernandez, Brian David Lazarte
Executive Producer
Ben Stiller, John Lesher, Michael Tollin, Jonathan Vogler, James Lee Hernandez, Brian David Lazarte, Lev Ekster, Carissa Del Bene, Jared Polin, Isaac Solotaroff, Jordan Bogdonavage, Amy Chaffin, Mason Gordon, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Bentley Weiner
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Documentary, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 17, 2026